Self-defense

Some of the most surprising things (I think) about Sherlock Holmes are those incidents when he exerts physical force. If you have not seen the episode, "The Solitary Cyclist", I urge you to do so. It contains an excellent fistfight.

Let me describe it. My memory is slightly faulty, but this is what I recall. The loser-like guy hits Holmes, who goes flying across the room. Holmes stops, removes his hat and jacket, hangs them up, then announces to the assembled company, "Everyone has witnessed that this is in self-defense," then starts sort of bobbing and weaving in front of loser man. Loser man thinks this is kind of funny...till Holmes starts swinging. Oh my word, I laughed until I was in pain.

Anyway, you never expect calm, collected, and logical Sherlock Holmes to engage in violence, but when he does, watch out.