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In the BBC series Sherlock, Sherlock never remembered Lestrade's first name, but it wasn't just because he didn't care. Let's look at it.
The Sherlock Holmes played by Rupert Graves on the BBC wasn't the most courteous or socially adept person, but that's not the real reason why he never remembered Lestrade's name. Sherlock Holmes, one of the most well-known literary characters ever, was created by Arthur Conan Doyle. As a result, for more than a century, he has been transferred to various forms of media, often with significant adjustments to match a particular aesthetic or historical period. This is the situation with Sherlock on the BBC, which introduced the Great Detective to contemporary London.
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Since he used technology to solve problems, Sherlock Holmes and his cases were updated for the current age. However, the series also changed Sherlock's demeanor. Although critics and viewers have praised Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, this version of the Great Detective is, in many ways, very different from the books, and he occasionally came across as rude and offensive, such as when he forgot Detective Lestrade's first name. However, in this particular case, it wasn't just because Sherlock was disrespectful to almost everyone he interacted with.
Sherlock Forgets Lestrade's Name Is A Reference To The Books
The detective never remembers Lestrade's name despite the fact that they have worked together for years is one of Sherlock's recurring jokes. As a result, Sherlock referred to Lestrade by names beginning with "G," including Gavin, Graham, and Giles. Later on in the series, it was revealed that Lestrade's first name is Greg. At one point, Sherlock did refer to him by his real name, but the harm had already been done. This is a homage to Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes books, albeit, like in those, Lestrade is referred to as "G. Lestrade," and his real name is never revealed, giving the option to rename the character as they see fit.
The short story "The Purloined Letter" by Edgar Allan Poe, in which the Prefect of Police is referred to solely as "G," is said to be the source of inspiration for Lestrade's initial name being abbreviated to "G." The running joke about Holmes forgetting Lestrade's name from Sherlock also appeared in Enola Holmes 2, played by Henry Cavill, who similarly didn't care for Lestrade's name, which was "Graydon" in this instance. This demonstrates how Cumberbatch's Sherlock tended to filter information in his head and only retain what was important to him, and Lestrade's name didn't deserve to have space in his mind. Of course, it also serves as yet another illustration of how rude and socially awkward Sherlock was, even with people he had known for a long time.
Sherlock Has Other References To Conan Doyle's Books
There are more Conan Doyle book references in the BBC's Sherlock, but some are more subtle than Sherlock forgetting Lestrade's first name. The obvious nods, like Sherlock and Watson residing at 221B Baker Street, Sherlock referring to himself as a "consulting detective," slightly altered quotes, and Sherlock's drug use—though in the books, these were for "recreational purposes" and the series took that on a darker path—are there, but there are also other, more subtly referencing nods, like the cases that served as the inspiration for each episode. The chalkboard with a coded message that refers to "The Adventure of the Dancing Men" was one of several references to Conan Doyle's writings that were included in the time-lapse at the end of the series finale as a parting gift for fans. Sherlock made sure to include allusions to Conan Doyle's works throughout its four seasons, even though it may not have been a faithful reproduction.
