Re-read: The Six Napoleons
Aug. 20th, 2021 03:49 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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victorian221bThis is also one of my favourite stories, and its Granada adaptation was brilliant. I love the opening of this story, when Lestrade came over to Baker Street on a friendly visit. It's a far cry from the beginning, when Holmes laughed at him behind his back and lamented that Lestrade grabs all the spotlight. Years went by, and now all three of them are very comfortable with their positions in life and have mutual respect for each other.
I love Watson's medical expertise, how he stays up to date with the newest developments in medicine. It's fun that Holmes admits he can't laugh at trivial beginnings because they can lead to unique and complicated cases. Holmes definitely learned his lesson from the time of the Copper Beeches, when he found nothing better to do than getting on Watson's nerves, having received a letter from a governess asking for advice.
As always, I checked the blog called An Observance of Trifles, and I agree with a point which was made there: isn't it strage that there are so many Napoleon fans in Victorian Britain? So many, in fact, the his busts are manufactured in hundreds.
This story is a finest example of Holmes's mental powers. Unlike the previous story, he does a great deal of brain work here which is crucial to the solution of the case. Lestrade, however, is not a bungler from STUD anymore; he does some good job too. It's really a pleasure to see the seasoned professionals at work.
Holmes was excellent at planting fake news before it became mainstream. It's so fun that he uses the media to his advantage. And here I wonder whether he experienced the reverse side of being a celebrity, whether the tabloids chased him. Perhaps it was the case if he asked Watson not to publish more stories for the time being.
And as always Watson demonstrates that he knows Holmes so well. He reads Holmes easily, seeing when Holmes is preoccupied with ideas of his own while politely listening to something else.
Returning to the Granada adaptation of this story, the opening always gets me: it's so hysterically funny and over-the-top. And I was also completely flabbergasted, having found out that Marina Sirtis of Star Trek TNG guest starred in this episode. I didn't recognise her at all!
I love Watson's medical expertise, how he stays up to date with the newest developments in medicine. It's fun that Holmes admits he can't laugh at trivial beginnings because they can lead to unique and complicated cases. Holmes definitely learned his lesson from the time of the Copper Beeches, when he found nothing better to do than getting on Watson's nerves, having received a letter from a governess asking for advice.
As always, I checked the blog called An Observance of Trifles, and I agree with a point which was made there: isn't it strage that there are so many Napoleon fans in Victorian Britain? So many, in fact, the his busts are manufactured in hundreds.
This story is a finest example of Holmes's mental powers. Unlike the previous story, he does a great deal of brain work here which is crucial to the solution of the case. Lestrade, however, is not a bungler from STUD anymore; he does some good job too. It's really a pleasure to see the seasoned professionals at work.
Holmes was excellent at planting fake news before it became mainstream. It's so fun that he uses the media to his advantage. And here I wonder whether he experienced the reverse side of being a celebrity, whether the tabloids chased him. Perhaps it was the case if he asked Watson not to publish more stories for the time being.
And as always Watson demonstrates that he knows Holmes so well. He reads Holmes easily, seeing when Holmes is preoccupied with ideas of his own while politely listening to something else.
Returning to the Granada adaptation of this story, the opening always gets me: it's so hysterically funny and over-the-top. And I was also completely flabbergasted, having found out that Marina Sirtis of Star Trek TNG guest starred in this episode. I didn't recognise her at all!
no subject
Date: 2021-08-21 01:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-08-22 11:23 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2021-08-29 08:38 pm (UTC)I completely agree with you. The beginning marks a marvelllous development in Lestrade's relationship with Holmes and vice-versa. As you say, the Granada episode is perfect - the opening with the three men speaks of such familiarity it is impossible not to believe they don't spend much leisure time together, even solving the off-record adventures.
I do like how Watson keeps up to topic with the latest medical theories. It speaks to how good a doctor Watson is and I wish we had more of it in canon.
Ah excellent point on Holmes no longer dismissing the "common"!
I wonder whether there was a brief Napoleon craze when Doyle wrote this story, because it does feel odd unless there was a particular trend of commemorating the Napoleonic wars due to their impact on Britain (and all of Europe!)?
The actual case is very clever and how Holmes works it out is admirable.
I like how well Watson reads Holmes - he isn't surprised at Holmes implying he should bring his reolver while Holmes takes his normal weapon. Great show of friendship and understanding. Furthermore, Lestrade coming along and making suggestions on when to pounce is wonderful.
I have tears at Lestrade's declaration at the end and Holmes' emotional response.
This is one of the best tales and I wish we had more of these three adventuring so seamlessly together in canon.
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Date: 2021-08-30 12:01 pm (UTC)I also remember reading that everyone, including Russians, were great fans of the French culture at the time of the Napoleonic wars. Despite Napoleon's invasion, Russian nobility kept speaking fluent French, follow the French fashion, and enjoy the French cuisine. When I read War and Peace at school (many years ago), it struck me that there was some chivalry in that war, when enemies could leave their wounded to the mercy of the opponent, knowing that POWs would be treated well.
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Date: 2021-08-30 07:19 pm (UTC)Oh wow, I didn't know that about Jeremy! Ah wonderful devotion to his role :)
That is fascinating to know how popular French culture was, including among the Russians, at the time of the wars. I haven't read War and Peace yet, but it is comforting to know that there was some chivalry in that war, where the wounded would be treated well as POWs. Brings humanity to such a sprawling event which affected millions.