Is John in Love with Sherlock? Exploring Their Complex Relationship

Throughout the acclaimed BBC series from 2010 to 2017, the relationship between John Watson and Sherlock Holmes is complex and multi-faceted. The bond between them is strong, and it is clear that John cares deeply for Sherlock. However, whether their relationship is romantic remains an open question for many viewers and fans.

Complex Bonding and Emotional Connection

The series does not explicitly label John's feelings as romantic love. Instead, the relationship is often explored through themes of friendship, loyalty, and partnership. Fans and critics alike have interpreted their bond as having romantic undertones due to their intense emotional connection. Yet, the show itself leaves their feelings somewhat ambiguous, allowing for various interpretations by viewers.

The Original Books and Adaptations

Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the original Sherlock Holmes stories, did not write a romantic relationship between the characters in the 19th century. However, many adaptations have implied such a relationship. The later adaptations, including the BBC series, also maintain an open interpretation of their relationship. Watson's relationship with Sherlock is central to the storyline, yet none of these adaptations explicitly point towards a romantic relationship between the two.

Personal Interpretations and Stories

My personal interpretation of their relationship varies depending on how I look at it. As a young school student, I first read Sherlock Holmes and interpreted the relationship between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as a best friendship, as written by the original author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Over time, as I grew older and learned about terms like bromance and the broader spectrum of human relationships, my initial interpretation shifted.

Initially, I was angry. I questioned why two men couldn't simply be best friends without romantic undertones being perceived. However, upon closer examination, I found that the deep understanding, respect, and trust between Sherlock and John are indeed extraordinary. Yet, it is not unique to any two human beings.

In India, we celebrate the intense bond of friendship between two men through emotional films such as Dosti (1964), where the friendship is celebrated as a significant aspect of their lives. The song Chahoonge Main Tujhe Sanjh Savere (I Will Hold You Till Dusk) from this film perfectly encapsulates this relationship:

Chaahoonga main tujhe sanjh savere
I’LL WANT/LOVE YOU DUSK AND DAWN
Phir bhi kabhi ab naam ko tere aawaz mein naa doonga
DESPITE THIS NOW OR NEVER YOUR NAME I WON’T CALL OUT

These examples reinforce the idea that their bond is best described as a friendship. While people are free to interpret it differently, it is ultimately a work of fiction, and as such, the interpretation is up to the individual reader or viewer.