Oh the fun meme of "It could never be canon"

[deelaundry]

There was a tweet by Ian Hallard, husband of Mark Gatiss, expressing incredulity about a Sherlock/John romantic relationship happening in canon for Sherlock BBC.

"OK, I get that some people like to fantasise about Sherlock & John as a couple but no one seriously thinks it will actually happen,do they?!" --Ian Hallard

He later apparently expanded on his comment, pointing out that the two characters identify on the show as heterosexual (true) and asexual (not really, Sherlock identified as "married to his work," which could mean asexual or could mean aromantic or could mean not currently pursuing relationships while still having a sexual and/or romantic identity).

Does Ian not watch the show? He's an actor, so I would assume he has some skill at analyzing text, but maybe not.

Here is a huge clue that within this show's canon, the stated sexuality of the characters does not necessarily indicate every kind of attraction they experience: Irene Adler, so singular in ACD canon as to be called "The Woman," falls for BBC Sherlock despite being gay. So if Irene's attraction to women does not preclude her from falling for Sherlock, why is it "fantasy" to assume John's attraction to women doesn't have to preclude him from falling for Sherlock?

And as for Sherlock's sexuality, I will refer you to John's take on it: "Who the hell knows about Sherlock Holmes." (Episode 2-1, "Scandal in Belgravia")

Comments

[taiga13]

I thought the same as you about Irene Adler, she even spelled it out clearly. John is exasperated when she thinks he's in love with Sherlock and says "I'm not gay" and she says "whereas I am". Translation: you don't have to be gay to fall in love with Sherlock Holmes, John. I do think Sherlock is asexual, though, and definitely aromantic (is that a word? I keep reading it as aromatic).

[deelaundry]

"Aromantic" is indeed a word. It clarifies the distinction between romantic interest and sexual interest. (I do wonder as well if Sherlock is aromatic or scent-free :)

[taiga13]

He would smell look damp wool and those nicotine patches :) I can't wait until the next season.