Sidekicks Megapoll: Round 5: Dr John Watson vs Beaker

[Zeener Diode]

Dr John Watson



Watson has been described in the novels as being, at times:

• (after returning from Afghanistan) "as thin as a lath and as brown as a nut" (A Study in Scarlet)
• "strongly built, of a stature either average or slightly above average, with a thick, strong neck and a small mustache" (The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton)
• "...a heavily built, elderly man with a grey mustache..." (His Last Bow)

Beaker



Beaker has also appeared as a musical performer, singing "Danny Boy", "Carol of the Bells", and "Habanera" with the Swedish Chef and Animal, and "Feelings" and "Dust in the Wind" solo. He also sang "Ode to Joy" with his clones who were accidentally formed by Honeydew's copying machine. In the 2011 film The Muppets, Beaker sang a comedic a cappella version of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" as part of a barbershop quartet with Sam the Eagle, Rowlf the Dog and Link Hogthrob.

[What Exit?]

I would vote for Beaker over many, but not Dr. Watson.

[JackieLikesVariety]

it's very hard to vote against Beaker but I think I have to.

[TroutMan]

I just watched Beaker singing "Danny Boy" and something vaguely related to "Smells Like Teen Spirit". I had forgotten how versatile he is. He's not just a lab rat, he's so much more.

[What Exit?]

I really like Beaker, but how is he ahead of Watson.

[TroutMan]

I only know Watson from the books, and it's been a long time. But in my recollection, Watson serves primarily as a sidekick for the sake of the narrative. He didn't really help Holmes so much as provide a means for exposition. Once Holmes has cracked the case, he can explain to Watson (and the reader) how he did it.

Am I not remembering all the actual help he provided?

[JackieLikesVariety]

tie score!

[What Exit?]

Originally Posted by TroutMan

I only know Watson from the books, and it's been a long time. But in my recollection, Watson serves primarily as a sidekick for the sake of the narrative. He didn't really help Holmes so much as provide a means for exposition. Once Holmes has cracked the case, he can explain to Watson (and the reader) how he did it.

Am I not remembering all the actual help he provided?

Watson provided medical knowledge fairly often. He looked after Holmes to some degree when they were roommates and most importantly was the chronicler of Sherlock Holmes.

In A Study in Scarlet, Watson is so incensed by Scotland Yard claiming full credit for its solution that he exclaims: "Your merits should be publicly recognized. You should publish an account of the case. If you won't, I will for you". Holmes suavely responds: "You may do what you like, Doctor". Therefore, the story is presented as "a reprint from the reminiscences of John H. Watson"

I'm trying to determine if Watson helped Holmes break his cocaine addiction in the books, but he did in some of the movies at least. In some movies, Opium.

Minor note: Watson has been played by more actors than any other sidekick.

[mjmlabs]

Don't forget Watson's frequent role as "stout ally with firearm," albeit almost entirely precautionary.

[JackieLikesVariety]

it's tied again! this one is a squeaker! a Beaker Squeaker!

[Borborygmi]

Now that I've voted, it's looking bleaker for Beaker. I just think he's weaker.

[NAF1138]

Watson getting bounced would be as sad as Robin not making it to the final 4


Wait a second..

[SisterCoyote]