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.

"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!

9 is the best because no one is perfect or truly good enough to achieve a10. For this fan of ACD and his stories of Sherlock Holmes this rendition comes close to the best so far. It rates at the top with the Benedict Cumberbach series "Sherlock". But, truth be told, it's crowded at the top of that list. "Elementary" actually takes the genre to a whole different level. Every element is modern, nothing is British even if this Holmes moved to New York from London, he barely has a British accent. Unless, because I watch so many British TV and films, I don't notice the English accent as much. I must ask Sherlock about that possibility. The stories are so very American with American criminal's expectations. This time however Watson is nothing one would expect. But Holmes fits perfectly into the skin of this consulting detective. Don't expect any of ACD stories to be retold but that may prove a wrong assumption because this viewer has not watched enough episodes to be certain. Holmes deductive powers are as strong as we expect and just as enjoyable. Holmes' arrogance doesn't lose a step and might actually be stepped up a but. All in all the show meets expectations for a fan of ACD and his Sherlock Holmes.

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 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.