BBC Sherlock Fan Forum - Serving Sherlockians since February 2012 / The ringing

**Posted by tobeornot221b** June 4, 2012 4:31 pm

I haven't found this mentioned here yet.
I was wondering what it is all about that single ringing that can be heard when John's head is down on the pavement after he has been hit by the cyclist.

It's not the same ringing as the ringing from the telephone booths in PINK, but it sounds a bit like an old-fashioned telephone. I don't think the ringing is part of the soundtrack. But – what does it mean? Is it a signal, and if: for whom? And where does it come from?
Any ideas?

**Posted by Molly Hooper** June 4, 2012 8:30 pm

I thought it was just signifying that he was disorientated, but...

**Posted by Irene Adler** June 4, 2012 10:02 pm

I have wondered a lot of times about this. As Molly says, you can take it as a sign of disorientation but I can't help thinking... why a phone ring? It is a ring. And no, it's not part of the soundtrack.

I have no idea what it means, but I'm intrigued about it too

**Posted by kazza474** June 5, 2012 3:21 am

I believe it's just part of the soundtrack & as Molly said it is used to signify to the audience that his head is indeed 'ringing' from the knock.
I don't believe it is necessarily a phone ringing, lots of bells & buzzers sound similar; its just an instantly recognised sound " Oh that's ringing".

**Posted by tobeornot221b** June 5, 2012 3:54 am

Soundtrack, maybe…but if it only was soundtrack then, I would the ringing expect to happen the moment John's head meets the ground – not two seconds after…still wondering…

**Posted by kazza474** June 5, 2012 3:58 am

Ever hit the ground hard? It takes a few seconds to feel that pain. First 'reaction/thought is one of 'What just happened? THEN the hurt starts!