User reviews

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.

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!

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.

"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 love this show. Its my go to. Jonny and Lucy have great chemistry and the cases are intricate and often keep you guessing. With real life issues and compassion, mixed with sherlock's rugged and laser focus on cases its almost never a smooth ride. The longer you stick with it the better it is, sherlock turning into a more humanly man, and Watson becoming a great detective in her own right. Only lucy liu could pull off a female Watson whose character begins to exhibit the traits and fashion of the great detectives around her. The subtle appreciations are very well done. The casting is great, with Natalie as moriarty, she should've been allowed one last major comeback. My only complaint is that it finished abruptly and quickly.

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 !

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?

As long time Sherlock fan of books/ Rathbone films and even BBC Sherlock, I was a little skeptical of this NY incarnation. Especially with the gimmick driven female Watson. Having watched the first few episodes however I am pleasantly surprised. The show is carried and carried well by the charisma and scruffy charm of Johnny Lee Miller, who convinces as the eccentric mental powerhouse who has his fair share of weaknesses both socially and physically. Watson does better as a woman than I would have thought and Aidan Quinn is just as brilliant as a police chief in this as he was in the undeservedly canceled Prime Suspect.

However, I did notice a worrying trend in a recent episode of lessening his deductive powers and in essence having him just follow clues as any normal detective. I hope with all sincerity that this series doesn't cheapen into a regular detective show with gimmicky moments highlighting his powers. i.e. Solving the crime as anyone would through normal police procedure and filling the gaps with inane deductive showcases.

Keep it so that only Holmes and his keen logical mind could have solved the crime otherwise its pointless.

I was a little bit sceptical about an American version of Sherlock Holmes, but I am glad I came across this show.

I don't like police procedural shows that wrap up in 45 mins from the introduction of the characters the crime, and how the police solve the case, but there is something different about Elementary.

Many of the stories run over 2 or more episodes and each season has an over-arching story that runs for the duration of the season.

The acting is very good, and it's a top quality cast. The production is also top quality and what I really admire is the quality of the writing.

Watch and enjoy.

This purports to be a take on Sherlock, migrated to modern New York and it does this very well. Sherlock is a true eccentric, Watson equally and entertainingly odd with the NYPD reassuringly stereotypical, adding balance. Jonny Lee Millar gives consistently outstanding performances full of quirky finger movements, twitches and sudden changes of direction - mental, emotional and physical. Watson is a bewildered soul mesmerised by Holmes, resentful of his offhand treatment of her, intrigued but unable to escape. Irene likewise is outstandingly good - another flawed character, riveting to watch. This series is a revelation, worth watching for JLM's performance alone. Worth 10/10 were it not for Watson's quacky delivery and Holmes' mumbling when thinking out loud but don't let this affect your enjoyment - just see if you agree. Absolutely brilliant.

Especially Sherlock, but it's ALL bad. This is the only TV show I've ever seen like this, and since it's been like this since the show started I can only assume that it's done for some artistic purpose rather than through incompetence. Surely I'm not the only one with this problem!

Aside from that, I like the show.

They have done what they always do, take a theme/idea and build it into a 20 episode per series cop drama.

This one however is one of the better ones with most of the show centring around Sherlock and Watson's relationship allowing for plenty of character development. It's a good watch and I really like Jonny Lee Miller's take on the character especially in later series.

Also it's nice when a Series gets an end instead of just cancelling it on a cliff hanger.

7 years ago i started to watch this show. Loved it from the start and knew I would watch it to the end. So sad to see this show ending but it was a great show. Thank you all for an amazing time.

Don't expect too much traditional Sherlock Homes except that the main character is British and formerly from Scotland Yard. Otherwise this is just a modern clue based non violent crime solving series. It's lighter than SVU and has a comical vein. It's quite enjoyable to see how the obscure clues come together. One refreshing thing is the mysteries last an episode not the entire season like some series which require a lot of concentration.

Johnny Lee Miller gives a high strung eccentric performance less irritating than Robert Downey but a bit similar. Why they both portray Sherlock as so undignified I don't understand. Lucy Liu as Dr Watson gives a calm if bland balancing performance. Nice to see a slightly plump Aiden Quinn as NYPD cop. There is a pleasant chemistry between the leads.

There probably is a niche for this series especially if you'd rather not watch overly gruesome crimes as in CSI and SVU.

At the beginning the show was good. Not terrific but good. The new adaption is not excellent but it is interesting. Humanizing Sherlock and creating a new dynamic by making Watson a woman is new and different than the traditional take on the story. Unfortunately, at season 4 I said "Why going so far?" and Season 5 is where I draw the line. Collectively, there are 3 points that bugged me during the show.

1. I find Lucy Lu a less than mediocre actress. She has absolutely nothing to add to the show, or any show for that matter.Is she sad? Happy? Frustrated? Nobody can tell. As the show progresses and seasons go by this becomes more and more annoying.

2. The portrayal of Mycroft Holmes as a lazy little man. Mycroft is supposed to be a powerful man. Lazy but brilliant and indispensable for the British government. The new take on him is an unfortunate experience for any viewer.

3. The final episode of season 3. Obviously the writers run out of ideas and said: "Hey,you know what? Let's show his drug problem!" Apparently the viewers needed this to comprehend that he is an addict.

Seasons 1 and 2 were good and enjoyable. Season 3 was watchable but still fun. I found myself watching season 4 with a fond nostalgia for season 3. Season 5? NO.I can't watch anymore. That's enough.

This had been a show i really liked. I would have given it a much higher rating if they had not made me wait so long to see the finish, It is hard enough to wait a week for a good show to air again and i was really anticipating the next episode. That anticipation has gone now as i turn week after week to watch the show and it is not on, week, after week. It will then air for one episode before going off for three weeks or so. It is not good enough This schedule shows what you think of your viewers, as you make them wait for no good reason to watch the show. The producers of shows now think people will wait for months for them to have a break with their shows at the same time we are now binging on whole series at a time. They do not realize that to become popular so that people will binge on their show they have top keep people interested enough for the season to finish.

I for one will not be watching the next season if i am going to have to wait so long to see the end of it.

I don't know what I expected with this, I think I thought it was a daft idea; Sherlock has been done to death (usually quite well) but this is a total re-take. It's modern, Watson is a woman and Sherlock is... well, Jonny Lee Miller! He's a recovering addict, who is an unbelievably clever observer and lateral thinker and solves crimes alongside the Police. Like the original Sherlock (by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) Jonny plays Sherlock as arrogant, frenetic and more than a little bit nuts not to mention very troubled and broken. He plays it very well and whilst I've always liked him he has really changed his usual demeanour for this one. Lucy Liu is great as the ex-doctor, help and Sober Companion for Sherlock and their chemistry is - whilst quite aggressive and antagonistic at first - good and respect and tenderness develops.

The cases are intriguing, unusual and Sherlock's clues and methods are clever and indicative of the books. His character develops and the overall story arc is interesting. Early on a few episodes had him floundering around with clues and becoming more pedestrian in his discoveries, and more like Psych in that he notices things rather than deduces outcomes from observations. Deduction is the key to Sherlock but I suppose with modern policing you have to have something called evidence to substantiate any inferences. It's also nice to see Aidan Quinn, and hear his lovely voice, again, and the character interaction between him and Sherlock is really good.

I don't quite understand why this show has been made - I guess without the Sherlock edge it's just The Mentalist or something already done, and I am not quite sure whether it's good enough, and different enough to be ridiculously successful but I do enjoy it, which is surely the point. I probably wouldn't like it so much if it wasn't Jonny Lee Miller, or another actor I enjoyed watching, if truth be told.

The premise that this is a clever detective show hence the Sherlock and Watson reference is very deceiving! There is nothing clever or entertaining about this show! The deductions Sherlock make are angry comments that make no sense whatsoever! In the pilot Lucy's character Watson was a surgeon who killed a patient! He had a parking ticket close to a cemetery and this is the sole reason Sherlock deducted that she killed her patient! She could have been visiting a dead friend or one of a hundred other reasons why she was parked near a cemetery!

I have now watched the series and it's pretty good and I actually enjoyed the show.. I found it relaxing to watch and often fell asleep due to the soft spoken Lucy..

1. Camera Angle 2. pacing 3. storyline 4. acting. On all accounts 10 out of 10...I to at first didn't care for the modern rendition of my hero.

BUT THEN I began to see the masterful subtleties thru story after story...the thing most missing in today's movies and TV shows...A GOOD STORY..episode after episode(I'm on 20 first season)creating the old spirit of Sherlock in a fresh new modern way that works and Lucy Liu is pure gravy sweet delicious and sharp as they come! Pure genius week after week holding my attention..yum tasty. Sherlock's character is fascinating to watch, his body language and pure rude arrogance although somewhat annoying works because he's a man who knows most often he is right!

In the last episode I watched Watson takes a scalpel and begins to do an autopsy as Sherlock looks on and I thought yes that's the idea as she shows herself to be a real modern Dr. Watson..loved it!!!

I find this show truly enjoyable. While the modern Sherlock-type is a bit overdone in TV (ie. the Mentalist, etc.) I don't find this take to be overly redundant. Johnny Lee Miller and Lucy Lui do wonderfully in their parts, which I find to be fairly realistic, in TV terms. Of course, as wonderful actors they could probably bring life to even the worst scripts. While fans of the original Sherlock Holmes may be disappointed that it is not true to the stories, I find it interesting to take the mind of Holmes and throw it into modern context. If you like detective shows or want to get a different take on Sherlock, it's definitely worth the watch.

Each scene is a set piece. The protagonist possess an inner, raging, sense of justice. His companion is a disgraced but brilliant former surgeon. His job is to catch the trickiest, mot diabolical fiends, many of whom wear pin striped suits and carry attaché cases.

The New York City police captain knows Holmes intimately, recognizes his fragile flaws and his insuperable gifts, knew Holmes before the consulting detective crossed the Atlantic from London.

Much more than Basil Rathbone or Jeremy Brett, more than John Wood, Christopher Plummer or Benedict Cumberbatch combined, Jonny Miller's Sherlock Holmes has allowed his audience a much more intimate glimpse into the inner workings of his brilliant psyche, more close than ever before into his complex personalities, many of them a mask:

(a) His juvenile petulance (b) His narcissistic rages (c) His little vulnerability (d) His sudden, unexpected sentimentality swiftly masked (e) His use of arrogance as a hardened cynical facade slasher (f) His kooky, bizarre idiosyncrasies (g) His uncanny ability to penetrate to the pith and marrow of any case, crack it, then know all the possible ramifications.

What is fun, in the same sense as Nick and Nora in the 1940's "The Thin Man," is the fencing, the dueling, between Holmes and the very alluring very talented Lucy Liu. The whole relationship is, in one real sense, a total tease, titillation, pure foreplay. Nothing is ever going to happen romantically. If the producer or direction ever let it go that far, the show would end abruptly, because the reality would overwhelm the fantasy.

Holmes is his own good cop/bad cop. His armor is his cockiness; his side arms, wit, combined with an encyclopedic knowledge of chemistry, physics, abnormal psychology.

But as Holmes admits to Watson in "The Rat Race," his gift "has its costs":

(a) "Learning to see the puzzle in everything. It's impossible to stop. They're everywhere once you stop looking."

(b) "People and all their deceits that inform everything they do, tend to be the most fascinating puzzle of all. Of course, they don't always appreciate being seen as such."

Deserves an 8/10 had they not decided to take sherlock holmes and add ''all American flavor'' to it.Right now about half the airing time, sherlock keeps apologising to watson and who ever he can find and acts like a complete codswallop as this sherlock would say.he keeps telling her how useless he is without her, how pathetic he is as a person how much he has changed and how much better person he is and what a great lady she is what theeeeeeeeeee heck..enough with it already .. if you cannot really find a better story point to take it forward be done with it already. you are making the greatest detective of all time look like a complete idiot( trust me i wanted to use a strong word here)

To them it might have been the first point when they started on the script because they couldn't just have a British person come to America and solve all of its cases. Of course not which would make the people around him look like fools.But they forgot that it is supposed to happen around Sherlock Holmes and there is a reason he is called that.As a show it is a good one and does its job well though some of the episodes are just fillers with ''usual crimes'' jumbled to make them look like they are baffling and that a sherlock holmes is actually needed to solve them.i wont go into further details because i don't want to ruin it for anybody who wants to watch it. And like i have mentioned it is not a bad show, it does some things well.At first i liked the fact that its some fresh air. the bonding between watson and sherlock holmes is well portrayed.some of the cases are very well done and will have you watching till the revelation. but too many of them follow a template if i should say. FIRST : crime happens. SECOND : they investigate the crime scene. THIRD : sherlock and watson are shown to engage in some discussion unrelated to the case .(either persons past or present feelings) FOURTH : sherlock spends a night without sleep and finds a suspect and location FIFTH : they bring in the suspect and find out that they have an alibi SIXTH : ''watson identifies something unusual'' SEVENTH : they bring in the murderer and captain gregson throws some allegations,the murderer refuses to which gregson answers that they are currently searching the murderers home and they are going to find evidence. some times sherlock explains and sometimes watson explains. Its too repetitive this template. its been overused. i enjoyed the fact that watson would be joining sherlock as an associate rather than just a ''blogger'' but then when she started dominating sherlock holmes and it became too much to the point that she continued to catch the final perpetrator. As sherlock stood in the background i thought enough. Out of all the 40 or so episodes i have watched, ever since watson became his associate she solved half the cases as sherlock holmes .while sherlock did the initial investigations she started finding the key point to catching the villains. Verdict : I honestly think it is a good show but it adds too much American flavor to the mix . Rename the main character to Sherlock Holes and then it will truly deserve the 8 im giving it.