Key words:GenreCharacterSetting / LocationAudienceMise-en-sceneRepresentationThemesSchedulingNarrative

Key words:GenreCharacterSetting / LocationAudienceMise-en-sceneRepresentationThemesSchedulingNarrative

To understand the key concepts in relation to a current TV Crime Drama

Mind-map everything you already know about

Sherlock, consider the key words to help you:

SherlockSherlock

EXT: In your opinion, evaluate how conventional Sherlock is as a TV Crime Drama

Character

Protagonist is Sherlock Holmes

A modern update finds the famous sleuth and his doctor partner solving crime in 21st century London.

20 / 03 / 12

Case Study: Sherlock (2010 – Present Day)

Case Study: Sherlock (Scheduling)

• Originally aired in July 2010 on BBC One and BBC HD @ 21:00

• Watch again on BBC iPlayer

•DVD Boxset

•Official BBC Website

Click to view ->

Case Study: Sherlock (Other Key Characters)

Dr. John Watson (played by Martin Freeman)

•Brave

•Resourceful

•Practical

Previously an army doctor, shattered by service in Afghanistan, John Watson discovered a new lease of life when he met Sherlock Holmes. Although often infuriated by Sherlock's cold, detached manner, he also sees his flatmate as his best friend.

Sherlock Holmes (Played by Benedict Cumberbatch)

•Brilliant

•Aloof

•Lacking in social graces

•Intelligent

•Cocky

•Witty

•Powers of deduction

•Trench Coat

•Magnifying glass

221B Baker Street (key location)

Sherlock is a unique young man with a mind like a 'racing engine'. Without problems to solve, that mind will tear itself to pieces and the more bizarre and baffling the problems the better. He has set himself up as the world's only consulting detective, whom the police grudgingly accept as their superior.

Case Study: Sherlock (Characters)

Todorov’s Narrative Structure

Stage 1: Equilibrium

Stage 2: Disruption (the crime)

Stage 3: Character recognises the disruption

Stage 4: Character overcomes obstacles to repair disruption (solves crime)

Stage 5: situation is resolved, equilibrium is restored

Watch an episode of a crime drama. Use your sheet to plot the narrative (story) stages.EXT: What are the enigma codes and action codes in your episode.

Bulmer and Katz- Uses and Gratifications

EntertainmentEntertainment

RelationshipsRelationships

InformationInformation

IdentityIdentity

Escapism form own lives, exciting, dangerous. Can make us feel better

about our own lives-shock, fear, thrills

Escapism form own lives, exciting, dangerous. Can make us feel better

about our own lives-shock, fear, thrills

Develop a close bond with charactersUnderstand how they think/act.

Complicated people that we learn about. Can also discuss with others

Develop a close bond with charactersUnderstand how they think/act.

Complicated people that we learn about. Can also discuss with others

Relate to characters, settings and situations. How would we feel, respond in these situations-in the shoes of the

detective solving the crime

Relate to characters, settings and situations. How would we feel, respond in these situations-in the shoes of the

detective solving the crime

Learn about psychology, forensics and crime solving and also about the world

around us.

Learn about psychology, forensics and crime solving and also about the world

around us.

4 key ways that audiences enjoy TV Crime Dramas

Practice exam question

20mins to use all your knowledge and terminology so far to answer the following question:

Explain some of the reasons why Sherlock is so popular with audiences.

Discuss:

CharactersSettingsNarrative and Storylines

A/B Extention:Discuss the uses and gratifications model from last lesson

Eg. One reason that Sherlock is so popular with audiences is because of the use of settings and locations. Urban settings such as London in Sherlock provide lots of opportunities for drama and excitement. This offers audiences escapism if they are not from a large city like London or identity if they are as they can recongise some of the landmarks.