What is your opinion on Sherlock fanfiction / different adaptations that change characters dramatically

[Dana]

How much do you think people should stay true to the original canon? I'm thinking of modern adaptations like Elementary with John as a woman, as well as previous rumors that BBC Sherlock's John and Sherlock would be romantically involved. Is there a line that people can cross that will ruin the story, and if so what is it?

[Bruce]

I enjoyed the Last Sherlock Holmes Story by Michael Dibdin, in which there's a certain twist with the Holmes character, but it established that everything previous to that case was as in the canon. I'm not as much a fan of Holmes in modern settings in films. I enjoyed most of the Holmes films made in 30's and previous which were set when they were made, but I was more turned off by the Rathbone films set in the 40's and Sherlock and Elementary. I still enjoyed them, but I prefer Holmes set in his correct time and portrayed by actors closer to his age, or more particularly, Watson as there's the marriage element involved. I thought this was a major problem with the Brett series, which most "purists" seem to be fine with. Most of my favorite film and tv adaptations are from the 50's-70's and the Robert Downey Jr/Jude Law films for this reason. In answer to your question, I think there's a certain line where it becomes less canon, but still good as a twist or alternate interpretation.

Doyle also said it best when he replied to William Gillette on the latter's play, "you can marry him, kill him, or whatever you like with him."