Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for Enola Holmes 2.

Sherlock Holmes was probably one of the first literary characters to introduce the concept of the “Mad Genius”. A boon of a brilliant mind often brings along other shortcomings with it which, in turn, become the bane of its existence. In the same way, Sherlock’s character was a cerebral being; intellectually skillful and rational to a fault. However, his emotional quotient was so weak that it was almost non-existent. As he so articulately described,

“But love is an emotional thing, and whatever is emotional is opposed to that true cold reason which I place above all things.“- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, ‘The Sign Of Four’

Having said that, in Netflix’s Enola Holmes films, especially Enola Holmes 2, we see a slightly altered version of Sherlock played by Henry Cavill. While he is still a brilliant detective, he is aware of his shortcomings. He even advises his sister Enola to not end up like him. So much so that the movie subtly conveys how Millie Bobby Brown’s character will actually be her own person and not end up like her older brother.

Enola Holmes 2 manifests how Enola will not walk in Sherlock’s footsteps

As the name suggests, the Enola Holmes film chronicles the youngest of the Holmes siblings, Enola. Ever since Millie Bobby Brown’s character comes on screen, the word “alone” is a constant throughout the movie. Since it is also her name spelled backward, the film foreshadows, from the very beginning, that Enola might end up alone. Moreover, she is also completely in awe of her elder brother Sherlock and aspires to be like him. Considering she definitely has detective skills and the gift of deduction like her brother, it seems like she is following the same path; at least in the first film.

However, with the sequel, the better fleshed-out characters, we observe the subtle differences between the detective siblings. While Sherlock only relies on logic and rationale, Enola is emotionally sound. Even so, she is often conflicted about her childhood lessons and the idea of being alone ingrained deep in her mind.

Nevertheless, she soon realizes that her emotions drive her. This is clearly apparent through her equation with Tewkesbury. Granted, she keeps her feeling for him at bay through the first half, but she is also the one who initiates the kiss. This action was proof that she was no longer afraid to embrace her sentimental side and give love a chance. 

https://youtu.be/uSWa21m14IQ

Moreover, Enola also attempted to nudge Sherlock in the same direction. She is aware love is a big leap for her emotionally unavailable brother, so she takes baby steps. In the post-credit scene, she sent Dr. Watson to 221 B Baker Street in order to spark camaraderie and friendship between them. This clearly shows that Sherlock’s fear of Enola ending up like him will not come true. She will be different and she will be better.

What are your thoughts on the Sherlock and Enola arc in the franchise? Let us know in the comments. In the meantime, you can watch Enola Holmes 2 on Netflix.