Another 'Elementary' consideration . . . . Do we like our Watson more deductively capable?

Once again, so far this season, 'Elementary' is not giving us very much Sherlockian to talk about or even consider. And that is not really likely to change very much. But be that as it may, let's get as much as we can out of it and 'Play the Game.'

"Elementary' still hasn't determined yet if Watson is going to be Holmes' equal and partner or biographer and sounding board.  I don't see the latter happening, do you?

Our question for today is; Would we like our Watson to be deductively as capable as Holmes? His equal in crime solving?
Would the relationship have worked that way Canonically?
Is that part of the bigger problem with 'Elementary'?

The most popular modern (in time period made or time period in which it is suggested it takes place) adaptations of Holmes have all given us strong Watson's, in their own way, without Watson being Holmes' deductive rival. I am of course talking about Brett's Holmes, RDJ's and 'Sherlock'.
Although not a fan of RDJ's portrayal of Holmes, I do however like very much Jude Law's take on Watson.

I also find Martin Freeman's take on Watson more appealing actually than I do Benedict Comberbatch's Holmes. Of all the modern takes (in time period when the stories take place), his so far is the best Watson.
And who can really argue about both the fine actors who played Watson next to Brett's Holmes, David Burke, and Edward Hardwicke.

But, as I think will prove out, a Watson who is close to Holmes equal in detection skills will not be acceptable Canonical lore. How many super heroes out there have 'partners'? How many police procedural's have lead detective's on equal footing with another officer?

Part of, and a very big part, of the allure of Holmes and Watson, and other duo teams, is the difference in skills and personalities.

One of my favorite new shows this year so far is 'Forever'. A very Holmes like lead character supported by, in their own way, very capable 'side kicks'. Side-kicks that have different, but just as relevant skills. Often times an individual who can ground them to the conventions of society.
It does however seem our theatrical adaptations of Holmes need more social grounding than the Canonical Holmes.
Every one of the three most recent adaptations suggest Holmes in one form or another needs a social handler. RDJ's certainly did, as does 'Sherlock's'. 'Elementary's' most definetly does, he just hasn't realized it yet.
We find the companionship less needy in the Canon than we do on the modern big screen.
Brett's Holmes does not seem to need that social crutch.

But what makes this pairing most interesting Canonically and theatrically (where it works) is that both man are very different, and each has 'skills' that benefit the relationship and not make it competitive.

It will be interesting to see how 'Elementary' handles it.

I did not know this. . . .about David Burke

"Burke had earlier experience with Holmes having played the villain in an adaptation of "The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet" for the 1965 BBC series^[5] starring Douglas Wilmer and Nigel Stock."

Right up there with Edward Harkwicke as Watson in one of the most seamless sharings of the same character.

Seven Degrees of Sherlock Holmes - #28 - another tribute to the inaugural edition of the Watsonian

Once again, as a tribute to the new Watsonian and The John H Watson Society, we will be taking a look at actors who played Watson, but see if we can make a Sherlockian connection by some other route other than their role as Watson.

Again, the two that follow turned out to be easier than I was expecting, but I shouldn't have been surprised.

I started with David Burke, not expecting to be done so quickly.

David Burke, one of my favorite Watson's  (1934)

had an early appearance in a Sherlockian presentation when he appeared in The BBC's  BERY in 1965 starring Douglas Wilmer ( 1920) as Holmes . . 

Well, that was short and sweet.

So, it was on to Edward Hardwicke, again a favorite in the role of Watson

Edward Hardwicke (1932 - sadly only 2011)

participated in 2001's Enigma 

(A little trivia about Enigma;)

The film was produced by Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. Jagger makes a cameo appearance as an RAF officer at a dance. He also lent the film's design department a four-rotor Enigma encoding machine he owned to ensure the historical accuracy of one of the props. The festivities around the London premiere of the film are shown in the 2001 documentary Being Mick. (source Wikipedia)

which featured the very lovely Kate Winslet (whom we have already connected with), but more importantly for our purposes, Nicholas Rowe (1966)

who played Sherlock Holmes in 1985's Young Sherlock Holmes

We made quick work of that one.

So, there you have it, there you are.