It’s largely the stillness that makes this image so arresting. His scarf is being blown by a chilling wind; it’s as though the the world around him is in turmoil and John Watson stands completely still. He only moves to cock his gun, and we all know that John is most dangerous when he is still. (Yes, this would have been better with a gif, but I don’t know how to make gifs, so I made an edit.)
I like John Watson’s stillness and his steadiness, the fact that he’s a very human character, with compassion but also strength. – Martin Freeman (x)
John is still, he’s stoical, he’s very watchful, he’s very very strong-willed, a strong-minded person, he’s not easily flappable… he’s still in a way that I envy about some men. He’s got a real strength to him. – Martin Freeman (x)
His hands mustn’t have shaken at all so clearly he’s acclimatised to violence… . You’re looking for someone probably with a history of military service and nerves of steel… – Sherlock Holmes (ASIP)
You’re under stress right now and your hand is perfectly steady. – Mycroft Holmes (ASIP)