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victorian221bThe Adventure of the Dancing Men
Firstly, I admit I find the Dancing Men one of the most tragic stories in the canon, so I'm already sad before I even begin. Granada however adapted this case beautifully in my opinion.
---We start rather amusingly despite what is coming with Watson complaining about the "malodorous product" Holmes is brewing bent over his chemical equipment. I think both Watson and Mrs Hudson are marvellous in their acceptance of Holmes' experiments.
---Naturally we segue into Holmes correctly inferring that Watson won't be investing in South African securities. Watson's astonishment is quite sweet considering how long he has known Holmes & is familiar with his methods.
---This is the tale where we have Holmes confirming he keeps Watson's cheque book locked in his drawer. I love this sign of trust in their friendship, because it shows Holmes the apparently "cold", "logical" and "machine" caring for his friend and seeking to prevent Watson from misusing his money.
---Ha, poor Holmes. After explaining his method as usual Watson declares the reasoning "absurdly simple".
---Mr Hilton Cubitt in my opinion is one of the nicest men in canon. His devotion & concern for his wife is profound.
---The Dancing Men code is quite clever from the perspective that few would even take notice of it in the first place, let alone ascribe any significance to the marks beyond some childish play.
---Mr Cubitt was rather understanding of Elise's desire to not reveal her past. I would be a trifle more wary of anyone reticent to share their past! To Elise's credit she did hint of disagreeable associations, though I doubt the most dangerous crook in Chicago would have leapt to my mind in those days.
---The worst thing about this tragic case is how so much could have been avoided if Elise Cubitt had trusted her husband! Or at least, afforded a better chance of a happy outcome. It is evident from Mr Cubitt's account how much he loves his wife and indeed, in Elise's actions after he is killed how much she loves him.
---Watson notes Mr Cubitt's affection:
His love for his wife and his trust in her shone in his features.
---Holmes shares my opinion and even suggests the best plan is a direct appeal to Mr Cubitt's wife, which he refuses because a "a promise is a promise", which is true, honourable & admirable, but alas results in sadness.
---Watson's patience while Holmes seeks to break the code and be brought into his confidence shows how much trust is in their friendship following Holmes' return :).
---Holmes' concern for his clients is highlighted when breaks the code:
"His face was haggard with anxiety."
---Watson's despair over what follows wrings one's heart:
"...and as I come to the dark conclusion of a story which had seemed to me to be only childish and bizarre, I experience once again the horror with which I was filled."
Same Watson 😥
---Again we witness Holmes' concern for people when the news from the Station Master is imparted to them on their arrival.
---Inspector Martin is a nice chap and very accommodating of Holmes which is grand.
---Holmes' subsequent detection in my opinion is remarkable for it also of course, stops Mrs Cubitt from facing the noose should she survive her wound.
---Abe Slaney is an unpleasant character, but at least he clears Elise's name which is one good act for him.
---Well, now I need a fanfic where Mr Cubitt survives - if there are any, please do rec!
Firstly, I admit I find the Dancing Men one of the most tragic stories in the canon, so I'm already sad before I even begin. Granada however adapted this case beautifully in my opinion.
---We start rather amusingly despite what is coming with Watson complaining about the "malodorous product" Holmes is brewing bent over his chemical equipment. I think both Watson and Mrs Hudson are marvellous in their acceptance of Holmes' experiments.
---Naturally we segue into Holmes correctly inferring that Watson won't be investing in South African securities. Watson's astonishment is quite sweet considering how long he has known Holmes & is familiar with his methods.
---This is the tale where we have Holmes confirming he keeps Watson's cheque book locked in his drawer. I love this sign of trust in their friendship, because it shows Holmes the apparently "cold", "logical" and "machine" caring for his friend and seeking to prevent Watson from misusing his money.
---Ha, poor Holmes. After explaining his method as usual Watson declares the reasoning "absurdly simple".
---Mr Hilton Cubitt in my opinion is one of the nicest men in canon. His devotion & concern for his wife is profound.
---The Dancing Men code is quite clever from the perspective that few would even take notice of it in the first place, let alone ascribe any significance to the marks beyond some childish play.
---Mr Cubitt was rather understanding of Elise's desire to not reveal her past. I would be a trifle more wary of anyone reticent to share their past! To Elise's credit she did hint of disagreeable associations, though I doubt the most dangerous crook in Chicago would have leapt to my mind in those days.
---The worst thing about this tragic case is how so much could have been avoided if Elise Cubitt had trusted her husband! Or at least, afforded a better chance of a happy outcome. It is evident from Mr Cubitt's account how much he loves his wife and indeed, in Elise's actions after he is killed how much she loves him.
---Watson notes Mr Cubitt's affection:
His love for his wife and his trust in her shone in his features.
---Holmes shares my opinion and even suggests the best plan is a direct appeal to Mr Cubitt's wife, which he refuses because a "a promise is a promise", which is true, honourable & admirable, but alas results in sadness.
---Watson's patience while Holmes seeks to break the code and be brought into his confidence shows how much trust is in their friendship following Holmes' return :).
---Holmes' concern for his clients is highlighted when breaks the code:
"His face was haggard with anxiety."
---Watson's despair over what follows wrings one's heart:
"...and as I come to the dark conclusion of a story which had seemed to me to be only childish and bizarre, I experience once again the horror with which I was filled."
Same Watson 😥
---Again we witness Holmes' concern for people when the news from the Station Master is imparted to them on their arrival.
---Inspector Martin is a nice chap and very accommodating of Holmes which is grand.
---Holmes' subsequent detection in my opinion is remarkable for it also of course, stops Mrs Cubitt from facing the noose should she survive her wound.
---Abe Slaney is an unpleasant character, but at least he clears Elise's name which is one good act for him.
---Well, now I need a fanfic where Mr Cubitt survives - if there are any, please do rec!
no subject
Date: 2021-07-06 04:59 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-07-07 03:43 pm (UTC)