Imagery & Symbolism

Imagery, Symbols, Motifs Sherlock

The BBC series Sherlock uses symbols to make its mysteries more interactive.  These symbols and visual clues help the audience follow the storyline and think like Sherlock.

In The Blind Banker (Season 1 Ep2) Sherlock is investigating two murders connected by symbols left by the killer.  These symbols must be decoded to solve the case which is an activity the audience can be involved in, the audience can also try and solve as they are watching. 

In episode 1, A Study in Pink, all the victims take the poison voluntarily.  This repeated visual can show the audience the way that the murderer is committing the crime and encourages the viewers to try and solve the case as they watch the same action happening over and over.
          
Play video with sound on to watch Sherlock trying to solve the mystery of the Chinese symbols.

Enola Holmes uses a wide range of imagery to help guide the main character and help provide the audience with clues.  The most important symbol is flowers. Enola’s missing mother leaves behind flowers with hidden meanings.  These flowers provide clues that Enola must work out, helping her crack the mystery of the disappearance her mother.

The use of imagery encourages the audience to also look for clues, just like Enola does.