I would consider myself a fan of the BBC version of Sherlock Holmes. Although I had heard of the name and knew his story, this was actually my first time engaging with the narrative of Sherlock Holmes. Because I enjoyed it so much I watched the 2009 movie with Robert Downey Jr. and read some of the short stories. However I found that my favourite version of the franchise was the TV series. I like the modern adaption because it’s more relatable to me and more realistic. I felt really engaged watching the episode, A Lady in Pink.

It was put together in a way that makes me keep watching, intrigued to figure out the case. I noticed in the introduction to the show, Watson was first introduced, followed by the case, Lestrade, and finally Sherlock, making him an enigma of sorts and more fascinating. By first introducing Watson the audience can follow through his perspective, everything Sherlock does is the first impression, we are likewise being astounded by his intelligence, deductions and observations. I also noticed that despite the clear warnings against Sherlock from sergeant Donovan and Mycroft, I was on Sherlock’s side and wanted Watson to continue helping him.

Agency, according to Janet Murray, is the satisfying power to take meaningful action and see the results of our decisions and choices”. Even when it does exist, our agency is limited because we are aware of expectations. I think that audience feedback is important to increase their agency and the success of your artefact, however there needs to be a balance. It is most successful if you know your audience before starting. If you have a niche target audience in mind rather than trying to appeal to a mainstream audience, you will have more success within your goals. Otherwise the market is too broad and you will find it difficult to please everyone. The moment you add a platform you expand your audience and expand the experience they have.

In The Database, Lev Manovich discusses the age of new media. As he says, “new media allows different content to be created from the same material because the work and the interface are separated”. Most TV shows, new release films, book franchises, video games, etc. now have an app, an Instagram or twitter account. He talks about the fact that “many new media objects do not tell stories, they don’t have a beginning middle or end or any development”. However different interfaces allow us to explore and experience this content in our own way and become more involved.

Despite being a fan of the show I didn’t know there was an app. The app made me feel really engaged, getting my own chance to see if I could fill Sherlock’s shoes. In the TV show when Sherlock explains things it makes it seem so easy and I feel like I could do it myself but this game showed me that it’s just the show choosing to show you certain things so you can attempt to figure it out and keep you engaged.