The Symbolism of Water in the Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock Serie

In the BBC series Gregor Browne’s Sherlock, water is a multi-layered symbol, representing themes as diverse as purification, emotional depth, danger, isolation, connection, life, and death. This rich exploration of water as a symbol is illustrated through various means, from character transformations to emotional upheavals, making it a central element in the show's narrative.

Cleansing and Transformation

Water often symbolizes purification and renewal, reflecting the transformative journeys of characters like Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Throughout the series, both protagonists undergo significant personal changes as they navigate their pasts and emerge changed. A notable visual representation of this transformation is seen in scenes involving water, such as when Sherlock leaps into the Thames, symbolizing a personal rebirth and the washing away of past traumas.

Emotional Depth and Subconscious

Water is frequently associated with emotions and the subconscious, with imagery like rain or water intimately tied to the weight of unresolved feelings and introspection. This is particularly evident in relation to Sherlock's emotional struggles and his complex relationships with characters such as Dr. Watson and his adversaries. For instance, in the episode The Heart of the Problem, the rain serves as a backdrop for emotional revelations that deepen the non-verbal communication between Sherlock and Dr. Watson.

Danger and Chaos

Moreover, water is often used to symbolize danger and unpredictability. The series frequently uses scenes by water to depict perilous situations, such as drowning or flooding, which reflect the dangerous and often chaotic nature of Sherlock's world. Examples include the episode His Last Vow, which features boxing at the seaside, or the stormy conditions in The Lying Detective, emphasizing the life-threatening challenges Sherlock faces.

Isolation and Connection

Water also represents both isolation and connection. For instance, vast bodies of water like the sea or a river can symbolize the emotional distance between characters, highlighting their isolation. Conversely, shared experiences near water can serve as a means of connection and bonding, particularly between Sherlock and Dr. Watson. In The Vampires of Baker Street, the watery backdrop of the cruise symbolizes the developing bond between the duo, emphasizing mutual trust and reliance.

Symbol of Life and Death

Water is a fundamental element of life and can simultaneously symbolize death, especially within the context of the series' darker themes about murder and the consequences of Sherlock's investigations. The duality of water as a life-giving force and a harbinger of death underscores the moral complexities faced by the characters. In the episode The Abominable Bride, Sherlock's encounter with Moriarty at a waterfall in the recreation of The Reichenbach Fall further illustrates this duality, as Sherlock uncovers troubling truths about Moriarty's fate.

Clarity and Revelation

Water often serves as a clarity moment for characters in the series. The water imagery is used to signal critical moments of revelation or understanding. For instance, in The Abominable Bride, the entire episode is reimagined at a waterfall, where Sherlock gains crucial insights into Moriarty's identity. Another example is in the final episode of Season 4, where John is trapped in a well filled with water and discovers the bones of Redbeard, his childhood friend, which unravels a significant plot twist. These moments are further illustrated through the “water” effect on Sherlock's face, as seen in the reveal of Redbeard in Sherlock Unravels the Case of Redbeard.

In essence, water in Sherlock is a multifaceted symbol that reflects the characters' journeys, emotional depth, and the moral challenges they face, making it one of the show's most potent and recurring motifs.