We walk into that one all the time. It’s a funny thing when a character for over 100 years has been saying, ‘I don’t do that at all.’ He’s been saying it over 100 years! He’s not interested in [sex]. He’s willfully staying away from that to keep his brain pure—a Victorian belief, that. But everyone wants to believe he’s gay. He’s not gay. He’s not straight. And Doctor Watson is very clear that he prefers women. People want to fantasize about it. It’s fine. But it’s not in the show.”
–Sherlock co-creator Steven Moffat setting the record straight once and for all with EW
Zodinsbrother
He’s right for once. Shame he didn’t realise that was equally true of the Doctor before he imposed the odious River Song on us.
Billy Budd
Of course Sherlock was gay. He impersonated women like a pro, liked to inject cocaine for fun (ok, this is not gay) and lived with another man under the same roof. What else do you need to make up your mind? Maybe his relationship with Watson was platonic, but it was certainly gay in its essence. Please watch the definitive interpretation of Sherlock in the series by the BBC with JEREMY BRETT. Brett, who was gay in real life, is the consumate Sherlock.
jwtraveler
For the millionth time, it doesn’t matter.
Large Marge
@jwtraveler: It does matter. He’s gay… just not acting on it.
jason smeds
The idea of refraining from sex in order to stay “pure” is an interesting one. It actually demonstrates willpower and strength of character if you can refuse to take part in sexual activity. It also is a direct repudiation of the gay community, a community which is built on a sex act.
doug105
@jason smeds: It’s light out, shouldn’t you be back under your rock?
Bruce Dillon
Not even on the Down Low?
(*;*()
onthemark
@Billy Budd: YES! I love, love, love the Jeremy Brett shows. They’re very faithful to the printed work, and fortunately they’re still played on many PBS stations in the US. He was the perfect Sherlock, and he did play the role in a slightly “gay” way that seemed exactly right to me. Btw, he said it was the toughest role he ever played (in a long career), and he was increasingly ill towards the end.
charlie_jackpot
@Billy Budd: It was an ITV series, still often repeated on the many digital drama channels
m1sf1t
“He’s not interested in [sex]” and “He’s willfully staying away from that to keep his brain pure…” can’t both be true at the same time. The latter contradicts the former. Even in fiction, the rules of logic and plausibility apply. Also, if the latter was true, that would still mean he has a sexual orientation.
jwtraveler
@Large Marge: No. He’s a fictional character. It’s irrelevant.
Ralph Jaeger
Moriarty though ……