Sherlock Analysis

Sherlock Holmes is a character in a mystery show. From the get go the viewer is blatantly aware that Sherlock is “different” in a socially awkward genius sort of way. He always seems to be on a superior level of detail awareness than anybody else in the room and I suppose these details are conveyed to the viewer via semiotics. I am new to this term, but this is what I know- semiotics is the science of signs and can be applied to anything that might be seen as signifying something. A semiotician analyzes the text (which is a blanket term that includes videos) past what’s obvious and then assigns meaning to what is operating within them. My nit-pick analysis of Sherlock Holmes starts with the opening scene when he’s in a science lab type room with a quasi- attractive co-worker (or so she appears) who asks him out for coffee. Sherlock’s reply did not indicate that he picked up on the social cue of being asked on a date, but it made us viewers smirk. As the show goes on Sherlock is revealed as a good guy- a fast talking fast thinking impulsive good guy. At times, other characters in the show are skeptical of Sherlock and his mental state but through music, lighting, and camera angles the viewer is suede to like Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock has many strange corks, for example, he lives in an apartment with an old lady and this does not seem to faze him. Throughout the first episode, Sherlock manages to make a friend in John Watson who is an “injured” vet. At the end of the episode, Sherlock’s pride nearly kills him and Watson was there to save his life. This makes the viewer vest interest and emotion in Sherlock because of Watsons loyalty.