Over the years, some of the film industry’s most illustrious names have given life to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes on the screen. From Ian McKellen to Michael Cain, to Will Ferrell, many actors have embodied the iconic character in films and TV shows. However, Benedict Cumberbatch and Henry Cavill portrayed the most recent renditions of the famous detective in BBC’s Sherlock and Enola Holmes 2 and its prequel, respectively. Interestingly, both narratives take a few creative liberties and alter Doyle’s original story.

While Sherlock was a modern retelling of the popular Sherlock Holmes cases, the Enola Holmes films are based on The Enola Holmes Mystery Series penned by author Nancy Springer. While they are still set in the same era as Conan Doyle’s books, the story has the youngest of the Holmes sibling, Enola, at the forefront. Conversely, the books and the film relegate Sherlock to a supporting character. Having said that, there is one common thread between the two universes and it is hilarious.

What is the running gag connecting BBC’s Sherlock to Enola Holmes 2?

As Enola Holmes was the first film in Netflix’s detective franchise, it had to set up a new world and the characters within it. Perhaps that is why the flick could not explore every character arc sufficiently. However, with the already-established universe in Enola Holmes 2, the filmmakers could flesh out even the supporting narratives and roles. One big example of this was Henry Cavill‘s Sherlock.

In the first film, Cavill barely had any screen time. Moreover, his role was more of a plot device to further Enola’s narrative. However, in the sequel, the creators could bring in more of Sherlock Holmes’ personality, including his quirks and eccentricities. In fact, Cavill’s Sherlock even made a nod to Cumberbatch’s rendition, by not remembering Inspector Lestrade’s first name. If you remember, in the BBC TV series, actor Rupert Graves played the memorable inspector. Well, clearly not-so-memorable for Cumberbatch’s Sherlock.

The venerable detective addressed Lestrade with countless versions of his name. From Graham to Giles to Gavin, Sherlock called him everything but his actual name, Greg. In Enola Holmes 2, Cavill’s Sherlock displays the same indifference towards this world’s Lestrade. When the inspector asks if he could call the famous detective by his first name, Sherlock gives him the silent treatment. In the same scene, the inspector reveals his own first name to be Greydon and even drones on about its backstory.

It seemed like Lestrade’s feeble yet failed attempt to get Sherlock to remember his name. Based on Cavill’s disinterest in the whole conversation, there was no way the detective would ever correctly remember his name. Fun fact: This is a direct reference to Sir Author Conan Doyle’s books. In the books, the inspector is always mentioned as G. Lestrade and his first name was never disclosed.

What do you think of this delightful commonality between the two universes? Let us know in the comments. In the meantime, you can watch Enola Holmes 2 streaming on Netflix.