Anna Brunick

The Heart of Mystery Comparative Writing Task

English A1

After watching the show N.C.I.S for many years and finishing the book The Hound of the Baskervilles, I have learned that even with a significant time difference and new technology, even the best detectives have similarities. In the book The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and in the popular television show N.C.I.S, created by Donald Bellisario and Don McGill, traits of a strong willed and intelligent detective are shown through work by the main characters. Mr. Sherlock Holmes in The Hound of the Baskervilles, and Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portray the face of some of the most famous detectives. Even though these two have over a 150 year time-period difference, they still share many of the same traits, strategies, and accomplishments. Leroy Jethro Gibbs is a detective who works for the agency N.C.I.S. or Naval Criminal Investigative Service. This organization investigates crimes related to naval intelligence or naval personnel. Although this organization is known for its tough and brutal work, Gibbs, (as he is called), has his own set of rules. Throughout the many seasons of this show, 32 rules have been revealed, all of them having a deep meaning to Gibbs team. His 10th rule is Never get personally involved in a case. The reason for this rule is a Mexican drug dealer named Pedro Hernandez killed his wife and daughter by purposely ramming his car into theirs. Gibbs took revenge into his own hands by murdering Pedro Hernandez. This is one of the reasons Gibbs relates to Sherlock, they both do not have a family. Sherlock never had a love and his passion is fighting crime. Gibbs is also a trained sniper and has a military background and a criminal justice background. However, Gibbs life is a metaphor for success. The more failure you go through, the more experienced and skilled you are. He has a certain respect for people that most do not have. HE has overcome loss so he knows what his victims or suspects family is going through. He understands that a case left undone, will not solve itself. He goes the extra mile to

The Heart of Mystery Comparative Writing Task

figure out facts that no one would know without thorough persuasion and investigation. Sherlock compares to him by looking at all of the facts Sherlock Holmes, the greatest

detective to ever live, (quoted by many), has solved more cases than any other detective in literature. He uses his past knowledge to interpret solutions for other cases. He also notices details about others to further his investigation. When (Sherlock) was watching Stapleton, Cartwright was frequently watching (Watson), so that (Sherlock) was able to keep my hand upon all the strings (Conan Doyle 221). This quote shows that he knew Stapletons plot and how to put himself into the mind of a criminal. He is similar to Gibbs in a deep and complex way by leaving their private life out of their work. Sherlock also has a piece missing from his life, which causes him to have to use drugs for fulfillment. His skills are a good thing and a bad thing when it comes to encountering criminals because he might say too much or give away information. He understands that whenever a person comes to him with a case, he has to be diligent and patient in order for clues to come forward. Also, because Sherlock lives in a time period with no electronic machines, autopsies and DNA were very important. Footprints could be filled in with cement to get a proper identification. Sherlock has his colleague Watson while Gibbs has his team. Even though Sherlock only has one person to work with, he has many connections with others. Gibbs tackles his cases in the same way by using tools and skills to identify clues. These two famous detectives have gone through sacrifice and loss but have overcome them with pride and victory. They have both conquered notorious criminals and have come out with a successful result and a non-successful result. This means, sometimes they catch a criminal quickly, while other times, they have to be patient and calm and wait for the criminal to make his move. They work as hard and as tedious as they can. Their background may be

The Heart of Mystery Comparative Writing Task

different, but their hard work and determination stand out above all and that proves how accomplished they really are.