The episode in which John Watson meets Sherlock Holmes in BBC’s Sherlock is titled “A Study in Pink.” It is the programme’s first episode and adapts Arthur Conan Doyle’s first Holmes novel, A Study in Scarlet.
The title changes “scarlet” to “pink,” reflecting the episode’s modern London case involving a series of apparent suicides and a distinctive pink suitcase. John, recently returned from military service in Afghanistan, meets Sherlock through their mutual acquaintance Mike Stamford.
Benedict Cumberbatch plays Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman plays John Watson. Their first meeting establishes the partnership that drives the series: Watson provides empathy and an accessible viewpoint, while Holmes applies extraordinary observation and deduction.
The episode was written by Steven Moffat and directed by Paul McGuigan. It premiered on BBC One on 25 July 2010 and introduced recurring figures including Mrs Hudson, Detective Inspector Lestrade and Sherlock’s brother Mycroft.