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.

Like many people, I love BBC's Sherlock and overlooked Elementary for many reasons. I recently decided to give it a chance and was pleasantly surprised to say the least. First off, don't make the same mistake I did and dismiss it for some of the rather odd sounding changes, it's intended to be a different spin on the classic and does so very well.

Jonny Lee Miller plays a great Sherlock. He's more human and flawed, where the original Sherlock was almost cartoonishly strong at times, but he still has the same confident eccentric brilliance that makes Sherlock Holmes so interesting. He's a recovering addict aided by Sober Companion Watson, a modern politically correct spin on classic Holmes drug use that feels tacked on and out of place at times, but helps drive the character development of both Holmes and Watson.

The new Watson angle was a big factor in what made me pass on the show at first. In addition to the Sober Companion job, it sounded very generic Hollywoody to find an excuse to shoehorn in a pretty female co-star, but Lucy Liu is very good in her role. She doesn't play a shallow sexy distraction from the story, rather just a different sex portraying the same inquisitive, intelligent, adventurous companion that Watson should be. And (as far as I am in the series - fingers crossed) there's no pointless romantic subplots between her and Sherlock, just a straight played female Watson. Hats off to Lucy Liu for making a tough character change that I was prepared to dislike so likable and real.

The best part of the show however is the writing. Writing good mysteries is a fine line to walk. You can either give too little information and blindside the viewer, leaving them feeling shut out and just along for the ride, or too much information delivered too overtly and ruin the fun of following step in step with the details. The truth has to be there somewhere for you to see but not too soon. Elementary manages to walk that line very well. There have been times when something was too obvious or too unpredictable, but much more often the truth is cleverly masked until just the right time - a little before it's revealed, if you're sharp.

I went into this series with low expectations but very quickly fell in love with it. Whether you like the different spin on Arthur Conan Doyle's characters or not, Elementary does mystery right, and it's worth a watch based on that alone.

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!

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.