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?

[Katy of Katydom]

This is what I think: there's the fangirl part of me that secretly hopes the two are gay, but the classic Sherlock Holmes purist part of me says, "NO. Never ever. Ever." That's my opinion, but whether a romantic relationship between the two could be pulled off, I'm not sure. I'd go with no. Even though Sherlock and John have a very close relationship (and who knows, maybe they are attracted to each other) I don't think it will lead to anything more than friendship.

[Jaspar Alianthia Lydrick]

Maybe. It would certainly be a rocky relationship at first, but I think they could pull it off.

[Eryn M]

 I have a feeling, if the fans really got what they wanted (that being Johnlock) they would actually be disappointed. For one, any slight tension between the characters would lose its appeal because they would already be in a relationship, thus leaving very little to look forward to. And also, if they're together it obviously isn't going to be like the fanfics that everyones been making because, even if it was like TV- MA i don't think they would be allowed to show it. Overall there would be no chance in it meeting the fan expectations. (I don't know why I spoke in 3rd person seeing as I am a fan but whatever)