What is the Board Where Sherlock Holmes Displays His Spiderweb Called?

The board where Sherlock Holmes displayed his spiderweb, as seen in the The Empty Hearse episode, has garnered much attention. The question at hand is: what is this board called? It is important to understand the context of this board to fully appreciate the term used to describe it.

Common Terminology for the Board

The board where Sherlock Holmes pinned up various pieces of evidence, memos, and notes is commonly referred to as several names. These include:

Evidence Board - A term that suggests it is used to display and organize evidence. Murder Board - Used in criminal investigations to piece together a puzzle of clues. Criminal Puzzle - Implies a complex problem that needs to be solved. The Wall of Rats - Humorously named after the rats that will leave danger, metaphorically referring to the people and evidence.

Each of these names reflects a different aspect of how the board is used in the show. The evidence board is not just a physical space but a tool for critically analyzing the case at hand.

The Concept of a Mind Map

For Sherlock Holmes, this board serves as a mind map. A mind map is a visual tool used in business management and psychology to organize information and ideas. It is often depicted as a diagram with nodes and connections, similar to how Sherlock displays his information.

A mind map works by:

Vizualizing Information: Presenting a large number of data in a structured manner. Identifying Relationships: Highlighting connections between different pieces of information. Conceptual Organization: Facilitating the identification of patterns and hierarchies.

The various photos, clippings, and notes pinned up on the board function as the nodes in the mind map. Just like in a traditional mind map, these elements serve to elucidate the information and help in forming a coherent narrative or solution to the problem at hand.

Plot Connections and Subtext

Interestingly, the board in "The Empty Hearse" is not the only mind map seen in the episode. Anderson also employs a similar technique, albeit in a different context. This parallel usage of mind maps could be interpreted in two ways:

Plot Device: A thematic connection that highlights the similarities in approach between both detectives, despite their differences in personality and profession. Subtext: An inside joke suggesting that the tension between Sherlock and Anderson may not be solely due to lack of intelligence but more to their shared, eccentric approach to problem-solving.

Moreover, the similarity in their methods may indicate a deeper bond or mutual recognition of each other’s techniques, reinforcing their common ground despite their visible conflicts.

In conclusion, the board where Sherlock Holmes displays his spiderweb is best described as a evidence board, murder board, or criminal puzzle, with the term mind map providing a more professional and analytical perspective. Understanding these terms not only sheds light on the show's creative details but also enriches the overall viewing experience.