Awwww.... Watson needs a giant hug. I sometimes feel bad for Granda!Watson because he didn't have a wife who could have been there... and then careless died on him. Man, he really doesn't have much luck...
I recall being quite upset watching the first airing of Granada's EMPT (cause I missed David Burke), but Hardwicke put in such an amazing and understated performance of the grief-stricken friend (albeit 3 years after the fact), that he completely won me over. There's a moment when he's at his desk and his voiceover is reminiscing the loss of Holmes. He stands and begins putting his stethocsope in his bag and there's this expression of resigned disgust that crosses his face. It's as though he's longing for the distraction of a terse Holmes' telegram. I love that moment.
Hardwicke's Watson had that quiet sincere thing going on, Holmes would have been glad to have him. I love that moment with the stethoscope, he was part of something so important and had someone close to him now he's alone and just walking through his life.
I very much appreciate your citing Tennyson here-- very appropriate and very beautiful. I feel that Alfred, Lord catches quite a bad rap, having been way over-pimped in US high schools without the necessary annotation and explanation to make his compositions resonate in the ribcage as particularly heart-breaking.
I've wanted very much to write something in the spirit of IM, with the same recapitulation of theme and setting as a way to encapsulate grieving. If I may be so garish, I'd say that there is perhaps something of a recapitulation in "Harry" and "Rendement" in terms of Holmes' "intimate" reaction to Watson.
I'm sure there's no doubt I err on the side of over-analysis, but I prefer not taking anything for granted, whether the author is in cognizant or subconscious control over the environs.
In any case, hope all is well with you and many cheers for your continuance of your fics.
Although I certainly can't claim such inspiration for the current chapters of those stories, I do confess to mulling a future scene depicting Holmes dramatically learning of Watson's "death" in Maiwand and reacting, well, we'll see. "In Memoriam" will feature in that scene or later in that interval between the current "Harry" (which must end soon), "Rendement" (which I must return to and resolve) and my future toying with the STUD meeting. (Hmmm, sounds like a trilogy.)
Again, your instincts amaze. I'm so pleased you enjoyed this little post. Although I'm an old fart, I may have been fortunate to have discovered and indulged in Tennyson (and so much else literary) on my own rather than in high school. Sadly, even back then there were few truly inspired teachers.
Lovely and poignant. You're right, it's completely appropriate for that time. And I also agree with you (above comment) about Hardwicke's performance in EMPT -- he really did a beautiful job conveying Watson's sense of grief, loss, and resignation.
Yes, Hardwicke provided a perfect counterbalance to Brett's exuberance, without ever being relegated to "also-ran" status. And contributed to the general sense of fondness between the two actors that translated through the screen.
Oh, friend away. I'm surprised we haven't done that already.
I am thoroughly embarassed to say I am ignorant to much of Tennyson's work. But I will have to remedy that, thanks to you. I vaguely remember in the Granada series, Watson (Hardwicke) saying he liked his poems but I may be mistaken. My heart goes out to Watson in the scene you mentioned above when he is putting his stethoscope into his bag. Also when Lestrade says, "What a loss he is..." Watson assumes a distant look in his eyes, almost wistful. I saw that same look in Edward Hardwicke's eyes when he mantioned in an interview that JB didn't get the recognition he deserved and he missed him very much.
I vaguely remember in the Granada series, Watson (Hardwicke) saying he liked his poems I think you're right. I wonder which ep that is; I'll have to research. Aw, EH going misty over JB's loss. Even though there were moments when Brett was difficult (when he was going through the worst of his illness), I think there was great respect and affection between the two actors. *sniff* We all miss JB.
I've got it: The Master Blackmailer (Granada, of course). The letters "CAM" were in the front of the Tennyson book and Watson says, "I rather like Tennyson." But it's not in the Canon. (Sometimes the lines blur for me between Granada and ACD and I have to refresh my memory.)
The real-life friendship between JB and EH is present on screen and only serves to enhance the series, IMHO. From what I've seen and read about EH, a nicer man never existed.
Thanks, the Tennyson quote would have bothered me until I saw it. I know what you mean about that blurred line. Granada did take some dramatic license (they had to), but when they did it was usually in keeping with the characters (at least my view of them). Although I could never imagine Sherlock running into the street in his nightshirt (Eligible Bachelor) under any circumstances. ;-O
I agree with you completely about EH. I suppose actually being a caring, generous and honorable man made playing one even easier.
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Perfect. Yes, Tennyson hits the spot. Thanks for posting that :-)
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Great poem
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Tennyson is a god. Glad you enjoyed him too.
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I've wanted very much to write something in the spirit of IM, with the same recapitulation of theme and setting as a way to encapsulate grieving. If I may be so garish, I'd say that there is perhaps something of a recapitulation in "Harry" and "Rendement" in terms of Holmes' "intimate" reaction to Watson.
I'm sure there's no doubt I err on the side of over-analysis, but I prefer not taking anything for granted, whether the author is in cognizant or subconscious control over the environs.
In any case, hope all is well with you and many cheers for your continuance of your fics.
c
Reply
Although I certainly can't claim such inspiration for the current chapters of those stories, I do confess to mulling a future scene depicting Holmes dramatically learning of Watson's "death" in Maiwand and reacting, well, we'll see. "In Memoriam" will feature in that scene or later in that interval between the current "Harry" (which must end soon), "Rendement" (which I must return to and resolve) and my future toying with the STUD meeting. (Hmmm, sounds like a trilogy.)
Again, your instincts amaze. I'm so pleased you enjoyed this little post. Although I'm an old fart, I may have been fortunate to have discovered and indulged in Tennyson (and so much else literary) on my own rather than in high school. Sadly, even back then there were few truly inspired teachers.
Thanks for the good wishes. Right back at you.
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Btw, would you mind if I friend you?
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Oh, friend away. I'm surprised we haven't done that already.
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My heart goes out to Watson in the scene you mentioned above when he is putting his stethoscope into his bag. Also when Lestrade says, "What a loss he is..." Watson assumes a distant look in his eyes, almost wistful. I saw that same look in Edward Hardwicke's eyes when he mantioned in an interview that JB didn't get the recognition he deserved and he missed him very much.
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I vaguely remember in the Granada series, Watson (Hardwicke) saying he liked his poems
I think you're right. I wonder which ep that is; I'll have to research.
Aw, EH going misty over JB's loss. Even though there were moments when Brett was difficult (when he was going through the worst of his illness), I think there was great respect and affection between the two actors. *sniff* We all miss JB.
Reply
I've got it: The Master Blackmailer (Granada, of course). The letters "CAM" were in the front of the Tennyson book and Watson says, "I rather like Tennyson." But it's not in the Canon. (Sometimes the lines blur for me between Granada and ACD and I have to refresh my memory.)
The real-life friendship between JB and EH is present on screen and only serves to enhance the series, IMHO. From what I've seen and read about EH, a nicer man never existed.
Reply
I agree with you completely about EH. I suppose actually being a caring, generous and honorable man made playing one even easier.
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