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Watched the second episode of Russia's Sherlock Holmes and it nearly killed me by its SQUEE-factor. Listening to a fanmade video that of all things does have TETRIS-music to go with the pictures makes me quite giggly and bouncy. xDD Für die Interessierten... xD (please try to imagine my face during the scene in the cab XD). Well... we just decided to go out so that I have to get ready (read: make-up, clothes, money, keys...) and should probably leave my throne of eternal bliss...
Oh, the children at school today were pretty nice and intelligent, I managed to get on with the simple past/present perfect/past progressive and I think they might have even understood what I was talking about. XD

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Kinder die intellient sind?
Das war sicherlich eine Parallelwelt!

Ich glaub auch. Heute hat sich das auch wieder bestätigt:
"Yesterday ist ein Signalwort für das simple past, habt ihr das verstanden?"
"Aber klar!"
*5min später*
"Yesterday I have played with my friends."
*headdesk der Unendlichkeit*

It never stops to amuse me, how the cab scene makes people so excited. Well, the main explanation is that a Victorian gentleman would never offer his shoulder as a pillow to another gentleman. But the situation is quite simple – there was no another way to fix a person with an injured head, in a steady position. And Holmes, being a Victorian to his bones, might understand very well Watson’s condition; sure he had received a couple of knockdowns in his boxing experience.
Anyway, am glad you like the Russian series

Welcome to my Journal and it's so unfortunate that you answered anonymously since I am truly curious as to who you are? =D (oh and should you happen to be on my friendslist already and should I have just failed to recognize you, please keep in mind that it is half past two in the morning right now and that my powers of deduction aren't quite as reliable as those of Mister Sherlock Holmes).

And yes, I was aware that Watson's injury was the only reason for him to allow himself to rest on Holmes's shoulder in this position but... aww reality can be so boring sometimes! xD Anyway there are a ton of other moments featured between those two who might be a wee bit too intimate for Victorian likings (in "The Master Blackmailer" for example where Holmes can think of no other way to calm Watson than touching his hand reassuringly xD).
I must admit - to my utmost disgrace - that I am still trying to grasp the Holmes-fandom in all its depth and glory having only recently been convinced of its awesomeness by the new Ritchie-movie (as tons of others I assume xD) but I must say that other versions will have a hard time to surpass Livanov and Solomin. ;-) Clive Merrison and Michael Williams are doing a fairly good job right now, nevertheless, but it's always nice to have pictures to go with the action. =)
Nonetheless I shall stay tuned for the Granada Series that are on the top of my "to-watch"-list. =D
Thanks again for your comment!

I’m on no one’s friend-list, just a passer-by from Russia who was truly surprised to discover this year that people abroad watch the soviet version of SH&DW. It’s very interesting to see the things from another point of view, though it might be very confusing, like in the case with the cab-scene. Or Watson drawing pics of Holmes in his notebook. I’ve always been sure he was sketching the illustrations for the future book while people squeak in delight about him “doodling” SH. Sometimes I don’t understand whether people are serious or just enjoy the double-meaning they see in the series (I see nothing of that kind at all).
The scene from “The King of Blackmail” (sorry, I’m most comfortable with the Russian titles) seems only natural for me. Holmes was trying to be diplomatic and win time and Watson’s emotional outburst could ruin everything, because not only Milverton believed to be righteous but also he was ready to react violently at any sign of danger to his self. The quick touch shut Watson up effectively and immediately.
Oh, and please, delete my double comment.

just a passer-by from Russia
Well then hello again! =D It is very interesting to see that a fandom can bring people from all over the world together. ^_^
I’ve always been sure he was sketching the illustrations for the future book
I think that is one of the best features of this version, as you can look at it either way and you will find nothing that contradicts a romantic relationship between those two (at least not until Mary appears that is ;-) ) if that is your cup of tea but no matter which point of view you choose, you never miss the great trust and attachment, Holmes and Watson share, whether it be romantic or in the means of a deep, unconditional friendship.
whether people are serious or just enjoy the double-meaning they see
To my mind, both of these opinions exist: some think that the sexual innuendo was placed there intentionally (an opinion that I cannot share) and others just have fun searching for those looks and touches and are happy to play out some romantic fantasies in their minds. Livanov and Solomin portray in-depth-characters; they are human beings of high nobility and honour, two true goodhearted men, so I can absolutely understand when people wish to see these two together - even in a sexual relationship. The lovely bond they share and never fail to mention and underline in the episodes as well as the tons of emotions put into it by the actors would be put to waste if there weren’t any attempts as to put their relationship on other levels exploring it even further, be it through publicly accessible fanfiction/fanart or through silently played out scenarios in one’s mind.
The scene from “The King of Blackmail” (sorry, I’m most comfortable with the Russian titles) seems only natural for me.
(No problem but since I only have access to a not so legal copy with subtitles I stick to the titles given in them. Nevertheless I think we understand each other. =D)
Well, point taken. I must admit that I am very much in favour of a romantic relationship between those two (although my search for evidence on this matter is always accomplished by a giggly smile as I know that my imagination constantly goes over the top when I want to see something) so that my view on some matters and scenes might be a bit biased. That put aside, I can follow your chain of thoughts and I am ready to admit that your explanation is also logical and easy to understand ( I say “also” due to the fact that the explanation involving slash can be understood just as well). It depends – as it does so often – on the point of view one chooses to take. =)

"...I only have access to a not so legal copy.."
That’s sad, I have a weak hope to visit Berlin soon and want to pay a visit to Kulturkaufhaus. Would love to buy this series with German dubbing.
Perhaps the original story holds some indication to homo-relationship (for those who are the experts in Victorian era, I’m not one of them), the soviet version certainly doesn’t. Yet, the body language, natural to a Russian, might signify a different meaning to a foreigner. I see only friendship between SH and DW, maybe because it were Livanov and Solomin who introduced the London duo to me. Russian and slash do not mix; so any mention of “slashy Russian series” makes me laugh. Though I’m a slasher myself.
By the way, you’ve made a very interesting and justifying point about Lestrade, that he’s just a man struggling to confirm his right to be an Inspector of Scotland Yard. I might now look at him from another side; he’d been a kind of clown to me. And yes, his sympathy to Watson speaks a volume of Watson’ personality; though it was Watson who started to make sarcastic remarks at their first meeting, showing his disrespect, no matter how well-mannered he sounded.
The thing I disagree with you about, is that Watson is stupid (even a little bit). I think he’s none of that; of course, in comparison with Holmes, he doesn’t appear sharp-minded but who would? In the “Acquaintance”, when Watson becomes sad at the thought, that people would care for their business only, Holmes says: “Maybe, I’m the only one of this kind”. Watson is a medic and a writer, he sees the world with the different eyes and this can be that bond that keeps them together. Have to admit, I’ve not seen many foreign versions of SH; after Vitaly Solomin the other Watsons seem a bit wooden to me, especially in the Rathbone version (Nigel Bruce’s too old as well).

pay a visit to Kulturkaufhaus… Would love to buy this series with German dubbing.

I just searched the online shop and came up with nothing, but I found the entire series on DVD on amazon.de – with English subtitles of course. ;-) Concerning the German dubbing I am quite skeptical. On the one hand it would come in pretty handy for me at last as I could fully concentrate on the acting without having to read the subtitles but on the other hand I fear that I would miss the voices too much: Especially Livanov’s laughter cannot be transported into any other language, I fear. Looking at the beginning of “The Hound of the Baskervilles” for example I find his happiness is very authentic and amazingly well enacted! I am not sure any kind of dubbing could pay enough tribute to this sort of acting. =)

The thing I disagree with you about, is that Watson is stupid (even a little bit).

Touché. I admit that “stupid” is too harsh a word, especially since the Russian TV-version is fairly old (as Brett/Hardwicke first started in 1983) and tries to pay respect to the only earlier versions being I think the ones with Rathbone/Bruce and Cushing/Stock (from the 1940ties and 1970ties or somewhat around that time). In these versions Watson was indeed more “stupid” than the audience I think – wooden being the right word. So, Solomin sadly had to act foolishly sometimes: the disguise in “Hunt for the Tiger” was just really silly because it was left totally unexplained and the failed attempt at burglary in “The King of Blackmail” was only less embarrassing because Holmes admitted that he himself was no good at criminal activities. I can understand that they might have attempted to make Watson even more human than Solomin already portrayed him by having him fail at some tasks appointed to him but it came across foolish and awkward sometimes, at least to my eyes.

when Watson becomes sad at the thought, that people would care for their business only, Holmes says: “Maybe, I’m the only one of this kind”

One of the most beautiful quotations and I daresay that “Acquaintance” might be my favourite episode due to the scene in Watson’s room alone. Their dialogue is marked by curiosity as well as immediate mutual attraction and works perfectly as an introduction to both characters: It focuses on Holmes’ playfulness and serene but strictly logical way of thinking and on Watson being able to deeply care about human beings.

though it was Watson who started to make sarcastic remarks at their first meeting,

To Watson’s defense I would like to say that he makes up his mind quickly. So after having come to terms with Holmes only some time before, he simply cannot stand Lestrade’s treatment of his newly won friend and answers rudely in an attempt to defend Holmes. But later on he grows eventually nicer. I am of the opinion that this is due to the scene with Toby the dog, as Watson might acknowledge that a man touched by the death of an animal cannot be completely despicable. Yeah, that might be a bit far fetched but Watson is caring enough to think like this. Another scene would be in the third episode, where Watson comments on Lestrade's mercy: although the Inspector saw the shoe in the fire he doesn't pressure our heroes making him quite less of a fool in Watson's opinion.

I’ve seen a few films with German dubbing (LoTR, Brother Cadfael series, 13th Warrior); quite impressive at the quality. Yes, Livanov ‘s voice is unique and hard to imitate, still it would be a nice training aid for me.
Watson’s disguise serves for the comical part of the film, as the whole series is a comedy. And at the same time it’s sad because shows how desperate Watson feels. He tries to protect Adar by all means, but pretence is not his strongest side. Indeed, one must possess a talent to perform in disguise; Watson doesn’t possess it. He tries hard to fulfill his friend’s last will and these attempts to act like Holmes only put an emphasis on how lost he is; his final failure only saddens the situation. In my eyes.

Yet, the body language, natural to a Russian, might signify a different meaning to a foreigner. I see only friendship between SH and DW, maybe because it were Livanov and Solomin who introduced the London duo to me. Russian and slash do not mix; so any mention of “slashy Russian series” makes me laugh. Though I’m a slasher myself.

Now that is the most interesting point in your comment and I am totally curious as to be enlightened on this special subject.
At first however I would like to ask what kind of fandom you prefer, in terms of pairings in general and in terms of slash especially! =) Then I have to admit that my knowledge of Russian tvshows or even movies is practically non-existent – “Nochnoi Dozor” being the only one I can think off. That being said I will just blatantly ask Why? as a reaction to this statement of yours: Russian and slash do not mix. I am immensely thrilled to read your explanation on this particular matter. Is the body language really that different? My experience concerning slash or the depiction of romantic relationships comes from German, English, American and Japanese tv and I think that the level of touching and the occasions on which Watson and Holmes stand very close to each other would be considered as “slashy” in any of these countries, so I am inclined to know why you would think so differently? =)

The same gestures or poses can be read differently. I’m not an expert though. For me, Watson and Holmes’s touching or close standing bears nothing sexual. Nothing at all. I see only friendship, a bit more possessive from Holmes’s side but it’s understandable. He’s a born loner and a chance for him to find someone he could befriend is one in a million.
Maybe, my soviet upbringing plays its part; two men standing close indicate that they are comfortable about each other – by means of friendship or kinship. I can see Watson and Holmes as brothers (and that’s my envision of them) and never – as lovers. When they walk or stand close to each other, I can imagine them fighting shoulder to shoulder on a battlefield. But imagine two of them in one bed – that’s a violation of the characters. I can easily accept that Holmes remained celibate through his life and never accept him lusting after Watson.
Also, here in Russia, to say to a straight man he looks or acts like a gay is a grave offence. Thinking such a thing of the actors who are straight and the characters depicted by them (who are straight too) is a mute offence. That’s how I feel. However, the slashy interpretations from the foreign fans make me grunt with laughter. It’s in the culture and doesn’t bear a negative meaning; as long as people understand that the slashy moments in the soviet series are just a side-effect of cultural difference, it’s fine by me. I bristled up only once, at the remark that Soviets packed so much gayness in the series. The Soviets packed friendship in. Alles.
Hope, my babbling makes some sense.
As for the fandoms, The Lord of The Rings was my most favourite one. Love every character, except elves perhaps. They are so perfect in the book, that they are boring. But speaking of slashy pairings, there was none. The only fic I admired and could even accept as a probable part of the original was «From the other river bank”. It’s Boromir/Faramir story. The innocent one, mind you.
This fandom gave me a great mental kick; me and my friend started to write slash stories but we borrowed only the world; the characters were original.
Another fandom, I repent, was rock music RPS stories. That was something raging, ahem.

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part two!

Re: part two!