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Who is Sherlock? : essays on identity in modern Holmes adaptations

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• From Paget to screen: a (re)vision of Sherlock Holmes for the 21st century / Clare Douglass Little
• Modernizing Victorian Sherlock Holmes for Mr. Holmes and the BBC's Sherlock special / Lynnette Porter
• "I made me": narrative construction of identity in Sherlock's "The abominable bride" / Felecia McDuffie
• Inside the mind of Sherlock Holmes / Lynnette Porter
• It's traumatic stress, my dear Watson: a clinical conceptualization of Sherlock / Jennifer Dondero and Sabrina J. Pippin
• "A high-functioning sociopath married to his work: on hegemonic masculinity in the BBC's Sherlock /
• Deborah M. Fratz
• The BBC's Sherlock: a "sociopathic" master of the social game / Kathryn McClain and Grace Cripps
• The evolution of James Moriarty: how villains mirror cultural anxieties / Heather Powers
• God, grace and Sherlock: religious narrative and identity in BBC's Sherlock / Felecia McDuffie
• Chosen families, TV and tradition: queering relations in the BBC's Sherlock / Linda J. Jencson
• Fan fiction as an argument: arguing for Johnlock through the roles of women and explicit sex scenes in Sherlock fan fiction / Alyxis Smith
• (No) sex and Sherlock: asexuality, Victorian abstinence and the art of ambiguity / Amber Botts
• Sherlock and the case of the feminist fans / Charla R. Strosser
• #Setlock and the power of fandom / Jennifer Wojton.

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Who Is Sherlock‪?‬

Essays on identity in modern holmes adaptations, publisher description.

Nearly 130 years after the introduction of Sherlock Holmes to readers, the Great Detective's identity is being questioned, deconstructed, and reconstructed more than ever. Readers and audiences, not to mention scholars and critics, continue to analyze who Sherlock Holmes is or has become and why and how his identity has been formed in a specific way.    The films Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows , and Mr. Holmes and television series Sherlock and Elementary have introduced wildly divergent, yet fascinating portrayals that reveal as much about current social mores and popular culture as about the detective. More than ever, fans also are taking an active role in creating their own identities for Holmes through fan fiction and art, for example.    "Who is Sherlock Holmes?" is still a viable question. The answers provided by illustrators, scriptwriters, directors, costume designers, set designers, actors, scholars, and fans provide insights into both Victorian and the modern-day Sherlock.    Like the many disguises the Great Detective has donned throughout canon and adaptations, his perceived identities may be surprising or shocking, but they continue to make us look ever more closely to discover the real Sherlock Holmes.

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Who is Sherlock? : essays on identity in modern Holmes adaptations

• Introduction
• From Paget to screen: a (re)vision of Sherlock Holmes for the 21st century / Clare Douglass Little
• Modernizing Victorian Sherlock Holmes for Mr. Holmes and the BBC's Sherlock special / Lynnette Porter
• "I made me": narrative construction of identity in Sherlock's "The abominable bride" / Felecia McDuffie
• Inside the mind of Sherlock Holmes / Lynnette porter
• It's traumatic stress, my dear Watson: a clinical conceptualization of Sherlock / Jennifer Dondero and Sabrina J. Pippin
• "A 'high-functioning sociopath' "married to his work": on hegemonic masculinity in the BBC's Sherlock /
• Deborah M. Fratz
• The BBC's Sherlock: a "sociopathic" master of the social game / Kathryn McClain and Grace Cripps
• The evolution of James Moriarty: how villains mirror cultural anxieties / Heather Powers
• God, grace and Sherlock: religious narrative and identity in BBC's Sherlock / Felecia McDuffie
• Chosen families, TV and tradition: queering relations in the BBC's Sherlock / Linda J. Jencson
• Fan fiction as an argument: arguing for Johnlock through the roles of women and explicit sex scenes in Sherlock fan fiction / Alyxis Smith
• (No) sex and Sherlock: asexuality, Victorian abstinence and the art of ambiguity / Amber Botts
• Sherlock and the case of the feminist fans / Charla R. Strosser
• #Setlock and the power of fandom / Jennifer Wojton.

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• The films of Sherlock Holmes Steinbrunner, Chris PN1995.9 .S5 S7 1978
• The films of Sherlock Holmes Steinbrunner, Chris PN1995.9.S5 S82
• Who is Sherlock? : essays on identity in modern Holmes adaptations PN1995.9.S5 W46 2016
• Eizō de miru Shinsengumi Tsuri, Yōichi, 1934- PN1995.9.S528 T78 2003
• Hollywood: the pioneers Brownlow, Kevin PN1995.9.S53 B7 1979

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Who Is Sherlock?: Essays on Identity in Modern Holmes Adaptations Kindle Edition

Nearly 130 years after the introduction of Sherlock Holmes to readers, the Great Detective's identity is being questioned, deconstructed, and reconstructed more than ever. Readers and audiences, not to mention scholars and critics, continue to analyze who Sherlock Holmes is or has become and why and how his identity has been formed in a specific way.

The films Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows , and Mr. Holmes and television series Sherlock and Elementary have introduced wildly divergent, yet fascinating portrayals that reveal as much about current social mores and popular culture as about the detective. More than ever, fans also are taking an active role in creating their own identities for Holmes through fan fiction and art, for example.

"Who is Sherlock Holmes?" is still a viable question. The answers provided by illustrators, scriptwriters, directors, costume designers, set designers, actors, scholars, and fans provide insights into both Victorian and the modern-day Sherlock.

Like the many disguises the Great Detective has donned throughout canon and adaptations, his perceived identities may be surprising or shocking, but they continue to make us look ever more closely to discover the real Sherlock Holmes.

• ISBN-13 978-0786499076
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• Publication date June 21 2016
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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01H7GQPPI
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ McFarland (June 21 2016)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 2800 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 225 pages

About the author

Lynnette porter.

Writing has always been a passion. I'm the sole author, co-author, or editor of 14 books so far. As a contributing editor to PopMatters, I write a monthly film/television column, Deep Focus. Add introductions or chapters in another dozen books, plus journal articles and reviews, and you can see why my colleagues think I'm a bit obsessed with the research-and-writing process. I only hope that I'm passing on a few insights about communication (and maybe inspiring greater interest in film or fantasy and science fiction lit) as I teach students at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida. When I'm not absorbed with a new project or classes, I like to travel. Favorite destinations include Scotland, Wales, Canada, and New Zealand--and I always have a book or two with me for the long flights.

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Who Is Sherlock? Essays on Identity in Modern Holmes Adaptations by Lynnette Porter (2016-06-16) Paperback – January 1, 1758

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• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01MXF17CC
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ McFarland (January 1, 1758)

About the author

Lynnette porter.

Writing has always been a passion. I'm the sole author, co-author, or editor of 14 books so far. As a contributing editor to PopMatters, I write a monthly film/television column, Deep Focus. Add introductions or chapters in another dozen books, plus journal articles and reviews, and you can see why my colleagues think I'm a bit obsessed with the research-and-writing process. I only hope that I'm passing on a few insights about communication (and maybe inspiring greater interest in film or fantasy and science fiction lit) as I teach students at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida. When I'm not absorbed with a new project or classes, I like to travel. Favorite destinations include Scotland, Wales, Canada, and New Zealand--and I always have a book or two with me for the long flights.

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9780786499076

Lynnette Porter

McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

21 June 2016

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Nearly 130 years after the introduction of Sherlock Holmes to readers, the Great Detective's identity is being questioned, deconstructed, and reconstructed more than ever. Readers and audiences, not to mention scholars and critics, continue to analyze who Sherlock Holmes is or has become and why and how his identity has been formed in a specific way.

The films Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows , and Mr. Holmes and television series Sherlock and Elementary have introduced wildly divergent, yet fascinating portrayals that reveal as much about current social mores and popular culture as about the detective. More than ever, fans also are taking an active role in creating their own identities for Holmes through fan fiction and art, for example.

"Who is Sherlock Holmes?" is still a viable question. The answers provided by illustrators, scriptwriters, directors, costume designers, set designers, actors, scholars, and fans provide insights into both Victorian and the modern-day Sherlock.

Like the many disguises the Great Detective has donned throughout canon and adaptations, his perceived identities may be surprising or shocking, but they continue to make us look ever more closely to discover the real Sherlock Holmes.

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Who Is Sherlock?

Essays on Identity in Modern Holmes Adaptations

$ 29.95

About the Book

Nearly 130 years after the introduction of Sherlock Holmes to readers, the Great Detective’s identity is being questioned, deconstructed, and reconstructed more than ever. Readers and audiences, not to mention scholars and critics, continue to analyze who Sherlock Holmes is or has become and why and how his identity has been formed in a specific way. The films Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows , and Mr. Holmes and television series Sherlock and Elementary have introduced wildly divergent, yet fascinating portrayals that reveal as much about current social mores and popular culture as about the detective. More than ever, fans also are taking an active role in creating their own identities for Holmes through fan fiction and art, for example. “Who is Sherlock Holmes?” is still a viable question. The answers provided by illustrators, scriptwriters, directors, costume designers, set designers, actors, scholars, and fans provide insights into both Victorian and the modern-day Sherlock. Like the many disguises the Great Detective has donned throughout canon and adaptations, his perceived identities may be surprising or shocking, but they continue to make us look ever more closely to discover the real Sherlock Holmes.

About the Author(s)

Lynnette Porter is a professor in the Humanities and Communication Department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, and has written extensively on television and film.

Bibliographic Details

Edited by Lynnette Porter Format: softcover (6 x 9) Pages: 224 Bibliographic Info: bibliographies, index Copyright Date: 2016 pISBN: 978-0-7864-9907-6 eISBN: 978-1-4766-2654-3 Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents

Introduction 1 From Paget to Screen: A (Re)Vision of Sherlock Holmes for the 21st Century (Clare Douglass Little) 5 Modernizing Victorian Sherlock Holmes for Mr. Holmes and the BBC’s Sherlock Special (Lynnette Porter) 18 “I made me”: Narrative Construction of Identity in Sherlock’s “The Abominable Bride” (Felecia McDuffie) 33 Inside the Mind of Sherlock Holmes (Lynnette Porter) 48 It’s Traumatic Stress, My Dear Watson: A Clinical Conceptualization of Sherlock (Jennifer Dondero and Sabrina J. Pippin) 70 A ­High-Functioning Sociopath Married to His Work: On Hegemonic Masculinity in the BBC’s Sherlock (Deborah M. Fratz) 82 The BBC’s Sherlock: A “Sociopathic” Master of the Social Game (Kathryn McClain and Grace Cripps) 95 The Evolution of James Moriarty: How Villains Mirror Cultural Anxieties (Heather Powers) 111 God, Grace and Sherlock: Religious Narrative and Identity in BBC’s Sherlock (Felecia McDuffie) 122 Chosen Families, TV and Tradition: Queering Relations in the BBC’s Sherlock (Linda J. Jencson) 140 Fan Fiction as an Argument: Arguing for Johnlock through the Roles of Women and Explicit Sex Scenes in Sherlock Fan Fiction (Alyxis Smith) 156 (No) Sex and Sherlock: Asexuality, Victorian Abstinence and the Art of Ambiguity (Amber Botts) 169 Sherlock and the Case of the Feminist Fans (Charla R. Strosser) 180 #Setlock and the Power of Fandom (Jennifer Wojton) 194 About the Contributors 209 Index 211

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Gender and the Modern Sherlock Holmes: Essays on Film and Television Adaptations Since 2009

About this ebook, ratings and reviews, about the author, rate this ebook, reading information, more by nadine farghaly.

24 Obvious and Not-So-Obvious Adaptations of Sherlock Holmes

Posted: March 25, 2024 | Last updated: March 25, 2024

Sherlock Holmes is much more than a funny-looking hat and oversized magnifying glass. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created one of the most iconic characters in his collection of short mysteries, a character people have interpreted and adapted countless times.

Before we dive into the adaptations, let’s talk about Sherlock for a moment. He’s a brilliant detective with exceptional observation skills and powers of deduction. While rough around the edges and generally reclusive, he’s a righteous man who tries to bring criminals to justice while battling his own slew of demons. Sherlock lacks charm and politeness, frequently offending people while going above and beyond to solve unsolvable cases.

We’ll discuss how many of these adaptations altered Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous character, straying from the source material. But many stayed true to Sherlock’s gruff and astute nature. Most adaptations feature more of Doyle’s famous characters, like Dr. Watson, Moriarty, Irene Adler, Inspector Lestrade, and Mycroft Holmes. These are some of the most memorable Sherlock Holmes adaptations, from animated kids’ shows to gritty films.

Sherlock (2010–2017)

One of our favorite adaptations of Sherlock Holmes is the British series Sherlock . Benedict Cumberbatch plays Sherlock, Martin Freeman plays Watson, and Andrew Scott plays Moriarty. These three casting choices are flawless.

Cumberbatch captures Sherlock’s wryness, while Freeman portrays Watson as the curious, confused, yet intelligent character Doyle paints him as. As far as Moriarty, Scott hits it out of the park with his creepiness and maniacal demeanor.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (1984–1994)

Many Sherlock Holmes fans agree that The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is one of the best adaptations. Jeremy Brett plays Sherlock and doesn’t miss a beat regarding nailing his personality and mannerisms.

This show took little to no liberties in adapting Doyle’s work. Everything is spot-on, from the polished appearance to the abrupt dialogue to the nonchalant demeanor. The actor playing Watson was replaced a few seasons in, but both actors delivered admirable performances.

Elementary (2012–2019)

This modern adaptation changes up the characters, making it a fresh and forward interpretation. Jonny Lee Miller is a fine Sherlock Holmes, and Lucy Liu brings an allure and fierceness to Watson that we don’t usually see.

While we enjoy this show as an independent work, they add several traits to Sherlock that feel forced. The show was a little too obvious with its references and doesn’t have the nuance of Sherlock . However, we appreciate their efforts to incorporate more female characters, including Natalie Dormer as Moriarty. 

Miss Sherlock (2018)

Miss Sherlock was a short-lived Japanese series. As the title suggests, a woman takes on the role of Sherlock. Her sidekick is also a woman named Wato. Even Moriarty’s character is a woman, going by Akira Moriwaki.

While the series wasn’t a hit, it should’ve been. The performances, plots, and overall vibe did the Sherlock name justice. It puts a Japanese and feminine twist on this beloved character that is new and intriguing.

Enola Holmes (2020)

Millie Bobby Brown plays Sherlock’s fictional little sister in the Netflix movies Enola Holmes and Enola Holmes 2 . While he’s not the lead character, Henry Cavill plays Sherlock. Frankly, Cavill seems too hot to play Sherlock, but it doesn’t matter because the show focuses on Enola.

It’s not the most impressive mystery movie. However, this invented character is spunky and intelligent in a fun way that can inspire young girls.

Mr. Holmes (2015)

We’re not sure why Mr. Holmes flew so under the radar. It stars familiar faces like Ian McKellen and Laura Linney but isn’t as talked about as other adaptations here.

The movie is more slow-paced and less thrilling than most Sherlock adaptations, diving deeper into Sherlock as a person. In the film, he’s portrayed as older and retired, giving us a look at Sherlock’s state when the excitement and intrigue of solving crimes is over, and he must grapple with his past.

Holmes & Watson (2018)

The iconic comedy duo of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly take on the roles of Sherlock and Watson, respectively. The adaptation turns these two smart characters into bumbling idiots with no gracefulness or tact.

While Sir Arthur Conan Doyle probably wouldn’t enjoy the film, seeing these respectable characters portrayed as silly and stupid is amusing. The totally unserious parody isn’t a top-tier film, but it gives us some funny Sherlock -related jokes.

Young Sherlock Holmes (1985)

Young Sherlock Holmes is far from the best adaptation, but it offers something different and reasonably entertaining. Like Mr. Holmes , it shows Sherlock at a different time in his life than we normally see. He’s a young man in this film, solving crimes around his boarding school with his new friend, John Watson.

It’s appealing to see Watson and Holmes meet, but the character portrayals are off. Sherlock is overly charming, outgoing, and dramatic, so it doesn’t stay faithful to the original character.

Monk (2002)

Part of what makes Sherlock such a distinct character is his unlikability. We see this trait portrayed well in Monk , as Adrian Monk is an uptight germaphobe who lacks compassion and social nuance.

While he’s not unlovable, he is a complex and often irritating character. His knack for seeing what others don’t and solving cases seemingly out of thin air makes him a wonderful adaptation of Doyle’s iconic detective. His sidekicks — Sharona in earlier seasons and Natalie in later seasons — are not our favorite adaptations of Watson, but Monk is an excellent Sherlock.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

We know this 2009 adaptation is popular, as it stars big names like Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams. Sadly, the character portrayals and the overall story does not have the brilliance of Doyle’s tales. The sequel, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows , isn’t any better.

Sherlock’s dialogue feels appropriate, though Downey’s delivery is often too cheeky. Law is a decent Watson, but he stands up to Sherlock much more than Doyle’s Watson ever did. Our biggest compliment is that Rachel McAdams is a fabulous Irene Adler and delivered the intelligence and strength of Doyle’s Irene.

House (2004-2012)

House is one of the more obvious Sherlock Holmes adaptations that doesn’t explicitly claim to be Sherlock Holmes . Dr. House is a cold man who struggles with emotions and personal issues, much like Doyle’s Holmes.

House has the same rude brilliance and incredible ability to see what others overlook. James Wilson is an excellent version of Watson, capturing his intelligence but second-fiddle vibe. House is one of the best adaptations because it adds the medical element, making House a doctor detective, not a crime detective.

A Study in Scarlet (1933)

A Study in Scarlet is easily one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s best Sherlock Holmes stories. With a Rotten Tomatoes critic score above 90% and an audience score below 20%, this film adaptation is clearly divisive. But we have to give credit where credit is due.

The movie does this mystery justice and doesn’t feel gimmicky or forced. The dialogue and actors are acceptable. Anna May Wong’s — one of the most glamorous Old Hollywood stars — performance as Mrs. Pyke is the highlight of the flick.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)

The Hound of the Baskervilles is another adaptation that people deem the best. Peter Cushing is an exceptional Sherlock, although he does bring a little more charm to Doyle’s character.

The plot is particularly compelling, thanks to Doyle, and makes for an irresistible movie. While we enjoy the film as much as its biggest fans, Cushing’s Sherlock feels too likable at some points, drifting from the callous Sherlock we know and love.

The Great Mouse Detective (1986)

The Great Mouse Detective is a fun children’s adaptation of Doyle’s stories. This adaptation is pretty uncomplicated. Basil of Baker Street is the mouse detective inspired by Holmes, and Dr. David Q. Dawson is Watson.

Since this is a children’s movie, it understandably doesn’t have the grit of the original stories. Nevertheless, the film still captures the twisty-turny vibe of Sherlock stories and is an enjoyable adaptation.

The Mentalist (2008)

Much like Monk and House, The Mentalist follows a brilliant detective who isn’t as socially adept as most people. Patrick Jane has the same impeccable observation skills as Sherlock and the other detectives mentioned above.

Despite some of his more awkward moments, we think Jane is an excellent portrayal of Holmes. He is similarly astute, abrupt, and apathetic. His track record of dishonesty and questionable character also fits the profile well.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Sherlock is a more prominent figure in the novel The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen . He does not appear in the film, but Moriarty does! Throughout Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, Sherlock encounters many villains, though none as formidable as Moriarty.

He’s a central character in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen , and Richard Roxburgh brings the perfect dastardly personality to the character. As Sherlock’s evil counterpart, Moriarty is nearly as well-known as the famous detective. Seeing him without Sherlock brings new layers to the character that compels us.

The Baker Street Boys (1983)

This adaptation of Sherlock Holmes is offbeat. It follows a group of kids living on the street who sometimes help Sherlock and Watson solve cases. Sherlock and Watson are in the peripherals of this show, similar to the Enola Holmes movies.

It’s as if Sherlock Holmes existed in the Oliver Twist universe. The series is a unique interpretation but not the most well-executed. There are corny moments and unsatisfying plots that leave the viewer with a bland feeling.

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (1994)

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes is a British mini-series that wrapped up The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes . It’s Jeremy Brett’s last performance as Holmes. While technically a different show, the short series upholds the faithfulness of its previous adaptation.

This series elevated the production value and honed the atmosphere of the movie, creating a dark aura that you can feel in Doyle’s stories. It’s more reflective and authoritative, delivering a thoughtful and satisfying ending to the franchise.

The Simpsons (1989-)

Endless animated shows and comedy series spoof Sherlock at some point. We won’t mention all of them, but some famous examples are Stewie Griffin in Family Guy , SpongeBob SquarePants , and Dr. Zoidberg in Futurama . But our favorite is in The Simpsons when Lisa Simpson takes on the persona of Sherlock, becoming Eliza Simpson in the episode “Treehouse of Horror XV.”

Bart acts as Watson, playing Dr. Bartley. Of course, they inject the segment with plenty of humor. Lisa is already a brainy and rebellious character, so it’s a stellar adaptation, although very short.

No Place Like Holmes (2010)

No Place Like Holmes is an eccentric and whimsical television series. The villainous Sir Baskerville uses a spell to transport Holmes and Watson to the present day, forcing them to navigate the modern world.

It might be a fun idea, but it’s not really in the spirit of Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes is all about logic and deduction, not magic. The character portrayals are off, and the story feels underdeveloped.

Psych (2006-2014)

Psych is one of the looser and less obvious adaptations, but it still fits the bill. The lead character, Shawn Spencer, is a strange guy with many eccentric qualities. He has a keen eye and can be manipulative, just like Sherlock. They differ in Shawn’s ability to socialize, as he has no issues making friends quickly.

His sidekick, Gus, is a likable Watson who fits in well with Shawn’s demeanor. Both are a little sillier than the original versions, making this a funny version of The Mentalist .

Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century (1999–2001)

As the title suggests, Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century takes place in the future. Moriarty is there, too! A droid with Watson’s programmed personality is Sherlock’s sidekick. It’s an animated show that draws inspiration from classic Sherlock Holmes tales.

Putting aside the setting, it’s still not the most accurate portrayal of characters. Nevertheless, it’s a mysterious and exciting series that can be a wonderful introduction to Sherlock Holmes for kids.

Young Sherlock: The Mystery of the Manor House (1982)

Young Sherlock: The Mystery of the Manor House is a series that follows Sherlock as a teenager, similar to Young Sherlock . They take an interesting approach to this adaptation. It has more of a James Bond vibe than Sherlock Holmes, and the acting feels forced.

The plot and character portrayals are not in line with Doyle’s style. The only thing unique about this show that we enjoy is the narrative style. Sherlock narrates via recorded tapes that Watson listens to years later, giving us more insight into his thought processes.

Sherlock Hound (1984–1985)

We saw Sherlock’s character injected into a mouse; now let’s see him as a dog! Sherlock Hound is a Japanese anime-style show from the ’80s that follows Doyle’s stories closely.

All the characters have the same names, including Watson and Moriarty. They’re anthropomorphic dogs dressed in vintage clothes that offer a cute and mysterious version of the Sherlock Holmes stories.

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