Okay, here's why I saw Russell as Mary Sue. 1) Takes place of canon character (Watson) and is much more suitable companion than him. (Poor Watson - the damage those films of the 40s did to his character, as opposed to canon!) 2) Is the equal of hero of original series. 3) Is teenage girl when inserting herself in said hero's life. (Yes, she grows up. But that's how she's introduced.) 4) Romance with hero. Ending with marriage to hero.
Irene's traits of being beautiful, a great actress and singer and the mental match of S.H. WERE established by Conan Doyle, so Douglas didn't make them up. And Irene does not become romantically involved with Holmes.
Re: I haven't read "Chapel Noir"...
1) Takes place of canon character (Watson) and is much more suitable companion than him. (Poor Watson - the damage those films of the 40s did to his character, as opposed to canon!)
2) Is the equal of hero of original series.
3) Is teenage girl when inserting herself in said hero's life. (Yes, she grows up. But that's how she's introduced.)
4) Romance with hero. Ending with marriage to hero.
Irene's traits of being beautiful, a great actress and singer and the mental match of S.H. WERE established by Conan Doyle, so Douglas didn't make them up. And Irene does not become romantically involved with Holmes.