Puncher: John Watson
Punchee: Sherlock HolmesMemorable Lines: ”I always hear ‘punch me in the face’ when you’re talking, but usually it’s subtext.”
Why it’s Awesome: Some people have faces that are just asking to be punched. Usually, however, this is not quite so…literal. John Watson has always been a good and a loyal - and, above all, long-suffering - friend, so when Sherlock asks him to punch him in the face (as part of a disguise), it’s kind of a win-win situation. He gets to be a good friend and help out with the detectoring and all, but also he gets to punch Sherlock in the face. All the catharsis and satisfaction of the face punch, none of the potential guilt and relationship strain of having hauled off and hit his best friend. Also, John and Sherlock’s relationship is rather more…belligerent in this particular adaptation than in many, and it’s immensely satisfying to see that belligerence come to a head in a humorous and consequence-free way like this. And it gives poor old Watson a lovely opportunity to vent his legitimate frustration and get it out of his system. Especially since, in general, he is too good a person to punch someone in the face simply because they have it coming.
Where to find it?: Sherlock, “A Scandal in Belgravia”
P.S.: Happy birthday to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!
