Why is Dr. Watson Almost Never Called by His First Name in Adaptations of Sherlock Holmes?

The dynamic between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson is one of the most cherished in literature and film. One curious aspect of this relationship has intrigued many fans: why is Dr. Watson almost never called by his first name in adaptations of Sherlock Holmes stories? This article delves into the reasons behind this phenomenon and provides context for why this naming convention has become so prevalent.

The Antiquated Nature of Personal Address

In Victorian England, the norms of personal address were significantly different from what we consider typical today. It was not an uncommon or socially acceptable practice for men to refer to each other by their first names, except perhaps in close family situations. This social etiquette was deeply rooted and varied depending on the social context and relationship between the individuals involved.

Modern Adaptations: The Franchise Exception

The BBC Sherlock series, set in modern times, provides a contemporary twist on the traditional Victorian setting. Here, the choice to call Dr. Watson "John" frequently is a deliberate and context-specific decision made by the creators. Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, the creators of BBC Sherlock, have expressed their reasoning behind this choice:

It would be very weird to have the two call each other by their last names in modern times. Doing so now would be out of character.

This modern context allows for a more natural and relatable interaction between the characters, enhancing the show's appeal to contemporary audiences. The BBC Sherlock series has thus set a new trend, making frequent use of Dr. Watson's first name, which can be traced back to the character's relationship with Dr. Watson in the original series.

Canonicity and Cultural Contexts

While the original Granada Sherlock Holmes series, starring Jeremy Brett, maintained a near-identical setting to the Victorian era, there were still instances where the characters deviated from strict Victorian norms. In the episode "The Devil's Foot," Dr. Watson is seen calling Sherlock "John" during a moment of desperation. However, this was not present in the original story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, suggesting that it was an ad-lib or a creative license taken by the actors.

This incident, though notable, represents an anomaly. Jeremy Brett, the actor who famously portrayed Dr. Watson, echoed this sentiment when interviewed, stating that this was the only time he called Sherlock "John" in the entire series. This rare instance highlights how faithfully the series aimed to adhere to the original Victorian settings, with the occasional modernization being limited to specific moments.

Conclusion

The practice of not calling Dr. Watson by his first name in adaptations of Sherlock Holmes stories is deeply rooted in both historical and modern contexts. While the Victorian era typically saw men addressing each other by last names due to social conventions, modern interpretations have introduced a sense of familiarity and contemporary dynamics. The BBC Sherlock series, for instance, has brought this relationship more in line with modern norms, making Dr. Watson's first name a frequent occurrence, while still respecting the original source material's period-specific etiquette.

Thus, the choice to call Dr. Watson "John" or by his last name largely depends on the specific period and cultural setting of the adaptation. This practice not only adds authenticity to the story but also enhances the audience's immersion in the narrative world of Sherlock Holmes.

Keywords: Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Adaptations, First Name