I’ve watched two episodes of Elementary on CBS. Basically, the series sets Sherlock Holmes in the present. Sherlock (played to twitchy perfection by Jonny Lee Miller) is a recovering drug-addict. Sherlock’s wealthy father hires Dr. Watson (played by Lucy Liu) to be his caretaker. As you might expect, Sherlock and Watson don’t initially get along. But, while working on these two murder cases, each character learns to respect the other. I’m hoping the writers don’t inject a romantic element between them. I think that would be a Big Mistake. Purists are not going to embrace this mashup of the Holmes canon. I much prefer the updating of Sherlock Holmes broadcast on PBS. But, Elementary is mildly entertaining. GRADE: B
I’m one of those purists of which you speak. I can’t bring myself to watch this piece of ….. For that matter, I also avoided the series shown on PBS. Sherlock Holmes belongs in the gaslight era. Well, let’s just say in the years Doyle was writing the stories.
I enjoy anything that is done well, Randy. So I’m willing to make the leap to Sherlock Holmes in the 21st Century if the writing and acting is superior.
It was mildly entertaining but it looks to become pretty generic network fare quickly. Why can’t they think out of the box?
Mass audiences don’t think outside the box, Patti. Network (and cable) TV is all about the numbers. Ratings rule. Maybe a new entertainment business model will appear on the Internet that promotes quality and unique perspectives instead of audience numbers.
I’m not a purist but to be honest I found the first episode of this show to be a shade dull and while I don’t mind Holmes being a woman, I don’t think the casting choice was a good one. I don’t find any chemistry there, and I’m not talking about sexual chemistry just chemistry between the two actors. I wasn’t engaged enough to want to watch the next episode so I gave it a miss.
Even purists should watch the BBC version though, it is excellent.
Absolutely right, Carl! The BBC update of Holmes is excellent. This American version is so-so. I’m hoping it will get better so I’m staying with it for a few more episodes.
I’m with Randy. We did try it – Jackie’s idea, not mine – but switched it off well before the end.
Holmes as a recovering drug-addict is a tough sell, Jeff. I like Lucy Liu as Watson. I want to know more about why she left her profession. Romance between the two characters would really be a Bad Idea…but this is network TV. Could happen…
B? Come one George, this is at best a D+. The just canceled Made in Jersey was a better written program.
The “B” is a provisional grade, Stan. I’ve only seen two episodes so it’s too soon to make a firm judgment. MAJOR CRIMES got off to a shaky start, but improved episode by episode.
Put me squarely in the traditionalist corner. I’ll watch the Jeremy Brett Holmes any way, gladly, but I haven’t even wanted to watch the recent films, which many say are good or very good, let alone the BBC or this one, and I won’t be seeing those latter two. The films are in my Netflix queue, so one day I will watch them, probably.
I just can’t understand why networks think a re-imagining of Holmes is even a good idea, no matter how well written or acted.I’m with Patti on that one.
The Holmes/Watson model has proved to be durable and entertaining for a 100 years, Rick. The TV networks hope to use that templete (with some updates) to attract viewers. It’s as simple as that.
I’ve watched the two episodes and fiund them okay. However, the show is more like MONK than Sherlock holmes. Like Monk, he’s a consultant to the police. Unpaid, though, since his father is supposed to be rich. Like Monk, there’s a woman hired to look afte him. Different reason for the nursemaid though. I thought the second episode was better than the first.
Ray, I like the complex (at least to me) role of Lucy Liu as Dr. Watson. In many ways, I find her more interesting than this recovering drug-addict Sherlock. Thanks for pointing out the similarity to MONK. It seems obvious now that you mention it!
The Monk analogy is a good one. But Monk was doing it for the first time.