Could BBC actually pull off a romantic relationship between Watson and Sherlock?

[Carissa A]

Okay so here me out. You've probably seen this conversation before, and I know many "true" fans will write me off as a senseless fangirl for this, but I've been giving it a lot of thought lately. I really think that BBC has created a version of Sherlock and Watson that could diverge from the classic while still staying in character. Care to read my thoughts?

 Since the first episode, the concept of homosexuality is brought forward. It resurfaces throughout almost every episode. So why put such an emphasis on this? It's way more than the occasional joke. It poses questions about the easily crossed lines  of friendship and romance. Think about it, if you only have one significant person in your life, then that person is either classified as your friend or your lover. The difference being, of course, that you'd be attracted to said person if they were your lover. But Sherlock isn't attracted to anyone... or is he?

In the first few episodes, we are introduced to the typical Sherlock. Aloof, brilliant, but totally careless   to the thoughts and feelings of others. He tolerates Watson because he enjoys the company of someone who can actually stand and even admire him. But as the show progresses, Watson becomes the exception to Sherlock's rule.

So that by the end of the first season (ep 3), Watson becomes frustrated with Sherlock's lack of interest in the well being of others. But in the episode, suddenly Watson is the life in danger instead of an unlucky stranger. This is the point, I think, when Sherlock comes to terms with the fact that he does have an actually attachment, a close friend, for the first time. (which i know, doesn't differ from the books, but i'm getting there) 

In the first episode of season 2, Sherlock is still struggling with the concept of opening up to people. With Irene, he begins to discover that he can't ignore his, erm, physically needs as a man. This parts a little hard to explain, but I almost feel like when he questions the use of "caring" for others, he means in ALL of his relationships. If you notice, in this episode all of his loved ones are threatened. But he begins to realize that he can't detach himself easily anymore. This opens the gate to the possibility of a relationship, but not just with Irene. Although I think he's attracted and admires her, he can easily live without her where as Sherlock has an obviously deep connection with Watson. (wink wink, nudge nudge) In all seriousness, the concept of physical and emotional dependency is, through out the entire series, more of a question that is raised by his relationship with John but merely personified with Irene. 

Anyhoo, in season 2 episode 2, Sherlock is still struggling with this concept. When he's in a frenzied state of mind, he tries to go back to his comfort zone by telling Watson that he doesn't have friends.  I think this shows how difficult and slow the shift is, how the classic Sherlock has some gradual character development that could allow him to seek a relationship while still being, well, Sherlock.

Lastly in the final episode, this character development is brought into the most drastic display. Originally, Sherlock cares only about his work and his ability to prove to himself and to others that he WINS when he's on the case. Yet, in the episode, even though he outsmarts Moriarty, he stills takes the fall (pun slightly intended) and ruins his name for the sake of his friends. John, the man who came to his mind instantly, was put before any other person or concept. Sherlock was in tears (he knew he wasn't going to die at this point) on the roof because of the realization that he a Watson would be quite tragically parted. 

So basically, BBC has allowed Sherlock to go through believable changes throughout the show. When he comes to terms with the fact that he actually cares for people (and, to a lesser extant, is attracted to them) it is no longer out of character for Sherlock to have romantic feelings for Watson. After all, he was always a little disapproving of  Watson's girlfriends and vice versa. 

 Okay, i just had to throw that out there. If you actually read to the end, thoughts?

[Yasmin]

I think there is a possibility or either Sherlock or John developing an attraction (perhaps even both), but I doubt they would end up in a relationship, especially after Reichenbach Fall as John seems to be very set in his view of himself being straight and Sherlock would be too afraid of a romantic relationship putting John in more danger from people like Moriarty than if they were just friends. Also I don't think the BBC would want to cross that boundary in case it drove viewers away.

[Laura Elizabeth Campbell]

As to your last point, I don't think fear of driving away viewers would keep BBC from doing it. There are enough supporters that I doubt it would hurt their ratings. (At least, I would hope- call me an idealist.)

[Marz Ars]

I would agree that even if one or both of them ever developed romantic feeling for one another, they would be too awkward about it to ever enter into a romantic relationship. As far as BBC is concerned, I think Moffat would probably find a way around them if he was ever determined to put Sherlock and Watson into a relationship. He's already made half the characters on Doctor Who bisexual (in interviews he's stated that the Doctor and River are bi), not to mention Torchwood.

[Sunny]

You never know with Moffat really. I could honestly picture it going either way. However I'm leaning towards a friendship. Throwing romance into their relationship would change the dynamics of their crime-solving and the way they live together. I'm not sure how things would logistically work out. Either way their soul mates- platonic, romantic, or anything else- they're a great pair. They're just too cute together!

[Tom Coutts]

I agree it would defiantly affect the dynamics of the crime solving but it would add another dimension to the show if their relationship was more romantic and would be a good plot development 

[Katie Wegmann]

Your comments about Sherlock's evolving attitude towards relationships convinced me that romance is the natural next step. However, I doubt that an actual relationship will happen.
Even though Sherlock currently considers Watson a friend, he still has major issues with expressing his emotions, and other social-y things. Instead of simply *telling* John, he would probably go through the following steps:
1. Figuring out exactly what it is that he is feeling
2. Serious denial
3. Extreme awkwardness around John
4. Avoidance of John
Actually, I don't think Sherlock would ever really say anything. We'd probably see more shots of Benedict Cumberbatch puppy eyes though.

[Ella McLoughlin]

I think, if done correctly, it would work.

[Isobel Talya]

I think it could go either way honestly, and in the end, it's the decision of the people who make the show isn't it? But I think that it is feasible. It just has to be done correctly.

[Leah Cherie Rowbotham]

I don't think a relationship between John and Sherlock would disrupt the viewing rate cause lets face it, how many people support Johnlock and how many support Irene and Sherlock in a relationship? I think he is attracted to her but doesn't want a relationship because he can't trust her and probably doesn't see a future between them although I do think that he might not be able to see a physical relationship with John, I think they would have a relationship that would be considered love but above showing it physically and be deeper

[Jhanii Allii]

I agree with what you're saying and I can see where all the "Johnlock" has come from but I personally think that Sherlock is TOO dependant on John. Their relationship isn't so much intense or passionate its just....I don't know, it's just something else entirely and for that reason I don't think they'd EVER end up in a romantic relationship. Plus, if BBC did go down that route it would be way too weird because of all the shipping and requests for it. People go away and spend HOURS making all the Johnlock stuff. They use their imaginations and make up all these stories even though they know its not going to happen but they like the idea that it could. So if BBC made it happen it would lose the possibility of happening because it would actually be happening and it would never live up to everyones dreams, wishes blah blah blah. (If that makes sense?) And, just to put the icing on the cake, if BBC were going to put Sherlock in a relationship I'd be SERIOUSLY disappointed if it wasn't with Irene! What can I say? ADLERLOCK FTW! :D

[Jace Holmes]

I love Johnlock out of canon, like fanfics and such, but I don't think that Sherlock could ever really manage a romantic relationship properly. I think it's a miracle that he loves John the way he does now--as a friend.

[Jamie Jones]

I've thought for this for awhile (I think the thought started forming during their first dinner in ASiP and burst into full bloom during Baskerville), and I'm honestly of the opinion that it could be feasible. I mean, the closer-than-close friendship angle works fine and there's nothing wrong with Gatiss and Moffat keeping their relationship within those bounds, but I don't think it would be an enormous leap for John and Sherlock to at least begin to question the terms of their relationship. I think it would make for an interesting series three, certainly. Even if they didn't ultimately wind up together in a romantic sense, exploring that option wouldn't be outside the realm of possibility. Especially on the cusp of a heartfelt reunion like the one that will in all likelihood open series three. Moffat's mentioned John getting married and the way his marriage affects his relationship with John, though, so unless they're planning on having John and Sherlock have an affair or just heaping on the UST, I don't see it happening.