1. TV Crime Drama Conventions
Name of Drama
Sherlock Holmes- The Great Game
(series 1 episode 3)
Broadcaster –
BBC
Sunday
8pm-9pm
8th Aug 2010
Conventions -
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
Mycroft wants his brother, Sherlock, to investigate the
murder of civil servant Alan West and theft of the BrucePartington 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 ‘sidekick’, 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.
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
Scheduling details
Characters
Narrative
Mise-en-scene Locations
Sets
Lighting
Costume

2. Sound –
Key dialogue
Sound effects
Music
Audiences –
Who is the target audience?
Male/Female
How might they react
differently?
Will it shape their views of
people, issues or events?
Industry –
Marketing & Promoting
Other platforms? (DVD/online)
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.
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.
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.
BBC- trailers, adverts, interviews in magazines and radio.
DVD and blue ray box set release.