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spacemutineerA small appreciation for such a fine actor:
Edward Hardwicke was truly a brilliant Watson. Inheriting the excellent base left him by David Burke, Hardwicke created a Watson who was clever, brave and talented. He was a worthy and necessary partner to his Holmes, capable of saving lives (often their own), tackling villains when it was required (either with his rugby skills or his crack shot ability), and providing both fresh clues and a useful sounding board for his detective.
After decades of Watson's portrayal as a bumbling fool in the cultural consciousness, this was a breath of fresh air and so much truer to the source material, something Jeremy Brett valued highly. Later on in the series, when Brett's health was failing, Hardwicke stepped up even more. His Watson took on a larger role in their cases; he was more physical and involved. Edward Hardwicke took the role far beyond that of the simple loyal biographer Watson had been imagined to be for so long. His adaptation of one of the most remarkable characters in fiction remains indelible and lives on, for generations of admirers of the Great Detective and his Doctor to discover and treasure. He will be deeply missed and his memory deservedly honored.
Edward Hardwicke was truly a brilliant Watson. Inheriting the excellent base left him by David Burke, Hardwicke created a Watson who was clever, brave and talented. He was a worthy and necessary partner to his Holmes, capable of saving lives (often their own), tackling villains when it was required (either with his rugby skills or his crack shot ability), and providing both fresh clues and a useful sounding board for his detective.
After decades of Watson's portrayal as a bumbling fool in the cultural consciousness, this was a breath of fresh air and so much truer to the source material, something Jeremy Brett valued highly. Later on in the series, when Brett's health was failing, Hardwicke stepped up even more. His Watson took on a larger role in their cases; he was more physical and involved. Edward Hardwicke took the role far beyond that of the simple loyal biographer Watson had been imagined to be for so long. His adaptation of one of the most remarkable characters in fiction remains indelible and lives on, for generations of admirers of the Great Detective and his Doctor to discover and treasure. He will be deeply missed and his memory deservedly honored.
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Tuesday, 17th May, 2011
Date: 2011-05-17 11:16 pm (UTC)