Elementary

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!

While Elementary isn't the best police procedural I've ever seen, it's on my top 10 and that's saying something because there are a million police shows to choose from. On top of that there are a million different shows/movies involving Sherlock Holmes so a police procedural with Sherlock Holmes as the main character would really have to stick out for people to tune in and Elementary absolutely does. Jonny Lee Miller is absolutely brilliant as Sherlock and Lucy Lui is great as a female Watson. Jonny Lee Miller is right there with Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr. As the best Sherlock Holmes ever put on screen. The series works so well because of the chemistry between Miller and Lui. It's been off the air since 2019 but I still miss it.

Okay, so this is not an American version of the Doyle classics. But it satisfies my first requirement of a good show--I like the characters. Holmes is a man struggling with his inept social skills while simultaneously reveling in them. Watson is a woman whose job has become a hobby and more. As they adapt, this could lead to more interesting interactions. The police characters are skeptical and protective of their turf, yet open to help. They grudgingly admire Holmes' results.

Holmes is also a man who has no love of conventions. It is interesting to watch him navigate his way through a society that tries to force everyone to comply with its standards. In this process, Watson acts as liaison and interpreter. As she gains more information about Holmes, she becomes more useful to him and, perhaps, more of an annoyance to him. He wants to remain an enigma so that he can keep his secrets and demons to himself. She tells him it is good to talk of one's feelings, but he will do so only if forced. One can only hope that the writers eventually create a background for Watson that is equally engaging, though she is somewhat damaged from her experience with a malpractice case. This is only the first season, so there is time for more layers to be added.

Regarding Holmes' crime solving techniques, they are best when he interacts with suspects or witnesses. He has an eye for the truths they reveal when they are trying to hide them. Can he see his own truths as well? Wlll he find the time to deal with his own issues when the world offers so many interesting diversions for his curiosity?

"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!

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.