Here’s the thing about Elementary- It’s not Sherlock. For those of you who watch the completely phenomenal BBC show starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, you know how great a reboot of a classic franchise can be. Sure, this might be because of the brilliant Steven Moffat (also responsible for the most recent Doctor Who series), but it also could be the fact that it was a differently stylized Sherlock Holmes story. It wasn’t a fantastical action situation like the Guy Ritchie series- it was real and complex and addictive.
I realize that this is a review about Elementary, not a chance to talk about how much I love Sherlock. But I feel that the preface is necessary, especially considering that Johnny Lee Miller, Benedict Cumberbatch’s recent costar in the widely acclaimed stage adaptation of Frankenstien, is taking over Sherlock Holmes. Miller actually makes some interesting choices as Sherlock. It’s different, it’s almost fresh. The show itself definitely moves this borderline fresh concept; Sherlock is a recovering drug addict and Dr. Watson is his sober companion.
A note about Dr. Watson- OH MY GOD YOU GUYS, IT’S A LADY. Played by Lucy Liu, (who unfortunately lacks the on screen spark that her beauty leads you to believe) Joan Watson is an ex-surgeon, now babysitter for the know-it-all Holmes. After seeing the pilot, I don’t actually mind the fact that Watson is a woman. The worst part about her character was really the fact that she follows the wardrobe custom of Debra Messing in Smash. That is, there is a whole lot of chic sweaters. My trepidation came from the fact that inevitably a show would turn to the tired plot of sexual tension. Thankfully, this sexual tension doesn’t exist, whether because of the lack of chemistry between the stars or the deftly organized script.
And despite the lack of chemistry, the superior predecessor, and the occasionally convoluted procedural plot...it’s not bad. No really, there are elements that could make this show a hit. There’s a sense of like-ability to Sherlock as well as decent moments of humor. Plus, the fact that the producers and cast are aware of the pre-existing shows and films, therefore it does a graceful job of creating something new. I think this show really needs to get its footing, especially in its CBS time slot, but there’s a possibility that this could take a new spot in your DVR.
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