Elementary

I was extremely skeptical of this series and it took a lot to even get me to watch the first episode - I've had too many "I want that hour back" moments in my life.

What I expected was a caricature of Holmes and Watson. I expected Watson's female characterization would be absurdly strong, mentally, physically, and emotionally, and Holmes would be weak, needy and barely able to function without her.

I was very pleasantly surprised - especially for the pilot episode where writers and actors usually haven't hit their stride yet.

Instead, within the premise of modernization and change of venue, the characters are engaging, the writing very good, and while Holmes might be a little over the top in this first episode, Liu's Watson is very well done and far more constrained than I expected.

The premise that gets Holmes to NYC, and in part motivates him to re-engage in the line of consulting detective, is plausible.

There were a couple of scenes that were unnecessary for the plot and inserted for drama alone, but overall, I was very impressed.

Other reviewers here have convinced me that the minor shortcomings of season one are addressed in later seasons (with the exception of some audio issues for a couple of seasons). I look forward to that because Season 1, Episode 1 is already a great start.

I didn't want to watch this because I adore the BBC Sherlock. However, after denying myself for weeks and weeks I decided to download the first 8 episodes and get to work watching them before I made a full opinion.

I was surprised at how easy it was to fall in love with Jonny Lee Miller's Sherlock and Lucy Liu's female Watson. Both actors brought their A-Game and succeeded in bringing viewers in, despite the un-original procedural aspect to the show.

The crimes of the week are lackluster and pedestrian at the very beginning, a typical trait of typical procedural dramas on broadcast networks. However, thankfully this did not continue for all the 12 episodes that have been aired. Somewhere along the 6th episode is when I assume the writers got the full season pick-up and felt the support of CBS after being given the coveted Super Bowl episode slot.

Now the crimes are interesting and layered. The best thing is that the characterization of Sherlock and Watson is the best thing I've seen on a drama in years. Lucy and Jonny have a platonic chemistry which brings angst, sarcasm and wit to the show that is very enjoyable.

The character scenes are the best in every episode, and you can't deny the acting skill involved to breath fresh air into an over used double act such as Holmes and Watson. Miller and Liu make you forget about the other interpretations and fall in love all over again with the crime solving duo.

I suggest everyone watches before passing judgement, and be open minded. You can like all Sherlock Holmes adaptions, there is no rule against liking another.

Elementary is going to be a fantastic series, and I hope it lasts a long time on CBS. It's refreshing and adds vitality to a very old network. Great show!

I love a good procedural. Elementary definitely is, and I find it enjoyable. I love the development of the characters and esp the relationship between Watson and Holmes. Their story lines are nicely fleshed out while solving all of the crimes. I am not much of a Sherlock Holmes whiz but I like the modern spin in which Watson is a lady.

The only thing I don't enjoy is the sound issue. We always have to crank our tv way up to hear the dialogue and then turn it down when the loud bits happen. It's so much that sometimes I don't know what's going on and I find it hard to follow .

Overall I would recommend it if you enjoy procedurals but just a heads up it's a little hard to hear !

"Elementary," the modern adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, brings a refreshing twist to the classic detective tale. Set in New York City, the series stars Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson. With its unique approach to the beloved characters, "Elementary" offers an engaging mix of mystery, character development, and social commentary, making it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

The storyline follows Sherlock Holmes, a recovering drug addict, who assists the NYPD in solving crimes while navigating his complex relationship with Watson, his sober companion turned partner. The show skillfully blends episodic mysteries with overarching character arcs, delving into themes of addiction, trust, and personal growth. Each episode presents a new case, often featuring clever twists and intricate plotting that keeps viewers guessing.

One of the standout features of "Elementary" is its character development. Jonny Lee Miller's portrayal of Sherlock is both brilliant and flawed, capturing the character's eccentricity and vulnerability. Lucy Liu as Joan Watson is a groundbreaking take on the traditional Watson role, providing depth and agency. The chemistry between Miller and Liu is electric, making their partnership one of the highlights of the series. Supporting characters, including Captain Gregson and various antagonists, are well-rounded, adding richness to the narrative.

While "Elementary" offers a fresh take on the Sherlock Holmes mythos, it does have its shortcomings. Some plots can occasionally feel formulaic, with certain episodes following a predictable structure. Additionally, while the character arcs are generally strong, some secondary characters lack the depth that would make their storylines more impactful.

In conclusion, "Elementary" is a must-watch for both fans of Sherlock Holmes and those new to the detective genre. Its clever writing, strong performances, and unique character dynamics make it a standout series. Despite a few predictable moments, the show successfully blends mystery and drama, offering a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. Dive into this modern classic; you won't be disappointed!

Years ago, I remember reading the publicity for this show before it was released, and pouring scorn on the idea of a modern Sherlock Holmes, set in New York and with a female Watson. "How pathetic!", I sneered, "They must be really desperate for new ideas, to come up with this pile of rubbish!" And when it showed on British television, I only sat down to watch it so I could pull it to pieces.

I could never have guessed that years later I would be watching old episodes, while I impatiently wait for the fourth series to be broadcast. All the people involved have obviously worked very hard to create this intelligent and entertaining show, which has fun with the original stories and characters, while still showing respect (in my view) to the books and the author, Arthur Conan Doyle. Oh, and while I like Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock, I think the actors who play Joan Watson, Captain Thomas Gregson and Detective Marcus Bell deserve a special mention, as they have the more restrained and therefore difficult roles to play, as his sidekicks.

Thank you for making and releasing "Elementary". And please hurry up with the next series!