Dr. Watson, I presume

I thought I'd get things rolling by taking on what I think is one of the biggest misconceptions of mystery fiction.

Beginning in 1939, a series of Sherlock Holmes movies staring Basil Rathbone as Holmes and comedic actor Nigel Bruce as Watson were made. These movies are quite enjoyable and had sustaining popularity -- they still air frequently on television.

However, they portrayed Watson as absent-minded and bumbling. In the books by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he was anything but.

Keep in mind that Watson was a medical doctor though he may lack Holmes' insight and skills at observation. Watson was a veteran, having served in Afghanistan and was wounded in the line of duty. Often, Holmes would rely on Watson's moral character and his physical abilities. More than once, Holmes would exclaim, "Quickly Watson, get your service revolver!"

Watson was even instrumental in clearing up the mystery in the novel The Hounds of the Baskervilles, his intelligence earning the praise of the great detective himself.

One of my own observations is this. Sherlock Holmes has a great analytical mind and is keenly observant of his surroundings. However, he is not a "people person" and is not so keenly aware of the impact of emotions on our actions. That's where Watson comes to play. Having been a soldier and a medical doctor, he understands human emotions and how they affect us. He understands that people often react emotionally, something Holmes can't quite fathom. The pair play to each other's strengths, creating a team that cannot easily be beat.

Furthermore, a "Watson" has become an important writing tool in mystery fiction. Often, sidekicks are generically referred to as "Watsons" and novels are full of such pairings where an assistant or a minor character records the deeds of the detective and even assists in certain matters pertaining to solving the crime. The most notable is Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot, who is accompanied by Captain Arthur Hastings and Earl Derr Biggers creation, Charlie Chan and his sons, usually "son number 1." Even modern pairings, where the partner may be more active and less of an observer, such as Spencer and Hawk, Elvis Cole and Joe Pike and others, can trace their roots to Dr. Watson.

Indeed, the good doctor has earned his place in the mystery fiction hall of fame and not as a bumbling oaf as often portrayed in movies.