Thank you for your wonderful analysis migthymads! Also, apologies for the late reply. This week shot by without me realising where I was!
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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timeasmymeasure
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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.