Blog Post 2- A Study in Sherlock

The way characters are introduced always has a huge impact on how we as an audience will view them. In the show John Watson is introduced first, perhaps intending to mirror the original Arthur Conan Doyle novels in which the mysteries are shown from the perspective of Watson. The episode begins with Watson’s memories of the Afghanistan war immediately introducing him as someone who has experienced dire situations. The environment around him in his dark apartment is shown as simple and bleak. All of this shows a man who lacks purpose in his life and is unable to re adjust to a “normal” life. In contrast to Watson’s quiet presence, Sherlock is introduced as a know-it-all even before being on screen. By correcting Lestrade’s press conference via mass text message, Sherlock is already seen in a very showy and overconfident way. After this, his actual physical introduction occurs from the perspective of one laying in a body bag. With this introduction we see him in his element, performing experiments in the lab. He is clearly a man who focuses only on detective work because he has no understanding of human relationships when Molly attempts to ask him on a date. Although Sherlock and Watson are clearly incredibly different people they complement each other. They both have vices that could be their destruction (Sherlock has arrogant pride and Watson is without purpose) but from their meeting onward they even out each other’s flaws. They are a team. This is even demonstrated by the costume design in their first scene together. Both Sherlock and Watson are wearing heavy dark coats and have a blue piece to their costume (John’s shirt and Sherlock’s iconic scarf) this reinforces the idea that they will be a team.