It's elementary to notice that many "Sherlock" fans are passionate to the point of obsessive. Martin Freeman (John Watson) made comments last month saying superfan pressure was the dark side of the show experience, for him:

"People's expectations, some of it's not fun any more. It's not a thing to be enjoyed, it's a thing of: 'You better fucking do this, otherwise you're a c—.' That's not fun anymore."

Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes), now on the "Avengers: Infinity War" promotion tour, was asked about Freeman's quotes. Here's what he told The Telegraph (via Vulture):

"It's pretty pathetic if that's all it takes to let you not want to take grip of your reality. What, because of expectations? I don't know. I don't necessarily agree with that."

However, it sounded like he did agree with the basic point:

"There's a level of obsession where [the franchise] becomes theirs even though we're the ones making it. But I just don't feel affected by that in the same way, I have to say."

Maybe fans go easier on Cumberbatch? Or maybe he's just less sensitive to the pressure. It doesn't sound, from here, like Freeman isn't taking grip of his reality or whatnot. And it's not pathetic to want space from demanding fans.

For all we know, Cumberbatch's words were twisted, because that's apparently how Freeman felt about his own initial interview. After his "not fun" quotes made the rounds last month, Freeman had tried to clarify that he never said making "Sherlock" wasn't fun.

Freeman said he still loves the show and the character of John Watson, and knows it's one of the greatest jobs he'll ever have. He wouldn't need a lot of convincing to return for more. He only said aspects of the pressure and expectations of the show were not fun. He added that the "Sherlock" team was in agreement about the flip side of the attention -- the "paper thin" line between "I love you I love you I love you" and "I hate you I hate you I hate you."

Freeman said he also loves working with "Ben," who is "brilliant in a brilliant role." It's hard to get the "Sherlock" actors/writers/directors all together at the same time -- between their many other projects -- and the last season ended on a "pause," so it may just be a while before they all consider returning for more.

Freeman and Cumberbatch are both in the Marvel Cinematic Universe at this point -- Freeman as Everett K. Ross and Cumberbatch as Dr. Strange. "Avengers: Infinity War" opens Friday.

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