Blog Post #2: BBC Sherlock

BBC's rendition of the classic Sherlock Holmes story is presented in an interesting and captivating manner. Right from the very start there is action and mystery, the key elements that bring the Holmes stories to life. What I believed to be the most interesting part of the episode was the introduction and characterization of John Watson, who is the first character to appear in the show, despite being on the co-main character. The episode also establishes trust between the two main characters rather quickly.  

When Watson is introduced, he is waking up in a barren apartment, with only a few possessions scattered about. This is to show how unadjusted to civilian life Watson is, as the viewers learn only minutes later from his psychiatrist. A quick glance through some of his belongings showed us that he owns a gun, which is a signifier that signifies that he has knowledge of dangerous situations and that he is prepared for them again. Watson also has a limp, requiring the use of a cane. As it turns out, his limp is psychosomatic and he uses his cane as crutch that keeps him grounded. He is also a very quiet man, very reserved and respectful.  

Throughout the episode, there comes to be some parallels to Watson’s character, as he is introduced to Sherlock Holmes and begins to work with him. Upon entering 221B Baker’s Street, Watson is greeted with the crowded, cluttered organized mess that is Holmes’ flat. This is directly opposite of his current living space, yet Watson doesn’t put up too much of a fuss over it, quickly growing accustomed to it as the episode progresses. He also does not remain quiet for very long; he is quick to defend Sherlock in fervor against the police during the “drug’s bust.” Despite the fact that they had only known each other for a short amount of time, Watson was already starting to trust the consulting detective. This trust is shown in Watson’s forgetting of his cane as the episode continues. He is no longer needed that crutch, as he has found a friend and trust in Sherlock Holmes.

Finally, the use of Watson’s gun against the cabbie killer is an example of paradigmatic analysis. Watson is a good character, who owns a real gun and actually uses it. The cabbie is an example of the “evil” character that fooled his victims with a fake gun. Watson turns out to be the one to shoot, though he did it to save a life, and ended up killing someone. But through his action, he further shows his trust and concern for Holmes, and in return Holmes becomes fonder of him. The episode ends with the two leaving, now established as friends who truly trust in each other.