For starters Sherlock was a perfect
show for this chapter over semiotics, because that is just the kind
of thing that Sherlock himself is so in tune with and uses to solve
his mysteries/crimes. The best part of Sherlock is that not only does
Sherlock pay attention to detail, but the viewer must as well. It is
a show that if you are not paying attention, you will miss something
and get lost along the way or miss an important clue.
“A Study in Pink” starts out with
us meeting Watson who is having a dream about his war days. From here
we see what Watson's life is like and as he says to his therapist
“nothing happens to me”. From this part of the episode we can
already tell that Watson's past haunts him and clings to him, and I
believe that the cane he uses is a symbol of this past that is in a
sense handicapping him still. This gives us a good sense of his
character, and puts him on the serious side.
Our first introduction to Sherlock in
the episode we do not see him at all. We are introduced to him at the
press conference when the police are briefing the tabloids of what is
happening with the “suicides” that have been plaguing the city.
Sherlock is the mysterious man behind the 'wrong' texts. Before we
ever see the man behind the texts we already have a sense of his
mischievous and tongue in cheek personality.
This begins the comparison between the
two characters.
Watson
|
Sherlock
|
| Neat | Messy |
| Serious | Tongue in cheek |
| Subtle | Harsh |
| Inattentive (less attention to detail) | Heeding |
Interestingly enough these characters
are both after the same thing, some sort of adventure because
although they are total opposites they are both bored and looking to
fill some sort of a void. There is already growth between the two as
we see when Watson forgets his cane at the dinner to join in on the
action. Between this and the meeting in the garage with the
mysterious man we come to find out that Sherlock might have been just
what Watson was needing and it brings a certain irony to his
statement at the very beginning of the episode where he states
“nothing happens to me”.
I have to agree with you. Watson first appeared to be extremely serious about life. I enjoyed the introduction of Sherlock into the show. He seems like the perfect puzzle piece to Watson. They both seemed to be longing for adventure judging by the street chase and Sherlock getting so excited about dealing with a serial killer.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good post. It is interesting that you point out how Watson and Sherlock are bored. I noticed that as I was watching but didn't think to add it myself. I also think that boredom is important in Sherlock's character. It is a metaphor for his overachieving.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good post. It is interesting that you point out how Watson and Sherlock are bored. I noticed that as I was watching but didn't think to add it myself. I also think that boredom is important in Sherlock's character. It is a metaphor for his overachieving.
ReplyDeleteVery good observations in the differences between the two characters. I think those are probably some of the most important and informative for understanding the characters better.
ReplyDelete