Elementary

Elementary was such a great show that it's actually underrated as far as cop shows go. This series follows Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) as he leaves London for New York after being in rehab. His father makes him live with a sober companion, Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Lui). Watson is a former surgeon who quit after losing one of her patients. She now helps addicts stay sober and takes on Sherlock. The two of them then begin consulting with the NYPD solving their most difficult cases. This show was loved by both critics and audiences alike. It has a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 8.0 here. It did well enough to go for 7 fantastic seasons. Just a fair warning, you'll be hooked once you start this series so give yourself enough time to binge through it.

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!

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?

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 !