All Were Equally Puppets [SOLI]

This weekend was the Canonical Conclave in Indianapolis.  A great event.  The programming was top notch, a great discussion about scions, and lots of purposeful, built-in socialization.  I'm sure lots of great recaps will be up soon because this blog post will be about a much sillier part of the weekend: a conversation from Saturday night at a local bar.

As can always be counted upon, folks found a place to hang out after the official programming was over.  10 or 11 of had a freewheeling conversation that spent a significant amount of time on another topic I love: The Muppets.

It eventually led to which Muppets would best represent certain Sherlockians.  Did we solve all of the worlds problems.  Nah.  But we sure did have fun!  So here are the Muppets/Sherlockian pairings we came up with.

Miss Piggy :: Ashley Polasek

The Muppets are few and far between when it comes to their female characters.  But Miss Piggy has been a standout since she first appeared on The Muppet Show in 1974.  This blonde icon who commands a room and is well-versed in martial arts?  Only one Sherlockian could to toe-to-hoof with Piggy and Ashley Polasek fits that bill.  Piggy is tough, but my money would be on Ashley.

Kermit the Frog :: Curtis Armstrong

Kermit is mild-mannered while still being the most recognizable name in the troupe.  Can his voice raise to new heights when he gets excited?  Sure, but he always puts on a great performance.  Both Curtis and Kermit are born performers and Kermit knows how his performances should go.  Except for when it comes to Miss Piggy.  That diva calls the shots.  Plus, Curtis and Kermit both have the same beginning sound.  Kertis the Frog?  I'm still workshopping that part.

Gonzo the Great :: Max Magee

Gonzo is full of crazy ideas and wears outlandish shirts.  Sound like someone else in our hobby?  Gonzo has a good heart, but most people only recognize him as the guy with the funny-looking thing on his face.  (Re: Max's mustache)  He's also energetic and willing to try anything and can be called upon for an entertaining presentation.  I'm beginning to wonder if Max and Gonzo weren't separated at birth.

Rizzo the Rat :: Rudy Altergott

Rizzo is often seen paired up with Gonzo, and Rudy and Max were nigh-inseparable this weekend (except for the time when Rudy forgot he was our ride and had to come back for us, but that's a different story).  Rizzo's thick New Yawk accent might be the thickest of all Muppet accents, and if you've spent any time talking with Rudy, you know his own Chicago accent almost drips with deep dish pizza.  While not full of schemes like Rizzo, Rudy is bursting at the seams with ideas.

Fozzie Bear :: Paul Thomas Miller

Fozzie is the funny man of the Muppets, and I always describe Paul as the Monty Python of Sherlockiana.  Sure, some people don't appreciate Fozzie and Paul's humor, but both entertainers keep offering up more servings for those of us who enjoy their output.  And while I've never seen Paul in a porkpie hat or wiggle his ears, I wouldn't be surprised if he busted one of those out some day.  You'll just have to keep checking the Shingle of Southsea meeting notes.

Dr. Bunsen Honeydew :: Mike McSwiggin

A bald, round, baby face capped off with glasses.  I could be talking about either one!  Both work in the scientific fields, Bunsen with questionable science experiments, and Mike makes you question the pharmaceutical profession.  While I couldn't come up with a Sherlockian for Bunsen's assistant Beaker, Bunsen's draw to have a compatriot is seen in Mike.  Whether it's Ralph Hall, Frank Cho, or Monica Schmidt, you rarely see Mike without someone hanging out with him and possibly getting roped into his next project.

Dr. Teeth :: Bob Katz

This one doesn't make any sense, but it made me laugh when someone threw it out.  Just imagine Bob Katz in one of Dr. Teeth's outfits!  Really, the gravelly voice and the beard are the only things these two have in common.  But if we were ever able to make a Muppets version of a Sherlockian meeting, I can just hear Dr. Teeth saying, "All right you crazy cats and kittens, we all know that Arthur Conan Doyle had sixty stories and only six plots"

Floyd Pepper :: Steve Doyle

Floyd Pepper is the Beatles inspired, floppy haired bass player of the Electric Mayhem house band.  Steve Doyle is the floppy haired Beatles fan who played bass guitar in the AgTones.  Floyd is also in charge of Animal, the most volatile of all Muppets, and always knows how to calm the beast.  Steve is half of Wessex Press and publisher of The Baker Street Journal.  If being in charge of those publishing enterprises isn't like trying to control a wild animal, I don't know what is!

Janice :: Cindy Brown

Janice rounds out our casting of The Electric Mayhem band.  Her laid-back style and blonde hair really gave us the Cindy Brown vibe.  Cindy is probably one of the most easy-going people out there, not letting too much ruffle her and always happy to be engaged in every conversation you find her in.  While I don't know if Cindy is a guitar player like Janice, she routinely wrangles speakers for The Crew of the Barque Lone Star Zoom meetings, which is a talent all in itself.

Sweetums :: Christian Mongaard

Sweetums is the big, hairy Muppet that's actually as sweet as his name implies (as noted in his friendship with Kermit's little nephew, Robin).  Christian is a big guy with a big beard but I've always found him to be a wonderful guy and delightful to talk to.  Sweetums is often used to share the stage with Muppets guest stars and Christian's collection ideology is all about sharing.  

Sam Eagle :: Charles Prepolec

Sam tries to elevate Muppets performance by instilling some class to the productions and Charles Prepolec exudes class.  Sam is described by Wikipedia as being "known for his ultra-patriotism and disciplined manner of being."  And if you know Charles, he holds his government to high standards and has to be disciplined for all of the editing he has cranked out over the years.  And both of them are great at delivering punchlines with a straight face.  Yes, I know that Charles is Canadian, but just work with us on this one.

The Muppet Newsman :: Ira Matetsky

The Muppet Newsman is never seen outside of his suit and tie and will deliver information to us no matter that chaos.  Ira is Mr. Professional and has presented on many topics over the years, sometimes fending off peanut gallery comments from an audience.  It's pretty clear that the Newsman is intelligent and dedicated to his craft and Ira shows those qualities often as well.  Ira is well-versed in so many realms and his dedication to research is second-to-none.

So, there you have it.  If Muppets characters represented Sherlockians.  Hope this made you smile!

Interesting Interview: Stephen Fry

Stephen Fry is beloved around the world for roles in Jeeves and Wooster and the Hobbit films, narrating the Harry Potter series, and so much more.  But today, we are going to celebrate his connection to Sherlock Holmes.  Stephen has narrated Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection for Audible, played Mycroft Holmes in the second Robert Downey Jr. film, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, been a member of The Sherlock Holmes Society of London for decades, narrated the documentary, The Man Who Loved Sherlock Holmes, and won Celebrity Mastermind on BBC by answering questions about Sherlock Holmes.

Many times, Stephen has expressed his admiration for Holmes.  He has spoken about how Holmes's analytical mind and moral stances make him an ever-important figure in British literature.  A celebrated author himself, Stephen appreciates Arthur Conan Doyle's storytelling abilities.  He's said that it was the Holmes stories that turned him on to the power of storytelling and writing.  Many times in interviews, his love of Holmes will come up in discussion, and Stephen's warmth for the stories are infectious.  So imagine that that warm baritone of his as you read this week's Interesting Interview with Stephen Fry!

How do you define the word “Sherlockian”? 

As a noun, one who follows with enthusiasm and dedication the personality and achievements of the great Baker Street detective 

How did you become a Sherlockian? 

By reading the stories from an early age and being entirely captivated by them, the writing and the characters who people them.

What is your profession and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian? 

I am an actor, writer, broadcaster - that sort of thing. Which in no way militates against a contented Sherlockian life.

What is your favorite canonical story? 

Hm. Some days it’s "The Speckled Band", on others it’s "The Blue Carbuncle". But how can I not find time for "The Red-Headed League" or "Silver Blaze"? 

Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting? 

Mark Gatiss, but you’ve probably thought of him. Gyles Brandreth. Ditto.

What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you? 

The cultures and subcultures that the canon revealed for the first time to a Victorian public. The mafia, the corrupt unions, the Pinkerton agency, the Mormons, the Ku Klux Klan. 

When you played Mycroft Holmes in A Game of Shadows, how did you prepare for the role and were you allowed to share any insight on your character that made it to the screen? 

Well, Sherlockians will accept that the Guy Richie Holmes films are far from canonical. Nonetheless I was happy to try to convey some of Mycroft’s calm indolence and faint annoyance at ever being stirred. Also, I hit on the idea that he might call his brother, in a languid way, “Shirley” (probably spelt in both their minds “Sherly”).

Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection is very highly regarded among Sherlockians.  Do you have any behind the scenes stories that we would appreciate? 

Other than to confirm the depth of diligent, affectionate and scrupulous scholarship that went into these maervellous editions. Navigating a fine line between playing “The Game” and real literary care.

What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians? 

The Seven-Per-Cent Solution by Nicholas Meyer is a fine example of how the canon has been taken over the last hundred years. This is now quite the genre on its own. The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, Enola Holmes of course, and many other offshoots from the parent tree are worth attending to. Maybe write one yourself!? Also, I’d recommend the Adrian Conan Doyle and John Dickson Carr “Exploit” stories, the further adventures that pick up from the canonical hints (Cardinal Tosca, James Phillimore, Wilson the notorious canary trainer, the Camberwell poisoning case etc.)

Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now? 

Ever stronger. When the primary coloured synthetic fabric caped crusaders pale and turn lame, Holmes in his cape of high-class tweed only stands taller and greater. Because of what he represents. Not alien magical abilities, not impossible superpowers, but a clear incisive mind, focus and concentration, an ability to mix inductive and deductive reasoning, to blend rationality with empirical sense. A benign world view, but not one that is soppily or self-righteously pious. And how wondrously human he remains all the while. In our world of science denial and woowoo nonsense, oh how we need him.

221b Con Wrap Up

Another 221b Con is in the books. Although this year was only my second time attending the largest Sherlockian gathering in America, it’s impossible to not walk away from Con impressed with the whole thing. The intelligence, passion, and fun on display is like nothing I’ve ever seen at any other gathering. 

If you were on social media at any point over the weekend, I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of stuff so this post will just be a quick recap of my weekend in Atlanta.

As soon as you walk into the Marriott lobby, you are greeted by plenty of your fellow Sherlockians. My drive from southern Illinois to Atlanta took longer than planned, so I missed the first two panels of the weekend. 

The first panel of the weekend announced that 2025 would not be the final year of 221b Con as many had feared. Lots and lots of discussions and work have allowed con to continue under new management of Heather Hinson and Johanna Draper Carlson. 

Before I get into a detailed rundown, a quick mention about the dealer's room at 221b Con.  Wow!  So many unbelievably talented folks out there.  I bough books from Liese Sherwood Fabre and art from Kyndall Potts but could have easily blown more money there.  Belanger Books were selling for the first time this year and almost sold their entire stock.  There is quite a market for Sherlockian goods in Atlanta!

A panel on chronology of all things had a packed room and buzzing with all of the things that go with that topic.  Brad Keefauver and Chris Zordan had well over 50 younger Sherlockians debating questions that have been kicked around by many luminaries before them: Is Watson a reliable narrator?  How many times was he married?  How important is Moriarty?  For anyone who bemoans the future of Sherlockiana and younger people not coming to this hobby, I say pfui.  Go to Atlanta if you want to feel secure about the future of this hobby.

A break in the panels was made specifically for a swap out by the food truck.  Books, ribbons, books,  bracelets, books, and more were out for the masses and many people walked away with big smiles and full arms.

A big highlight of this con was a Q&A session with the creators of the Sherlock & Co. podcast, Joel Emery, and Adam Jarrell.  Moderator Jones did a great job of getting inside stories from the two guys from England while allowing for lots of fan interaction and questions.  Will Sherlock and John go to America soon?  Will A.J. Raffles show up?  You'll need to listen to future episodes to find out!

After all of that talk of new adaptations, it was time to delve back into the Canon.  A panel on Mycroft Holmes had a room that was so full that people were sitting on the floor!  Was Mycroft actually lazy?  Could he actually have been the younger of the Holmes brothers?  Why am I describing panels with so many questions?

Like so many Sherlockian events, though, 221b Con is all about the people.  The nights are great for  hanging out with people.  Whether its catching up with people for a few minutes or an extended group hang, the Atlanta Airport Marriott is made for socializing.

Saturday night is the dance at con.  Last year I was completely unprepared and ended up borrowing one of Max Magee's outfits. (I shared a room with him this year.  He has plenty of outrageous things to share.)  This year, I at least had a Christmas shirt to wear, which paled in comparison to some of the other getups on display.  But it didn't matter, everyone was having fun.  From watching Erica Fair live her best life on the dance floor to a late night cheese tasting with Beth Gallego and Madeline Quinones, the whole night was a blast!

And yes, I had a little too much fun Saturday night and woke up with a raging hangover on Sunday.  I made it to a panel on the importance of John Watson before attempting to eat lunch.  After lunch was Curtis Armstrong and Ashley Polasek taking a look at women in the Canon and how the stories would have been told from their points of view.  And how did that presentation end in a group dance?  All I can say is, that's how things go at 221b Con.

The final panel of the weekend was the traditional Last Bow where the organizers accepted feedback and looked for ways to improve.  As this was Crystal Noll and Heather Holloway's last year as con organizers, it had a bittersweet feel to it, but they along with their team has created a Sherlockian event that has to be experienced and is paving the way for Sherlockian conversations and scholarship in the years to come.

My family had arrived in Atlanta by this point for us to head to Florida for family vacation the following day, but I did have time for a free-wheeling Watsonian Weekly podcast recording (Madeline's look in this picture may give you a hint at how slaphappy some of us were at this point), and one more group hang before we all drifted back to our rooms before leaving.

I can not stress this enough: if you have never been to 221b Con, you are missing out.  The discourse I heard during panels is top notch.  The atmosphere is so laid back that you can pick and choose how and when you engage with other people.  And you won't find a larger group of Sherlockians together in one place.  There's no way to walk away from this event and not have a glow about the Sherlockian world.

Interesting Interview: Erica Fair

There's a good chance you've seen the name Erica Fair somewhere, and and even better chance that you'll see it plenty more in the future.  Erica is a Sherlockian who grabbed Sherlockiana by the horns in the past year and has taken every opportunity to explore, engage, and enjoy this hobby of ours.  (She even made a trip to Paul Thomas Miller's Sherloft!) 

Erica has written papers and given toasts.  She's helping with 221B Con.  She fenced with Ashley Polasek last month at Holmes, Doyle & Friends.  She's amassing more books than the foundation of her house can support.  And on top of all of that, you can feel the good vibes radiating off of her.  The smile you see in all of the pictures in this interview is how she looks at every Sherlockian event I've seen her at in the past year.  So, if you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Erica yet, get ready for someone who will make you feel good about the future of Sherlockiana!

How do you define the word “Sherlockian”?

Before 2024, I would have said, “A Sherlockian is an American academic who studies the Canon, as opposed to British scholars, who are Holmesians” (oh yes, I was a real joy at parties).  

Now that I’m active in the community though, I find that “Sherlockian” is a perfect term to describe the members of this playful, vibrant social group, no matter their individual origin or how they prefer to take their Holmes. To me, a Sherlockian is any Holmes enthusiast who doesn’t think it’s weird that I can recite “221B”, and in fact will probably join me.

How did you become a Sherlockian?

In seventh grade, I was assigned to read SPEC and SCAN, and I was immediately captivated by Holmes, buying my first copy of the Canon with my allowance at age 12.  I never lost my interest in the stories, but before I joined the Norwegian Explorers as an adult, I never really engaged much with others – put bluntly, I liked what I liked and didn’t especially care what anyone else thought. 

In early 2024 though, I was playing the Frogwares video games and it made me curious to watch some adaptations that I had previously ignored on principle.  Afterwards, I desperately wanted to talk to someone, so I reached out to some of the extroverted folks in my scion, and everything grew from there.  On their advice, I started joining Zoom meetings and writing for my scion’s publications, and fortuitously the Minnesota triennial conference was just a few months later, so I got to dive into the community head-first.  I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who encouraged me and gave me opportunities to get involved; in just over a year, my whole world has been completely transformed for the better.

What is your profession and does that affect how you enjoy being a Sherlockian?

I’m a state’s attorney, handling matters like criminal prosecution, civil commitments, and child protection. Although lots of trials means that my work schedule can get intense, I get to be in the courtroom almost every day, and I get to assist law enforcement behind the scenes with investigations, which is amazing. I actually see quite a lot of overlap between Holmes’ work and my own, especially when it comes to finding the facts on a case and determining what is justice, and I have several of his mottos posted throughout my office.

Despite working in law, my Sherlockian interests are primarily in science and medicine.  For a long time I had thought I was going to be a doctor, but high school chemistry broke me, and my fascination with Holmes led me to criminology and forensics instead. While I love my work and have never looked back, I still appreciate any opportunity to learn more about historical science.

What is your favorite canonical story? 

Every time I read the Canon, I find a new detail to appreciate! Traditionally DYIN has been my favorite due to the interplay of drama and medicine, but lately I’ve had a special fondness for REIG; I find there’s a lot of humor in this story if you can approach it as a comedy.  I also love any story that shows Holmes on the ropes, like WIST or NORW.  When the mask of unemotionality cracks, that glimpse of the desperate man underneath is captivating. And of course, since CREE was the focus of the first article and presentation I ever prepared, I’ll always have a special love for Presbury and Roy.

Who is a specific Sherlockian that you think others would find interesting?

This blog has already interviewed most of them, so great work! I would have to say Karen Ellery, my Sherlockian fairy godmother.  She’s a Norwegian Explorer of many years, an active founder of many specialty scions ranging from Legos to tea, and she’s the director of the Red-Throated League that recreates Edith Meiser’s radio productions.  She is also a spectacular friend, mentor, and connector who is one of the legitimately kindest people I’ve ever met.  She has singlehandedly done more to bring me into the Sherlockian world than any other person, and she deserves to be recognized.

I'd also make a pitch for Eric Deckers, who writes a great weekly humor blog called The Laughing Stalk.  By sheer coincidence, I was a subscriber to his blog for six months before I learned he was also a Sherlockian!  It's really incredible how giant and how tiny our community can be at the same time.

What subset of Sherlockiana really interests you?

With my special interest in medicine, Watson’s professional world fascinates me. Imagine being born into an age that doesn’t even have aspirin, yet by the time you retire, heart surgery is becoming normal. There was so much curiosity and so much rational optimism behind every new innovation, even in an age that had a number of serious problems.  I really admire the Victorian physicians, scientists, and patients who made it all possible, as well as the general history and culture of the Victorians and their world.

I also like exploring how Watson has been depicted over the decades. I enjoy seeing him grow stronger, smarter, and funnier over time, and I love that he’s finally getting his due as a nuanced, realistic character in his own right.

You seem to be in that exciting stage of Sherlockiana, where you want to get your hands on everything!  (I've seen your piles of swag and purchases...)  How is this ever-growing collection set up at your house?

I’ve always been a prolific reader, with about 400 books even before I dove into Sherlockiana, so shelf space is a lifelong battle!  I’m fortunate enough to have a very forgiving husband, plus a house with a large basement and a den with built-in shelves.  Presently my collection at home is in two parts: two large bookshelves if I think I’ll want access to an item within the next twelve months, and a massive sealed tote bin if I don’t. My work office is also full of Sherlockian books and décor, to the amusement of my colleagues.

Although I happily accept most items when I’m out and about, I’m actually somewhat picky about what I retain or for how long. I don’t want a book to fade away in my basement if realistically I’ll never read it again and it could be out bringing someone else happiness. Luckily I have plenty of hardcore collector friends who gratefully adopt anything I don’t need to keep forever.  When I do retain items, I prefer secondhand books and ex-library copies, since I know they’ve already had a good run and can now retire with me.

As someone who has jumped into Sherlockiana with a fervor, what advice do you have for fellow Sherlockians who may feel hesitant about engaging more with the hobby?

Ultimately, come in with enthusiasm and keep an open mind. There’s something to appreciate about even the cringiest story or adaptation (yes, even that one), and I guarantee that it brings happiness to someone you never expected.  Friendly discussions can lead to great ideas and to special connections that you could have never predicted.

Additionally, show gratitude and legitimate interest in others’ hard work, in whatever form it takes.  Praise someone for their presentation or ask them to sign a copy of their article.  Admire a collection or tell someone how much you enjoy their artwork.  Take a moment to thank those behind the scenes who produce podcasts, run scions, and organize conferences.  True appreciation goes a long way in starting conversations and creating new opportunities, and if you bring warmth and excitement into the community, you’ll receive it back tenfold.

Above all else, be kind, even when you’re passionate.  We play the game for the game’s own sake, and there’s no prize at the end for being right.  The ultimate test of inclusion isn’t whether you think Rathbone or Cumberbatch was the definitive Holmes*, but whether you enjoy the liveliness of good company and can share others’ wit, knowledge, and excitement for the characters and their adventures. 

What book would you recommend to other Sherlockians?

I have many!

·       For medical history, I recommend anything by Roy Porter or Lindsay Fitzharris, as well as Jennifer Wright’s Get Well Soon if you prefer a more lighthearted take.

·       For non-Holmes mystery fiction, I love Will Thomas’ Barker and Llewellyn series, starting with Some Danger Involved. I also enjoy Steve Hockensmith’s humorous Holmes on the Range series, about two cowboy brothers who read The Strand and attempt to solve their own local mysteries.

·       I don’t read many pastiches, but I grew up with The Resurrected Holmes, edited by Marvin Kaye, which is an anthology written in the styles of several famous 20th century authors. As a Minnesotan, I also love Larry Millett’s Sherlock Holmes and the Red Demon and its sequels.

·       And for general nonfiction, my favorite book of all time is probably A.J. Jacobs’ The Know It All.  It hilariously describes the author’s real-life attempt to read the Encyclopedia Britannica from cover to cover, with side effects like his wife charging him a dollar for each irrelevant fact he dropped into conversation.  I suspect that many of us (and our poor partners) can relate!

Where do you see Sherlockiana in 5 or 10 years from now?

Despite the floodgates of public domain, I don’t see the canonical character disappearing anytime soon.  For better or worse, there will always be people who are drawn to the story of a loner genius who finds pain relief in overwork and disconnection.  But I’ve often thought that the mark of maturity is when you stop admiring Holmes and start admiring Watson, and the community we have right now seems to be a near-perfect balance of those two forces.  As the century progresses, I’m sure there will be more waves of popular adaptations and strong opinions that accompany them, but as long as the human element shines through, Sherlockiana will continue to be a net positive to the community. The Victorians were rational optimists, and I am too.  

*Sorry for the trick question; the best Holmes is obviously Clive Merrison.