Zeonprime
IreneBBC's Sherlock Holmes and John Watson: SEXY BEASTS
September 27th 2010 04:24
Warning: Somewhat superficial blog post ahead. 
Ask anyone what makes a man sexy, and aside from any physical/aesthetic requirements, they'll probably say something like "intelligence" and "humour". Although I can appreciate a nice set of abs or whatever as much as the next girl, it's really the intangible stuff that makes a man hot. Like his super-sized brain or his ability to make me laugh.
This is why, aside from the fact that it is hilarious, fascinating, a little geeky, and totally addictive, Sherlock is my new favourite TV show. It satiates my need for a damn good British mystery series, but much to my surprise, it also features two appealingly sexy main characters. (I have never, ever thought Sherlock Holmes sexy. Not in books and not on TV--but Richard Roxburgh came close.)
So without further ado, let's look at Sherlock and John (BTW, it's 2010, and they go by first names now).
Benedict Cumberbatch is not a conventionally handsome guy, with his huge forehead, indeterminate eye colour (are they grey, blue, or both?), and somewhat delicate features. And then there's his fusty old name (though I love that he didn't change it). He's tall and lanky, and as Sherlock is often clad in a dashing black coat. The effect, combined with his pale skin and dark hair (dyed?), is rather otherworldly. Oh god, and his voice...drool.
Although this modern-day Sherlock's eccentricities can be endearing, there's no question that he is not always a pleasant man. Cumberbatch plays Sherlock with perhaps a little less overweening pride than in Conan Doyle's stories; instead, he's more ruthless and manipulative. It's easy to be awed by Sherlock's intellect and his insouciant tactlessness, so much that we might forget that he solves crimes out of self-interest, not altruism.
What makes this Sherlock sexy is that he's not bad enough to be a villain, but he's also certainly not good for you. Depending on who you ask, he may or may not be dangerous, and he may or may not care about you, but sooner or later, he'll probably hurt you.
Sherlock may be a snappy dresser, but John sadly falls at the other end of the scale. He favours crumpled shirts and lumpy sweaters, and often sports a dowdy jacket (with elbow patches, for god's sake!). And let's not forget that appalling black-and-white striped shirt in "The Blind Banker". (I don't care if it's pyjamas. There's no reason anyone should dress like the Hamburglar to sleep.)
Even with his air of a high school history teacher, John is eminently cuddle-able. Martin Freeman, with his careworn Everyman face, is perfect as John (in fact, I think he's a teeny bit better as John than Cumberbatch is as Sherlock). His deceptively unassuming manner conceals a thirst for drama and excitement (unlike Sherlock, who makes no bones about the 'fun' to be had in murders). He's psychologically damaged, though not in a scary way.
As a testament to his appeal to women, John's had a bit of romantic luck just within the three episodes of Sherlock. True to his characterisation in the stories, John's a bit of a skirt-chaser. In "A Study in Pink", he makes an unsuccessful pass at Mycroft's attractive assistant*, and then scores a date with a fellow doctor in "The Blind Banker". They are still together by the time of "The Great Game", but if John doesn't have a different girlfriend next season, I'll be a little disappointed.
No matter how engrossing the mysteries may be, Sherlock and John's rapport is the best part of the show. Cumberbatch and Freeman have such good chemistry that it's entirely believable that these two markedly different people can get along so quickly, notwithstanding their occasional spats. You can see how Sherlock needs someone with John's patience, while John provides a grown-up, emotional balance to Sherlock's somewhat petulant side.
Bonus sexy man: DI Lestrade is played by Rupert Graves, himself quite the dish as a Merchant Ivory darling in the 80s/90s.
Note: If you haven't seen this series yet, do so at once! It's available online and on DVD in the UK and Australia. Here in North America, it's going to air on PBS in late October. I can't wait to watch it on a big(ger) screen.
*Mycroft's assistant: What's with this girl anyway? Why is she always texting? She seems to be in a daze most of the time. Why does Mycroft keep her when she's so inattentive?
Ask anyone what makes a man sexy, and aside from any physical/aesthetic requirements, they'll probably say something like "intelligence" and "humour". Although I can appreciate a nice set of abs or whatever as much as the next girl, it's really the intangible stuff that makes a man hot. Like his super-sized brain or his ability to make me laugh.
Sherlock Holmes and John Watson.
This is why, aside from the fact that it is hilarious, fascinating, a little geeky, and totally addictive, Sherlock is my new favourite TV show. It satiates my need for a damn good British mystery series, but much to my surprise, it also features two appealingly sexy main characters. (I have never, ever thought Sherlock Holmes sexy. Not in books and not on TV--but Richard Roxburgh came close.)
So without further ado, let's look at Sherlock and John (BTW, it's 2010, and they go by first names now).
Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes.
Benedict Cumberbatch is not a conventionally handsome guy, with his huge forehead, indeterminate eye colour (are they grey, blue, or both?), and somewhat delicate features. And then there's his fusty old name (though I love that he didn't change it). He's tall and lanky, and as Sherlock is often clad in a dashing black coat. The effect, combined with his pale skin and dark hair (dyed?), is rather otherworldly. Oh god, and his voice...drool.
Although this modern-day Sherlock's eccentricities can be endearing, there's no question that he is not always a pleasant man. Cumberbatch plays Sherlock with perhaps a little less overweening pride than in Conan Doyle's stories; instead, he's more ruthless and manipulative. It's easy to be awed by Sherlock's intellect and his insouciant tactlessness, so much that we might forget that he solves crimes out of self-interest, not altruism.
What makes this Sherlock sexy is that he's not bad enough to be a villain, but he's also certainly not good for you. Depending on who you ask, he may or may not be dangerous, and he may or may not care about you, but sooner or later, he'll probably hurt you.
Martin Freeman as John Watson.
Sherlock may be a snappy dresser, but John sadly falls at the other end of the scale. He favours crumpled shirts and lumpy sweaters, and often sports a dowdy jacket (with elbow patches, for god's sake!). And let's not forget that appalling black-and-white striped shirt in "The Blind Banker". (I don't care if it's pyjamas. There's no reason anyone should dress like the Hamburglar to sleep.)
Even with his air of a high school history teacher, John is eminently cuddle-able. Martin Freeman, with his careworn Everyman face, is perfect as John (in fact, I think he's a teeny bit better as John than Cumberbatch is as Sherlock). His deceptively unassuming manner conceals a thirst for drama and excitement (unlike Sherlock, who makes no bones about the 'fun' to be had in murders). He's psychologically damaged, though not in a scary way.
Sherlock and John meet at 221B Baker Street.
As a testament to his appeal to women, John's had a bit of romantic luck just within the three episodes of Sherlock. True to his characterisation in the stories, John's a bit of a skirt-chaser. In "A Study in Pink", he makes an unsuccessful pass at Mycroft's attractive assistant*, and then scores a date with a fellow doctor in "The Blind Banker". They are still together by the time of "The Great Game", but if John doesn't have a different girlfriend next season, I'll be a little disappointed.
No matter how engrossing the mysteries may be, Sherlock and John's rapport is the best part of the show. Cumberbatch and Freeman have such good chemistry that it's entirely believable that these two markedly different people can get along so quickly, notwithstanding their occasional spats. You can see how Sherlock needs someone with John's patience, while John provides a grown-up, emotional balance to Sherlock's somewhat petulant side.
Bonus sexy man: DI Lestrade is played by Rupert Graves, himself quite the dish as a Merchant Ivory darling in the 80s/90s.
On the right: Rupert Graves as Lestrade.
Note: If you haven't seen this series yet, do so at once! It's available online and on DVD in the UK and Australia. Here in North America, it's going to air on PBS in late October. I can't wait to watch it on a big(ger) screen.
*Mycroft's assistant: What's with this girl anyway? Why is she always texting? She seems to be in a daze most of the time. Why does Mycroft keep her when she's so inattentive?
I don't go for S/J slash, but if I did, this look would be a good place to start.
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