TJLC Explained: [Episode 5] Food=Sex (and Other Forms of Intimacy)

In this episode of TJLC Explained I cover the food=sex metaphor on BBC Sherlock, although broadly speaking it's more accurate to say food equates to intimacy. We'll recap it's inclusion in the pilot and follow some of the most notable uses in the series, including Irene insistently asking Sherlock to have dinner with him, and who Sherlock is actually having dinner with. Thank you all for your continued support of this project, I hope you enjoy the video!
Thank you as always to my editor Stacey / martinfreemen
Special thank you this week to / allysongrono
REFRENCES
1. Allysongrono's meta on the food=sex metaphor, 2014
thefakefangirl....
2. Portrayal of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People on the BBC, 2010
www.bbc.co.uk/d...
DISCLAIMER:
All content belongs to its original owners and I do not claim ownership for the clips of BBC Sherlock or other sources shown. Outside clips are used to support my analysis and commentary under fair use.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted.
"Fair Use" guidelines: www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html

[@ericjonsson1060]

This intimacy = food concept makes it funny that Mycroft is "on a diet" since he's trying REALLY hard not to get anyone close to him, but kinda failing.

[@missspider9782]

eric jonsson Very good conception!

[@frofro7134]

true

[@mralkon7753]

Gavin? Hahh

[@Psychesrose]

Anyone ever notice how uncomfortable Sherlock's body language gets when Irene starts texting him and John starts asking him about it? Like he's uncomfortable with John seeing someone else flirt with him. Even hiding behind his newspaper (I have yet to see someone actually read their newspaper like that as a normal thing)

[@mirasheikh4717]

I don't usually read newspapers, but I agree; there's no way you could read a newspaper like that.

[@ellabellemayenschein1021]

also dont forget that Benedict deliberately put on a bit of weight for the second season to show that living with John made Sherlock take better care for himself. ahhhhhhh my gay heart!

[@sporesims9303]

So Irene flirts with Sherlock by asking him out for dinner, right? So what does Sherlock after his and John's first case? Asking him out for dinner :D So who is flirting? ;)

[@Vivi-gu5yl]

john licking his lips when Sherlock says he's single

[@frofro7134]

yes

[@neodlehoko404]

While on a case, John often leaves his meals unfinished to chase after Sherlock. Same way he leaves his girls. (*winks)

[@bambam_93]

Here's another one I don't see in either the tumblr meta listed or in the video: In TRF when Molly is explaining that she doesn't count - not the way John does to Sherlock - she then makes a half offer to get Sherlock something for the cafeteria, but immediately cuts herself off saying she knows he "doesn't want anything." Sherlock's response makes it clear that he doesn't have any real interest in the "food" she's offering.

[@lilliansunshine7499]

The fact that John was making sure Sherlock had enough to eat in TGG makes me melt

[@starrynites]

"he's so soft" sAME

[@ghostlypond]

When does she say this?

[@ehfteepee]

The X-Files music was absolutely perfect.

[@sherlockianfannibal3280]

I KNOW RIGHT HAHAHAH

[@hexgirlveronica]

I LOST IT AT THE THEME SONG OH MY GOD

[@joyzzo]

Best part hahaha

[@jasminesaldana8468]

Taylor I'm

[@alexandral.torres2881]

JAJAJAJA ABSOLUTELY!!! XD

[@Book7BrokeMyBrain]

I've come back to this vid after thinking about Mycroft in TAB. As the exception that proves the rule of Food=Intimacy, Mycroft is never seen eating. He is seen with a cup of tea now and then (Mark says he thinks of Mycroft as gay :) ), but no food. He doesn't even sit at the table when others are eating around him. He is obviously not a part of the lovely, intimate, domestic love fest that is breakfasts in Baker Street. The only time we see him eat is in TAB, and it's grotesque. Mycroft eats and gains weight when he's worried about his brother. He obviously has issues with food and intimacy, as he has nobody in his life, and hasn't seemed to miss it. Very sad. In Sherlock's fantasy, he visits all of his own guilt about destroying his brother's health by imagining an obese, sick, dying Mycroft who eats his feelings of love. Amazing how they managed to turn the food=intimacy on its ear like that. Love this video.

[@hlehman399]

and in the sign of three when he answers the phone they show him working out

[@gabrielegarcia358]

thanks guys, you ended up my self control ;u;

[@lyricbot8513]

Gabriele Garcia ?

[@user-dl1xz7tc9k]

I've always been worried about one thing. Sherlock says the chips are a comfort to those who want to commit suicide. and it is he who is about to eat the chips when Mary comes running to him to get John out of the fire.

[@user-dl1xz7tc9k]

and if we consider that Euros in the form of Calverton's daughter is Sherlock's anima, then we can assume that he wanted to think about suicide at least twice.

[@avangelinechatters]

@@user-dl1xz7tc9k NNNNOOOOO WHY WOULD YOU MENTION THHHAAATTTT, 😭😭😭😭

[@amizielamy5051]

When you said that John has nothing to give to eat to Sarah in my mind I think "while he's been shopping yesterday".

[@Book7BrokeMyBrain]

I wish you could do a video on dance=intimacy. Sherlock LOVES to dance but he never gets the chance to. And when John attacks Sherlock in the restaurant after the big return, he walks Sherlock back in perfect offset form for waltzing. Also, Sherlock is the "lady" as he's going backward, lol. But anyway, Sherlock never gets to use his formidable, secret talents at dancing, at least not until he teaches John. And John dances with Mary at the wedding, but not as naturally as when he was attacking Sherlock. Hmmm. Passion makes him better, I suppose? And Mycroft wouldn't even come to the 'night do' for dancing, same as not eating. And sexually active Hudders is forever dancing all over Baker street as she vacuums and dates the bigamist in Speedy's , lol. Anyway, I"m enjoying these new posts here and AO3. :D

[@TJLCExplained]

That would be an interesting topic for discussion! Especially with Moriarty mentioning he likes to watch Sherlock dance. Sadly I don't think it'll be coming up in the retrospective

[@majocalle7660]

that deleted scene gave me the creeps omg. and that scene on the lying detective when culverton was about to murder Sherlock on the hospital was so disturbing

[@ILoveJCameronsAVATAR]

also "he's so soft" same oh my go d

[@belpop]

Another great video Rebekah! You're a saint for putting all this together. One teeny addition that I would add is when Moriarty visits Sherlock in TRF, he's also quite predatory to him, and he takes one of Sherlock's apples, slices it up and eats it, even calling himself "Mr. Sex" before popping a piece into his mouth. 😉

[@Crazypurplewolves]

I feel violated after seeing that deleted scene

[@BeautifulDreams-pv4ry]

Yeah, me too

[@lyricbot8513]

"goes to eat chips alone in the dark" LOL I'M DEAD

[@shamelessmash156]

idk if anyone's pointed it out yet but (I'm referencing 5:20 in the vid), not only moriarty intefering with their intimacy in the great game, but during their breakfast break, the pink phone is litterally between them. LOOOOVE this series. Even though I've read all the meta's, still awesome, even better with the scenes to support the arguments. LOVELOVELOVE

[@heap_o_sheep]

This is a fantastic way to compile all the extensive TJLC evidence, and your writing and manner of presentation do it justice. Thanks for this wonderful series. I look forward to each installment! PS: your color-sorted books in the background always make me smile.

[@albiesmith110]

OMG I'm so glad I'm not the only one who noticed that. xD And the Pop!s.

[@geneva1895]

WAIT WAIT WAIT. in a recent episode, when the mysterious woman comes and "has chips" with sherlock, and she later on tells john, john gets very mad at this. if the food = sex thing is real, that may explain it.

[@Procrastinacion_]

And he repeats it a lot. "We had chips" why the fuck is so important for him

[@devikalitara9832]

I wonder if john will ever ask "Do you like banna's?" and Sherlock will grin. straightforward and to the point

[@celestefenton9416]

sherlock stuffing cookies into his mouth

[@karmicchan3248]

9:42 - 9:45 "He's so soft!" REBS WHY ARE YOU THE CUTEST

[@justgoodies]

Awesome as always! I know you said this isn't an exhaustive list but I was just hoping to see the fast forwarded sloppy eating bit at John and Mary's wedding, like, that's some really incredible metaphor for their kind of relationship right there (and what may happen in their bedroom); quick, not enjoying it but rather catering to a basic instinct, and frankly it looks borderline disgusting to me. Also, remember Mrs. Hudson's foreshadowing "it was purely physical between me and Frank"; SO different from John and Sherlock's relaxed, romantically lit shared dinner! Just contributing to remind people about that because I love this angsty clever show. Ugh! Anyway, thank you for keeping these up, can't wait for the next one! :)

[@GLAASJEMELC]

Dear Rebekah and TJLCers, I want to thank you all for introducing me to the beautiful love story that is BBC Sherlock. I won't be addressing the fourth season, because this should be a place for kindness. But you have tought me so much about good writing and the importance of LGBT representation, through your passion and caring for the show and its characters. I will never stop believing and am very grateful for being part of the TJLC community, even if it was only for the past two months.

[@geekygoggles628]

Thank goodness we have you! I'm so glad that I have something to direct people to when they ask me, "Why do you ship johnlock?"

[@Narfff]

This is so lovely! Honestly, this series came at the right time for me. I'm currently getting back into Sherlock, and totally forgot about why exactly TJLC is endgame. This is all a fresh reminder and I'm falling back into Johnlock hell once again. Thank you for these videos so far and I really can't wait for more!

[@rozensabaku]

I return for this beautiful videos, I don't care if Moffits let us down... I like very much this videos and even today I think they are true ... even more all this beautiful work made me look more in the meanings not only in movies or so, but in literature and for that I will be forever gratefull

[@teddy9770]

Sherlock's slim but not too thin so I assume he must be shoving in food constantly between cases. John and Mrs. Hudson probably force him. I love the idea of Sherlock eating 5 plates of food under the watching eyes of Watson and then being sent to bed.

[@VioletEmerald]

This is really great, so many little details I wouldn't have noticed like when they're in restaurants but not eating... the Mrs. Hudson/food emotional intimacy stuff... really most of this

[@shpahdoinkul]

oh my god watching your series has been on my list for ages so I thought the day before series four would be perfect. I absolutely lost my shit at the x files music and not wanting to see john's soft face ever again. your videos are an absolute gift and I can't wait to watch the rest (in fact I won't wait. I'm doing it now). thank you so much for making these!

[@amandapedroso4728]

11:29 in the robert downey jr version, sherlock literally interrupts john and mary from their honeymoon, considering they were busy

[@hyv_lth]

i love this series also, you are very pretty :) i know it has nothing to do with TJLC, but i just can't stop thinking about it when i watch your videos :)

[@reneeluk5574]

I agree. The deleted scene with CAM... beyond pilot cabbie predatory. Sherlock practically cant move... shudder

[@johnlockedblonde2352]

Ok, this video was a roller-coaster of emotions, like.. I was sourrended by feels at first with the best man speech and the battersea scene and JOHN BEING SOFT and then I burst into laughter with the x-files theme, hahahaha! Another great video, Rebekah, thank you again for doing all this!

[@ILoveJCameronsAVATAR]

THE X FILES MUSIC OH MY GOD

[@frofro7134]

true

[@ILLEGAILE]

I love that in that last restaurant they get kicked out of has this sign that says "JL" hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, wonder what that means?

[@margplsr3120]

you are so great with this John looks to Sherlock and ms Hudson in the kitchen :) I so love this moment!

[@frofro7134]

true

[@incrediblyingenious1450]

"Food=Sex" aka my life story.

[@incrediblyingenious1450]

6:45 Fuck

[@incrediblyingenious1450]

+incrediblyingenious 10:28 SAMEMEMEME

[@incrediblyingenious1450]

+incrediblyingenious 14:13 THAT MADE ME SO UNCOMFORTABLE FUCK

[@katekursive1370]

food>sex, excuse you :D

[@aziraphaletheprincipality4657]

BLESS 'EM THOSE DORKS ARE SO IN LOVE

[@terrytodzonia9304]

I am new to TJLC videos and am so excited that they are still in You Tube for me to watch. I do believe in TJLC no matter how Season 4 went down. Thank you for your brilliant analysis of BBC Sherlock.

[@nichoenii]

I squealed so hard when I saw your videos on my notifications. I love your TJLC videos so much, I'm going to show my friend (who is starting to ship Johnlock) these videos tomorrow! And have a Sherlock marathon too! These are amazing so far, Rebekah! Thank you so much for making them!

[@avangelinechatters]

YEEEESSSS PULL HER INTO THE SADNESS HOLE! ONE OF US!! ONE OF US!! ONE OF US!!

[@Miles-qv6oj]

I LOST MY SHIT AT THE X-FILES

[@starryoatmilk]

SAME I SCREAMED

[@IlTridenteBlu]

same i start crying

[@georgerogers6348]

OMG YES ANOTHER VIDEO!! This makes me so much happier than it should.

[@georgerogers6348]

This was such a great video, as always. I really like this metaphor; watching Sherlock will never be the same again! ^^

[@Chlo255]

That deleted scene made me hella uncomfortable

[@TakemishiTakahashi]

Hell yes, it gave me the creeps

[@geneva1895]

SAME

[@frofro7134]

it was great :-)

[@hayleyjewett385]

okay random, but your hair looks really cute here for some reason 😍

[@rockshothot4487]

you probably know this by now, but it's BRILLIANT. you are brilliant. so well compiled and put together. (... the x files music did me in...) it's such an emotional roller coaster to watch these vids but it's also delightful!

[@carahotaling4809]

your cute blushy cheeks! aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa also: thanks for making me remember the deleted scene I keep trying to suppress the memory and Yet

[@loner844]

I feel like Sherlock's expectation here was possibly based on other experiences in his line of work. Others he faced off with were playing the game. He doesn't recognise that John isn't playing. He missed *him*, not the adventure.

[@bvvc6341]

thank you for keeping my johnlock heart alive :)

[@sleepyys9506]

"You havent sexed today? For god sake you need to sex!" "No you need to sex, I need to think." sORRY I JUST

[@dinosonzii]

This series needs more views! Fabulous as always!!

[@WegnerJacobsen]

Te busqué, te busqué, Yolanda... y no estás, y no estás, Yolanda. ♪♫

[@itzelluna1017]

9:43 "he's so soft!" Awe, made me think of your url.

[@KiraldoTheGreat]

I am so grateful you're doing this! You're so awesome Rebekah!

[@lyricbot8513]

"eating chips alone in the dark" FUCK, I'M DEAD 👌😂😂😂😂😂

[@tiffanypersaud3518]

Thanks for the vid! I notice that Sherlock doesn’t eat with people he doesn’t trust. He trusts John. Sherlock also realizes that though he thinks certain feelings and appetites slow him down. especially while he is on a case, he realizes that people are different, and sees that John eats even dines and is with him while he does - even in The Hounds of Baskerville where Sherlock is dosed and experiencing a panic attack, he was dining, still obliging John.

[@vertabrix3739]

"and it's sitting on *OUR* bedside table every night" // whY

[@lollie9324]

Oh my god I was "like" number 221! This is yet another great video and I can't wait for more. ❤️❤️❤️

[@MagBuckley]

You killed me with 10:26

[@MagBuckley]

Also wanted to add that the song that plays in TEH when John and Sherlock are reunited (and during Johns act of violence/sexual frustration [¿Dónde estás, Yolanda?]) was originally performed by PINK Martini. Seriously. Are they even trying.

[@MagBuckley]

ARE THEY EVEN TRYING

[@JohnsonKayla12]

The music bahahaha 😊😂 I will comment on every video with how amazing what you're doing is. And what's so cool is that it's clear you enjoy doing these as much as we enjoy watching them. Also cringing at that deleted scene 😖 Can't wait for the next video :D

[@JohnsonKayla12]

You're welcome!

[@quilll]

i fucking lost it at the x-files music jfc these videos get better and better

[@giorgiabretonguerrero974]

I have never seen that deleted scene. I can't even- it's disgusting.

[@EnderHeart5911]

That one deleted scene with Sherlock in the hospital was incredibly unsettling. Where do you find all of these cut takes?

[@calistaw.9866]

There are a lot of extras on the DVD, including deleted scenes and outtakes (seriously, watch the outtakes, believe me it's worth it)

[@breannemurphy2493]

The videos are seriously my life!!

[@majorthompson1548]

You are perfect. Thanks for the awesome vid! :D

[@suus-arido393]

The illuminatie music killed me xD Lovely video :D

[@leafoww7750]

Its from the X-files

[@gangstaspongbob8954]

i absolutely started dying when the x files music came on

[@BlackRoseWolf1995]

amazing. really amazing. You have already enlightened me on so many things I have over looked. I look forward to your next video. (you are a true, haha shall we say, /conductor of light/)

[@libsters1857]

GREAT FREAKING JOB OMG THIS ANALYSIS IS 👌👌👌

[@CatyKeety]

Im SO excited for more episodes! u are so well spoken and wonderful,I subscribed !

[@leslieshepherd1272]

Love all of this and you I think you should be on tv

[@HowlingTurtle19]

These make me so happy! Thank you! xo

[@firstnamesurname7640]

Why the hell do I think her when she says "He's so soft" sounds and looks just like Sophie from Howl's Moving castle.

[@emmoerm]

WHAT THE FUUUUUCK I HAD NEVER SEEN THAT DELETED SCENEEEE

[@illusiveaxeman9164]

You're such an adorable human, how?

[@alreeniahiddenblade488]

THE X FILES THEME

[@Mivotin]

THE X FILES MUSIC WAS YOU TRYING TO KILL ME OR WHAT? HAHAHA

[@bandobendi87crosby]

You are so awesome! :) Love this.

[@qlitchd]

9:36 I SAW THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME AND YES PLS NEVER SHOW ME THAT AGAIN WHAT AHHHHHHHHH

[@lemcy1256]

JUST TEA FOR ME THX... I feel old. Thank Rebs we now have "From A Drop Of Water"

[@wordsaremytrade]

I love your videos! They are freakin' amazing!

[@devikalitara9832]

the figurings in the background keep moving lol

[@devikalitara9832]

+Rebekah TJLC Explained.....lol......

[@crowleykinnie]

eating breakfast while watching this video>>>>

[@leslieshE]

I want to believe ! I want to believe ! But I don't want it to be false and feel like I have been fooled... Though I would find it very shocking if Gatiss was queerbaiting the fans. I mean, as a gay man he must know how important it is for LGBT+ people to see more representation on tv. So TJLC being real is actually more likely than the show being queerbaited. Anyway, fantastic videos, I love them all and omg if it happens to be real I'll be so happy not only for myself but all of you who have believed in it with all your heart.

[@avangelinechatters]

Yeah too bad it was pretty much one big queerbait, it's been 5 years and I'm still mad about it, much like Destiel

[@leslieshE]

@@avangelinechatters i got over it but yeah it sucks

[@Schnattachen]

i love this so much thank you :)

[@benjalucian1515]

Is Sherlock eating chips in S3E1 the only time we EVER see Sherlock eating?

[@avangelinechatters]

Actually you see him eat in uh the one with Irene in it, he eats some kind of tart from Mrs Hudson's fridge right before John gives that soft mushy look towards Sherlock

[@nanispiderman]

You are extremely beautiful, even when you turn red! love to see your sherlock videos!

[@Airire13]

Awesome as ever! Love it I'd like to point to a really clear example of this metaphor. When Sherlock is interrogating all those women about the mayfly man through a bunch of laptops. John specifically says to Sherlock: "you’ve let your food gone cold". Here's the meta where is stated by the awesome Deducingbbcsherlock: deducingbbcsherlock.tumblr.com/post/77248066893/sherlocks-mind-palace-the-baker-street-room

[@ucoyun]

it has nothing to do with tjlc (or does it??) but fatcroft and his plum puddings are still a mystery

[@elilovesboba]

i cryed @ the x files music part and i cannot stop laughing and WOO THE CAM PART I CAN NOW LIVE IN PEACE

[@alexrubio6698]

Why can't I find this video on her channel or any of the videos

[@story.struck]

THAT CREEPY HAND SCENE oh my god I am scarred

[@riaz.khan2404]

Woah, Rebekah's eyes in this 😍😍😍

[@runintoabrickwall007]

You'd have a field day with Hannibal haha

[@ilovebooks49]

Liv THATS WHAT I WAS THINKING YESSS!

[@avangelinechatters]

YEQH EXCEPT THEY ACTUALLY MADE HANNIGRAM GAY, NO I'M NOT MAD, YOU ARE SHUT UP

[@annascholle9572]

Magnussen can just leave pls

[@Psychesrose]

Can you do one on deduction = sex for Sherlock? I saw a tumbler post about it, but I don't feel it went as in depth as I would've liked.

[@avangelinechatters]

Dduuuudddeee yesssss, I'd be very much happy if you linked the post if you can find it

[@inesbouhon1774]

You look beautiful , sincerely