TV Crime Drama Conventions

Name of Drama Sherlock Holmes- The Great Game

(series 1 episode 3)

Broadcaster – Scheduling details

BBC

Sunday

8pm-9pm

8th Aug 2010

Conventions - Characters

Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes

Martine Freeman as Dr John Watson

Una Stubbs as Mrs Huson

Rupert Graves as DI Lestrade

Mark Catiss as Mycroft Holmes

Andrew Scott as Moriaty

Narrative

Mycroft wants his brother, Sherlock, to investigate the

murder of civil servant Alan West and theft of the Bruce-

Partington missile plans. Sherlock, however, prefers to

assist Lestrade following a massive bomb blast. The

sadistic bomber, Moriaty, abducts a string of hostages,

straps bombs to them, then gives Sherlock a time frame in

which Sherlock must solve a series of crimes in order to

save the victim. Furthermore Moriatity uses the terrified

victims to contact Sherlock with ambiguous phone calls.

Sherlock uses his specialised skills to solve the crimes laid

before him when Moriaty straps bombs to Sherlock’s ‘side-

kick’, Dr John Watson. Sherlock manages to save Watson

and Moriaty lets them go, however he returns and the

episode ends with a three-way stand-off at gun point

between Sherlock, Watson, and Moriaty.

Mise-en-scene - Locations

Sets

Lighting

Costume

Locations (London):

221 Baker Street (Sherlock and Watson’s home)

Crime scenes

Forensics lab

College

Swimming Pool (final scene)

Museum

Café

Residential locations (witness/ victim/ suspects home)

Secluded, dark streets (homeless network)

Lighting

Most of the two-part episode is filmed outside during the

day (daylight.)

There is a ‘warm’ artificial light in Sherlock and Watson’s

house to create a homely atmosphere.

In the scene when Sherlock and Watson are grappling with

the Golem there was very little light, the source being the

occasional flash of the projector- this increased the

tension of the scene. Also the Golem was only ever shown

in shadow to convey his dark and formidable nature.

Costume:

Sherlock- long coat, smart, dark= mysterious.

Watson- fairly smart e.g shirt and trousers.

Police officers- uniform (police)

The Golem- a suit

Moriaty- a suit

Extras wearing regular British clothing.

Sound – Key dialogue

Sound effects

Music

Sherlock speaks quickly (almost to himself.)

Sherlock’s theme plays at the beginning of the episode and

often when he is in the scene.

The victims were usually crying on the phone.

The usual ‘hustle and bustle’ sounds of in and around

London.

Moriaty’s speech was broken and cryptic.

Audiences – Who is the target audience?

Male/Female

How might they react

differently?

Will it shape their views of

people, issues or events?

The whole family can enjoy the witty/ clever whodunit,

though the level of violence may make the series

unsuitable for young children.

Females- enjoy the mystery and intrigue.

Male- enjoy the sense of humour.

Unusually, the police are portrayed as ignorant and

clueless.

Villain portrayed as cunning and sadistic.

Sherlock portrayed as mysterious, dark, and extremely

intelligent.

Watson portrayed as amicable and brave.

Industry – Marketing & Promoting

Other platforms? (DVD/online)

BBC- trailers, adverts, interviews in magazines and radio.

DVD and blue ray box set release.