Yeah, I think it does speak to the time period (and that particular author's potential gaps in what they know or consider). On the video where I originally saw this referenced, someone considered the possibility that by the 1940s the way people conceived of affection and friendship between men was evolving from where it might have been in the 19th century (with reference to how men were more likely to have their arm over a friend's shoulder in a photo, for exmaple -- I don't know if this is entirely true as I haven't looked farther into it, but I think it's possible), though I also know ideas of straight vs. gay, and the negative connotations of the latter, were forming in the 19th century as well. So I think it's a complex topic if you want to delve into it.

Last edited by Yitzock (July 6, 2025 3:06 pm)

I was pondering on these things yesterday, mainly in regard to Elementary...so I possibly should post there.
But, seeing as you raised this subject: 
took me a while to get into Elmentary.
I accepted Watson as a woman.
I am finding it difficult to consider Irene Adler as Jamie Moriarty.
Anyhow, central to the Sherlock Holmes stories to me, is the close male friendship between the two leads.
That is how Conan Doyle wrote it and it's a beautiful thing.
I understand the wanting to bring in more female characters or give the existing females stronger roles.
Even do the Sherlock thing of introducing Molly.
But please, don't mess with the original.