Sherlock

[ytak]

So, in order it get prepared for the US airing of Sherlock (which I decided to wait to catch once I learned it was airing here), I've done a little trolling around on PBS's Masterpiece Theater webpage for it.

The quote (by Sherlock) one the first page made me want to read of on sociopathy vs. psychopathy.

"I'm not a psychopath, Anderson, I'm a high functioning sociopath.  Do your research."  Sherlock

While I have seen the show yet, the Wikipedia entry on sociopathy has me laughing as I match up the list to what I remember from reading in the stories (matches are highlighted in red, my comments in green):

• Persistent lying or stealing
• Apparent lack of remorse[3] or empathy for others (He doesn't connect well with others.)
• Cruelty to animals[4]
• Poor behavioral controls - expressions of irritability, annoyance, impatience, threats, aggression, and verbal abuse; inadequate control of anger and temper  (really now, look what he'd do to his flat and it wasn't even his!)
• A history of childhood conduct disorder
• Recurring difficulties with the law (Do we count his relationship with the police force?  I seem to recall they love/hate him.)
• Promiscuity (definitely not this one, I believe he's asexual.)
• Tendency to violate the boundaries and rights of others
• Aggressive, often violent behavior; prone to getting involved in fights
• Inability to tolerate boredom
• Disregard for right and wrong
• Poor or abusive relationships
• Irresponsible work behavior (I think could make an argument for this one but won't.)
• Disregard for safety

And, Sherlock, being a modern and enlightened man would know what he is.  I will buy the "high functioning" part because not every sociopath will exhibit all those symptoms.

I can't wait to see it!