Episode Recap: Elementary – Pilot
By Carrie Kuhlman at September 28, 2012 | 9:00 am | Print
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Episode: Pilot (Season 1, Episode 1)
Synopsis:
After abruptly leaving rehab, methodical drug addict Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller) discovers that Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) has been hired as his in-home companion to help him stay sober. Sherlock wastes no time with introductions as he drags Dr. Watson along to his place of work — a crime scene. Sherlock starts a case about a missing wealthy house wife. After searching the house, he finds that his missing person case is actually a murder case.
Watson tags along as Sherlock begins to solve the case and proves to be a rather valuable asset, asking the right questions and getting the information Sherlock needs to proceed in the case. During their first few days, Sherlock and Watson clash due to Sherlock’s abrasive prying nature and inability to empathize. Despite their differences, the two manage to work together and prove that the husband planned the murder in order to inherit his wife’s fortune. Watson decides to remain with Sherlock and help him through the rehabilitation process.
Review:
It’s tough for a new series to make it these days.Elementary did a decent job with their premiere episode, but there were many moments where I found myself wanting more. I love a good mystery and enjoy the process of solving a crime, but the solving of this crime was rather anticlimactic. A file folder fell on the ground and lady Dr. Watson was able to conveniently find the most important clue to solving the crime. Yes, a surgeon who has no formal detective or police training was able to solve the crime simply by picking up a piece of paper from the ground. What, were you thinking that Sherlock Holmes would figure everything out? No, the neurotic crime-solver wasn’t able to provide much help due to the fact that he was in jail for plowing into a suspect’s car — after taking a few steroids he swiped from a crime scene! Uh oh. Guess that drug thing is still an issue. Murders, car wrecks and drugs. Oh my!
I did enjoy how the show didn’t mess around and got straight to the action. I was immediately immersed in the crime and wanted to learn more about it. The show didn’t let up and always captured my attention. Jonny Lee Miller played Sherlock in a familiar cold, impatient and stubborn manner and Liu brought a softer side to the Watson character. The crime was interesting enough, but slightly predictable. All in all, I enjoyed the crime/mystery element, but not much else.
Grade: B-
The worst part of this show is Dr. Joan Watson’s character. It’s not that Liu is doing a poor job; she just doesn’t have much to work with. Instead of developing a character for a woman, it seems the creators simply took a male character and decided to give the part to a female in order to diversify. I’m all about getting more ladies on the TV, but at least try and add some depth to the character.
I’m interested to see where this season goes. I’m hoping the writers will be able to expand on the relationship between Watson and Sherlock. The crimes will bring me back next week, but if the characters and story don’t improve then this show will be just like the average episodic procedural. To pull away from the pack, Elementary needs to bring something new to the crime-a-week genre. Hopefully we’ll dive into the relationship between our two central characters within the next few weeks. I’m also hoping a season-long crime arc, similar to the BBC series Sherlock, is introduced. The audience will have an incentive to tune in every week as to not miss a piece of the puzzle.
What did you think of the Elementary premiere? Let us know in the comments section.
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