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victorian221bThe beginning of this case is suitably dramatic, with Watson drawing upon the curiosity of the reader by alluding to the sensitivity of the tale. Both the date and other facts must be repressed even years after the events. It makes one wonder how much of the story has been left out. Perhaps this was the inspiration for Granada's film length version, where the story was padded out?
I like how regularly in canon Holmes and Watson go out on rambles :) Here they return at 6pm on a cold, frosty winter’s evening to find Mr Milverton's calling card
It is telling how Holmes utters disgust at the card and responds to Watson’s query that Milverton is "the worst man in London".
Holmes' disgust at blackmailers is well displayed and his description of Milverton certainly leaves a horrible impression.
Clearly, being careful around the servants was paramount.
Watson’s protest that the fellow must be in reach of the law is a testament to how shocked he is, and naive compared to Holmes.
Holmes: "...but he is as cunning as the Evil One."
That in my opinion says it all.
Ah! Holmes refuses to shake hands! Milverton has made an enemy. Holmes' attempt to physically retrieve the letters in their rooms is desperate, but his faithful Watson tries to help. What follows after M. leaves is Holmes' disguise as a workman. Watson yet again is wonderfully patient and understanding until he is rewarded by Holmes revealing his plans.
However, Holmes' opening however is rather odd: "You would not call me a marrying man, Watson?"
"No, indeed!" Watson's reply is telling. It supports canon in that while Holmes is generally kind and compassionate to women, he feels no particular romantic love for them.
Even so, Watson is genuinely pleased to hear Holmes is engaged - reminiscent of when Watson thought he might be interested in Miss Violet in the Copper Beeches.
Watson's honour and defence of women is a lovely trait & speaks well of his character, for he defends even a maid in the household of C.A.M:
"Surely you have gone too far?" and "But the girl, Holmes?"
I appreciate sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures, but Holmes' dismissal in face of Watson’s concerns feels callous towards the poor maid and even Watson’s understandable upset.
Watson’s reaction to Holmes' declaration that he is to burgle M's house that night is dramatic and very Watson :). The exchange between Holmes and Watson justifying their actions is interesting and shows that neither man would undertake such a task without a sound moral justification: only taking the letters and a lady in need.
The best part is Watson’s calm: "When do we start?"
Holmes protest is amusing as is Watson promising to go to the police if Holmes leaves him behind. They both care for each other tremendously and canon really does reinforce this most of the time.
"...We have shared this same room for some years, and it would be amusing if we ended by sharing the same cell…"
Ah Holmes, I'm glad that you're cheerful of the prospect of sharing with Watson! Also, another affirmation of Holmes' affection for his dear Watson.
Holmes boasts that he would make "a highly efficient criminal" and indeed, this hardens back to the Greek Interpreter where Inspector Gregson noted how fortunate they were Holmes hadn't chosen that profession.
Once in M's conservatory Holmes "seized my [Watson’s] hand in the darkness and led me swiftly past banks of shrubs…"
Just a nice moment.
Skipping to the next dramatic scene finds Watson and Holmes hiding behind a curtain watching Milverton & his mysterious lady visitor. I like how Holmes comforts Watson by reassuringly shaking Watson’s hand, but even moreso how Watson is able to interpret Holmes' gesture: "..that he was easy in his mind".
Truly, a sign of how many years they have known each other.
The Lady's bold cry: "You will ruin no more lives as you have ruined mine. You will wring no more hearts as you wrung mine. I will free the world of a poisonous thing. Take that, you Hound -and that! -and that!..."
Sends shivers through me.
Holmes preventing Watson from interfering and reminding him of their own duty by a a strong grasp on his wrist is understandable and given the situation...what else could be done without revealing themselves to the police?
I do appreciate how Holmes destroys all the papers not just those of his client.
To end on a humorous note, is Lestrade's visit the next morning. Holmes lives up to his acting talents by his innocent replies! I like how Holmes refuses Lestrade's case frankly, but not unkindly.
We do also receive a rare description of Watson in Lestrade's account & reaffirmed by Holmes:
"...a middle-sized, strongly built man - square jaw, thick neck, moustache…"
The ending with Holmes realising who the Lady was, who confronted M. is intriguing. Definitely a hint of nobility.
I like how regularly in canon Holmes and Watson go out on rambles :) Here they return at 6pm on a cold, frosty winter’s evening to find Mr Milverton's calling card
It is telling how Holmes utters disgust at the card and responds to Watson’s query that Milverton is "the worst man in London".
Holmes' disgust at blackmailers is well displayed and his description of Milverton certainly leaves a horrible impression.
Clearly, being careful around the servants was paramount.
Watson’s protest that the fellow must be in reach of the law is a testament to how shocked he is, and naive compared to Holmes.
Holmes: "...but he is as cunning as the Evil One."
That in my opinion says it all.
Ah! Holmes refuses to shake hands! Milverton has made an enemy. Holmes' attempt to physically retrieve the letters in their rooms is desperate, but his faithful Watson tries to help. What follows after M. leaves is Holmes' disguise as a workman. Watson yet again is wonderfully patient and understanding until he is rewarded by Holmes revealing his plans.
However, Holmes' opening however is rather odd: "You would not call me a marrying man, Watson?"
"No, indeed!" Watson's reply is telling. It supports canon in that while Holmes is generally kind and compassionate to women, he feels no particular romantic love for them.
Even so, Watson is genuinely pleased to hear Holmes is engaged - reminiscent of when Watson thought he might be interested in Miss Violet in the Copper Beeches.
Watson's honour and defence of women is a lovely trait & speaks well of his character, for he defends even a maid in the household of C.A.M:
"Surely you have gone too far?" and "But the girl, Holmes?"
I appreciate sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures, but Holmes' dismissal in face of Watson’s concerns feels callous towards the poor maid and even Watson’s understandable upset.
Watson’s reaction to Holmes' declaration that he is to burgle M's house that night is dramatic and very Watson :). The exchange between Holmes and Watson justifying their actions is interesting and shows that neither man would undertake such a task without a sound moral justification: only taking the letters and a lady in need.
The best part is Watson’s calm: "When do we start?"
Holmes protest is amusing as is Watson promising to go to the police if Holmes leaves him behind. They both care for each other tremendously and canon really does reinforce this most of the time.
"...We have shared this same room for some years, and it would be amusing if we ended by sharing the same cell…"
Ah Holmes, I'm glad that you're cheerful of the prospect of sharing with Watson! Also, another affirmation of Holmes' affection for his dear Watson.
Holmes boasts that he would make "a highly efficient criminal" and indeed, this hardens back to the Greek Interpreter where Inspector Gregson noted how fortunate they were Holmes hadn't chosen that profession.
Once in M's conservatory Holmes "seized my [Watson’s] hand in the darkness and led me swiftly past banks of shrubs…"
Just a nice moment.
Skipping to the next dramatic scene finds Watson and Holmes hiding behind a curtain watching Milverton & his mysterious lady visitor. I like how Holmes comforts Watson by reassuringly shaking Watson’s hand, but even moreso how Watson is able to interpret Holmes' gesture: "..that he was easy in his mind".
Truly, a sign of how many years they have known each other.
The Lady's bold cry: "You will ruin no more lives as you have ruined mine. You will wring no more hearts as you wrung mine. I will free the world of a poisonous thing. Take that, you Hound -and that! -and that!..."
Sends shivers through me.
Holmes preventing Watson from interfering and reminding him of their own duty by a a strong grasp on his wrist is understandable and given the situation...what else could be done without revealing themselves to the police?
I do appreciate how Holmes destroys all the papers not just those of his client.
To end on a humorous note, is Lestrade's visit the next morning. Holmes lives up to his acting talents by his innocent replies! I like how Holmes refuses Lestrade's case frankly, but not unkindly.
We do also receive a rare description of Watson in Lestrade's account & reaffirmed by Holmes:
"...a middle-sized, strongly built man - square jaw, thick neck, moustache…"
The ending with Holmes realising who the Lady was, who confronted M. is intriguing. Definitely a hint of nobility.
