The Women of Sherlock: Sarah

Dr. Sarah Sawyer

First episode: The Blind Banker

Also seen in: The Great Game

Occupation: Medical doctor

Show history: Bills are piling up at 221B Baker Street, so John gets a job at a local surgery, and who should hire him but the lovely Dr. Sarah Sawyer. Unfortunately, John's first day on the job does not go well, as he has been up all night trying to crack a book code with Sherlock, and so inevitably falls asleep at his desk. Being the professional that she is, Sarah takes care of his patients; instead of firing John afterwards, as would probably be expected, they end up going out on a date.

Unfortunately, the date also goes awry, as the Chinese circus Sherlock suggests John take Sarah to ends up being part of a smuggling ring. Sherlock, showing up uninvited, tussles with one of the smugglers/performers, bringing the show to a grinding halt. Back at 221B, Sherlock continues to try to crack the book code, until Sarah points out that part of the book code has already been translated (by Soo Lin Yao earlier in the museum). Sherlock is off to investigate further, leaving John and Sarah to try to salvage the remains of their date. They order takeaway; when John answers the door to pay, however, he and Sarah are kidnapped by General Shan's foot soldiers.

John and Sarah regain consciousness in a dark passageway, where General Shan has them bound, and threatens Sarah's life unless John admits that he is Sherlock Holmes (a mix-up from earlier). Sherlock swoops in at the last second to take care of General Shan and her assassins, while John saves Sarah.

After a first date like that, it's surprising that Sarah would want to continue the relationship, but it's her house John retreats to in "The Great Game" when he's had enough of Sherlock's moods. As John is never seen working at the surgery again, it's unclear as to how their professional and personal lives worked out, but as Sarah disappears from the show after the Season 1 finale, I suppose we'll never know the details.

My take on her: I really like Sarah. She's got this spunk that actually makes her quite endearing. She's able to keep up with Sherlock and John, and doesn't seem to mind when she gets dragged into their crime investigation. She helps Sherlock crack the code, and even beats off his attackers with a stick! And the fact that she stuck around even after being kidnapped by smugglers says something; she's adventurous, with a good head on her shoulders. It's sad that she probably won't be coming back (what with it having been four years and John being married to Mary now and all), but she was definitely a worthy addition to Sherlock's cast of female characters!