Warning: This article contains spoilers for One Day
In Netflix’s One Day, Sylvie’s family plays “Are You There, Moriarty?” with Dexter, but the game has a much deeper meaning within the context of the series. Based on the eponymous novel by David Nicholls, this romance show follows Dex and Em, two best friends who weave in and out of each other’s lives over two decades. One Day uses St. Swithin’s Day as the touch-point to revisit these beloved characters. While One Day includes many bigger events in the lives of Emma and Dexter, some of the smaller moments in this series have a thematic purpose and narrative significance.
One example of a small moment with a big meaning in One Day is the game “Are You There, Moriarty?” When visiting Sylvie’s family in One Day episode 9, Dexter plays a game called “Are You There, Moriarty?” The scene shows them playing the game, but it never explains the rules or strategy. Consequently, it comes across as people just smacking each other with a rolled-up newspaper. However, this game has a much deeper meaning within Dex’s story throughout One Day. As such, it’s important to understand how to play the game.
How Old Dex & Emma Are Throughout One Day
Because it spans over two decades and includes many life events, it’s hard to keep track of how old Dex and Emma are throughout Netflix’s One Day.
How To Play Are You There Moriarty
“Are You There, Moriarty?” is a Victorian parlor game played mostly among posh families in the UK. Traditionally, the game requires two blindfolds, rolled-up newspapers, and a playing space. In the original version, two blindfolded players, holding newspapers, lay on the floor with three feet in between them. The starting player asks the titular question. Once the second player answers, the first player tries to hit them with their newspaper. The second player must dodge by rolling, then hit the first player with their newspaper. The first player to get hit is eliminated and replaced by a new player.
The game has multiple variations, such as the version shown in Nicholls’ 2009 book and Netflix’s One Day series. In this version, only one player has a newspaper, and both participants are standing while holding hands. One player is the batter, and the other must dodge the newspaper in order to win. This version is more appropriate for the series because it looks less silly and furthers the game’s symbolism in One Day.
Are You There Moriarty’s Symbolism In One Day
At first glance, “Are You There, Moriarty?” seems like a silly game that shows a different side of Sylvie’s family. In reality, this game represents Dexter’s emotional journey in One Day. Dexter doesn’t understand what he’s doing when playing the game. He struggles to figure it out as he goes, matching his uncertainty about the future.
As he tries to figure his future out, Dex gets hit upside the head by life. His mother develops cancer. He gets eviscerated by reviews on his show. Dexter starts exhibiting signs of substance use disorder. Sylvie cheats on him with his former best friend, Callum. Luckily, like in “Are You There, Moriarty?” Dex gets a short break from pain when he gets together with Emma. The two develop a beautiful romance filled with happy moments and love.
Is One Day Based On A True Story? The Show’s Inspiration Explained
Dexter and Emma’s story in One Day is heartwarming and tragic, raising questions about the inspiration behind it and if it’s based on a true story.
However, this break doesn’t last long. The game gets even worse after Dex finally thinks he’s in control, holding the newspaper in his hand. He breaks Sylvie’s nose with an unexpected hit. In his story arc, everything gets worse when he thinks he’s figured out life. In One Day’s most devastating moment, a driver hits Emma while she’s riding a bike, killing her almost instantly. Ultimately, the game “Are You There, Moriarty?” hints at Dex’s tragic ending. He confidently goes into this period of life, blindfolded to the immense pain that will soon come to the person he loves most.
One Day
- Cast
- Leo Woodall , Ambika Mod , Amber Grappy , Tim McInnerny , Jonny Weldon
- Release Date
- February 8, 2024
- Seasons
- 1
- Writers
- David Nicholls
- Directors
- Molly Manners
- Creator(s)
- Nicole Taylor , David Nicholls
- Where To Watch
- Netflix
