The character of Sherlock Holmes, as created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, is a figure who is largely detached from romantic entanglements, driven by logic and intellect rather than emotion. This portrayal has been consistent throughout Doyle's works, with Holmes showing little to no interest in romantic relationships. However, modern adaptations of Sherlock Holmes, such as the BBC's "Sherlock" and the Warner Bros. "Sherlock Holmes" movies, have introduced a romantic or sexual tension between Holmes and Irene Adler, which has been well-received by audiences.

In Doyle's original stories, Irene Adler appears in "A Scandal in Bohemia," where she outsmarts Holmes and earns his lasting respect, leading him to refer to her as "the woman." This respect is purely intellectual, and there is no indication of romantic feelings on Holmes' part. Adler's cleverness and ability to evade Holmes make her a unique character in the canon, but she does not reappear in subsequent stories.

The modern adaptations, however, have taken creative liberties with this relationship.

In the BBC series "Sherlock," the episode "A Scandal in Belgravia" reimagines the dynamic between Holmes and Adler, infusing it with palpable sexual tension. Similarly, the Robert Downey Jr. films depict a flirtatious and charged relationship between the two characters. These interpretations have added a layer of complexity to Holmes' character, making him more relatable and appealing to contemporary audiences.

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