maryagrawatson wrote:

The other trope I've seen is Mrs. Hudson as a primary caregiver of Mary and John's baby. The woman is an alcoholic who over indulges as well as a habitual pot smoker, not exactly childminding material! I can see her occasionally babysitting for a short period of time, preferably with Sherlock within earshot, but not being reliable for anything more than that. (I feel that I need to add that I don't think she's dysfunctional or that there is anything wrong with her tippling and indulging, just that her faculties are likely frequently impaired and make her unsuitable for childcare).

I love Mrs. Hudson and am so glad we got so much backstory on her in series three. Now, I want the full story of how she came to meet Sherlock in Florida of all places. Any writers here care to use that as a prompt?

Mary

Hi, interesting topic!

Having Mrs Hudson baking is probably just a tool to add to that homey feeling she conveys (and is supposed to convey). It simply emphasizes her maternal feelings towards her tenants, which is likely why so many writers are using it. One needs to bear in mind of course that it's a prejudice that all elderly women like to cook and bake (and knit, perhaps), and don't do much else.

I'm not sure about the idea that she always keeps low food stores. When she didn't have any biscuits in TSoT, she said she'd run out, but in SiB, Sherlock helped himself to some pastry from her fridge, after all (which may or may not have been homemade), and when she made tea for John in TEH, she also had biscuits for him.
It doesn't seem likely that Mrs Hudson buys in large quantities simply because she has to carry everything home herself.

Where do you get the idea that she's an alcoholic, if I may ask? That's the first time I've heard about it, and it doesn't seem likely from what we've seen so far.

 

Last edited by Kerkerian (November 13, 2014 6:26 am)

I've read some fics where she watches over the relationship, knowing ahead of them that they are meant to be together, so delighted when it finally happens, disapproving of John for marrying the wrong person and causing hurt to Sherlock - She's a custodian esp. for Sherlock, a cupid, a sibyl.

Last edited by Harriet (November 13, 2014 1:19 pm)

Don't forget the Full English she cooked for John the morning after his stag night.  Even if he couldn't eat it.  *giggle*

Mrs. Hudson may not be the typical "old lady" but she most certainly feels maternal towards our boys.  I don't see her being a primary babysitter but I can see her loving the baby because one, baby! and two, John's baby.