TV detectives still learning from Sherlock Holmes by Wayne Flynn

Recently a friend of mine insisted that he learned everything he needed to know about Sherlock Holmes through television, specifically the series Elementary. I was introduced to Sherlock Holmes, the world’s greatest consulting detective, and Dr. Watson, his friend and protector, through television.  I would watch enthralled as Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce portrayed our heroes hunting down spies and tracking vicious dogs.  And while my friend may have learned everything he needed to know, I think a few details are missing.

Then the discussion took an entertaining turn.  We discussed how often we find a “tribute” to Holmes in television shows. You have to know where to look, and more importantly you need knowledge of the canon to recognize the clues.  

One of my favorite television series is Justified. The basic concept is a modern-day gun-slinging Deputy U.S. Marshall by the name of Raylan Givens who finds his way into more precariou

s situations than most U.S. Marshalls.  On an episode entitled “Foot Chase”, (S4:E6) our hero, U.S. Deputy Marshall Raylan Givens is searching for a fugitive.  He approaches the home of an informant under house arrest wearing an ankle-monitoring bracelet.  Although Givens does not find the informant, he does find the informant’s foot, cut off with the monitoring device still attached.  Givens’ boss, Chief Marshall Art Mullen, calls him to inquire about the investigation.  When he hears the news, the Chief Marshall states, “So as I understand it, ‘the game is afoot’”.  Here we learn that Chief Marshall Mullen is a student of Holmes. Chief Marshall Mullen clearly embraces the methods and spirit of the world’s greatest consulting detective. 

If you are familiar with Longmire, you know that Sheriff Longmire is a well-read individual.  In the pilot episode, Sheriff Longmire is challenged by a deputy as to the solution of a crime.  Sheriff Longmire replies, “If you’re going to be a sheriff you need to start brushing up on your detective work son.” (S1:E1) Longmire hands his deputy a copy of The Hound of the Baskervilles.  The deputy certainly took the advice to heart as he didn’t return the book until Season 2 Episode 2.  Proving the lessons of Sherlock Holmes live on. 

These are just a few examples of Sherlockian tributes.  I’m sure Sherlockians have been spotting these references in television and books for years.  I invite you to add your own examples in the comments.