Sidekicks: The Other Half of Great Detective Relationships
An Unexpected Perspective
When investigating the murder of Sir Reginald Cosworth, Holmes and Watson found themselves spending a night in a public campground. They retired to their tent around midnight, and at 4 a.m., Holmes shook Watson awake.
"Dr. Watson, tell me what you see and what it means to you."
More asleep than awake, Watson squinted at the night sky. "First, I see the wonder of countless stars above us, a reminder of our small place in this vast universe. Secondly, I see the sliver of the moon, connecting us to the grandeur of our solar system. And thirdly, I see our campsite, a small community bound together in this thing called camping. But why do you ask, Holmes?"
"Ah, my learned doctor," Holmes replied, "while your observations are thought-provoking, I simply note that someone has stolen our tent."
And there we have it: the famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his ever-reliable sidekick, Dr. John Watson.
What Is a Sidekick and Why Do They Matter in Crime Fiction?
Sidekicks often serve as chroniclers, promoting their detective’s exploits. Dr. John Watson is the classic example, documenting Sherlock Holmes' many adventures in stories first published by Arthur Conan Doyle between 1887 and 1927.
Likewise, the unnamed narrator in Edgar Allan Poe’s C. Auguste Dupin stories (1841-1844) fills a similar role, making him the first sidekick in modern detective fiction.
Captain Hastings in Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot series (1920-1975) also serves as a loyal companion and chronicler, providing a more emotional, human perspective on his stiff-necked, fastidious friend.
Breaking the Mold: Why Sidekicks Defy Stereotypes
No two sidekicks are exactly alike. While some share overlapping traits, like tech-savvy skills, each brings a unique perspective to the table.
For example, Riley Poole in the National Treasure films (2004-2007) and Mozzie in the TV series White Collar (2009-2014) are both tech geniuses, but their motivations and methods differ significantly.
Cindy “Mac” Mackenzie from Veronica Mars (2004-2019), Bob Exley from Tracker (2023), and Mo Bassi from Bosch: Legacy (2022-present) also fit the tech whiz mold, yet each has a distinctive personality and approach to solving problems.
A Quick Survey of Sidekick Diversity
Perhaps you have your own favorite sidekick not mentioned here. That’s okay. These are just a few that come to mind, illustrating the range of this beloved archetype:
Humorous Sidekicks
| Sidekick | Description |
|---|---|
| Cato Fong | The Pink Panther (1963-present): Inspector Clouseau's loyal, often unpredictable assistant, known for surprise attacks to keep his boss sharp. |
| Dick Grayson (Robin) | Batman (1940-present): Bruce Wayne's acrobatic, fiercely loyal ward, who eventually becomes the hero Nightwing. |
| Dr. David Q. Dawson | The Great Mouse Detective (1986): A rodent homage to Dr. Watson, serving as the loyal chronicler of Basil of Baker Street's adventures. |
| Captain Hastings | Hercule Poirot (1920-1975): The straightforward, loyal friend of the brilliant but eccentric Belgian detective. |
Police Procedural Sidekicks
| Sidekick | Description |
|---|---|
| Bill Gannon | Dragnet (1951-1970): Joe Friday’s reliable partner, known for his calm demeanor and dry humor. |
| Sgt. James Hathaway | Inspector Lewis (2006-2015): A former seminarian turned detective, known for his intellectual approach and sharp wit. |
| Samantha ‘Sam’ Stewart | Foyle’s War (2002-2015): A resourceful and brave driver for Detective Chief Superintendent Foyle during World War II. |
| Debra Morgan | Dexter (2006-2013): Dexter Morgan’s sharp-tongued, fiercely loyal sister, who unknowingly assists a serial killer in his vigilante justice. |
Muscle Sidekicks
| Sidekick | Description |
|---|---|
| Archie Goodwin | Nero Wolfe (1934-1975): Carries out whatever is required to “get their man or woman.” His boss, Nero Wolfe, rarely leaves his brownstone, preferring the company of his orchids to the outside world. |
Iconic Right Arms
| Sidekick | Description |
|---|---|
| Tonto | The Lone Ranger (1933-present): The loyal Native American companion to the masked Texas Ranger, known for his bravery and wilderness skills. |
| Cato Fong | The Pink Panther (1963-present): The unpredictable, karate-skilled valet to Inspector Clouseau, always ready to test his boss’s reflexes. |
| Danny “Danno” Williams | Hawaii Five-O (1968-1980, 2010-2020): The street-smart partner of Steve McGarrett, known for the catchphrase, “Book ’em, Danno.” |
Modern Sidekicks
| Sidekick | Description |
|---|---|
| Dr. John Watson | Sherlock (BBC, 2010-2017): A contemporary take on the classic sidekick, this Watson is a battle-hardened army doctor with a sharp mind and dry humor. |
| DS Justin Ripley | Luther (2010-2019): A fiercely loyal but often conflicted partner to the troubled but brilliant detective John Luther. |
| Karen Page | Daredevil (2015-2018): A fierce investigator and ally to Matt Murdock, known for her relentless pursuit of the truth. |
| Robin Buckley | Stranger Things (2016-present): A clever, sarcastic sidekick to Steve Harrington, often the voice of reason in high-stakes situations. |
One Final Word for Now
As Olivia Rutigliano suggests, Dr. John Watson may not have been the sharpest sidekick, but his influence is undeniable. So many of the “most iconic sidekicks, and the fact that so many assistants, lackeys, deputies, and friends on this list are so clearly cut from Watson’s cloth, is all the evidence we need” of his lasting impact.
Until next time, when we pick up from here in Part Two of Sidekicks: The Other Half of Great Detective Relationships.
