Sherlock Holmes vs Shawn Spencer... Who's Better?

Sherlock Holmes

I had started to read, Anthony Horowitz’s version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation, ‘Sherlock Holmes’. I was also busy watching ‘Psych’ on Comedy Central. I was halfway through Horowitz’s 'Moriarty', when suddenly it struck me. 

The two were similar. Sherlock was close to Shawn Spencer from 'Psych' in more ways than one. Firstly, their names are pretty similar Sherlock vs Shawn.

Shawn is of course, nowhere close to Sherlock, but they both have superior observational techniques. They both have a playful attitude, Shawn’s, of course is more obvious and quite in your face, whereas, Sherlock’s weird sense of humour, is legendary.

James Roday, lead character from Psych

Sherlock's brother, Mycroft Holmes, who is seven years older to him and Shawn’s father, Henry have a lot in common too. Mycroft, who is superior to Sherlock and a little lazy, as well to conclude cases is somewhat similar to Henry Spencer. One cannot miss the times, when Henry could solve most cases, but due to his retirement or perhaps laziness, does not.

Sherlock has Dr. Watson and Shawn has Burton Guster, both of them are similar in character, Watson has an MD, while Gus is a pharmaceutical salesman. Their talent naturally lies in the medical field, which is important to both protagonists from time to time. Gus is somewhat scared of most things that Shawn finds himself involved in. Watson’s job never takes up most of his time, while Gus follows Shawn around, literally all the time.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Both characters of Shawn and Sherlock like to get one up on the local police. The cops are another league. Firstly, we have Detective Carlton Lassiter, who very like Inspector Lestrade of the Scotland Yard, is an unimaginative character is the entire series, close to the rulebook and strictly conformist with their jobs, but has a reluctant respect to Shawn.

There are a few others who are similar but Moriarty and Yang, take the cake. Both characters are seemingly one par with each other on an intellectual level, trying to beat each other, though Yang does help out Shawn towards the end.

Psych (American TV Series)

Wow! I found quite a few links to the whole 'Psych' and Sherlock connection on the internet too. Am sure there are some more, but it is back to watching more Psych on TV, and to finding the old Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and rereading the entire collection.

They both are good fun to read and watch. And this whole thing has got me interested in watching Sherlock on TV, but I don't know about that. Psych definitely is the one to beat. Only on the modern detectives front though! Because when it comes to reading a book, Sherlock Holmes will never be beat.