'Elementary' - S3E14 - 'The Female of the Species' -

This week we pick up with the conclusion from last weeks episode, Joan's boyfriend is poisoned and at the beginning of this weeks episode we find out he died.
Joan blames Elana March, a criminal Joan helped put away a number of episodes ago.
Joan doesn't want any help dealing with her loss and struggles throughout the episode while Sherlock gets involved with another case.
Holmes' case involves missing Zebra's.

Elana is eventually killed before Joan can finish proving it was Elana who killed Andrew.
The long absent Moriarty takes credit for Elana's death, suggesting Moriarty wants Joan all to herself.

I found this episode very well acted and found a few more redeeming qualities in it than last weeks episode.

Holmes' case was very un-important and any case could have served just as well in the story line.

This week we found the role of 'Watson' being played by Detective Bell, and for the most part I think it went well.

We know Bell was serving as a stand in for Joan while Joan grieved, but the story line also suggested that not only was Holmes attempting to make some amends for getting Bell shot, but it also felt like Bell was filling in for Kitty  this week as Holmes' new student.
In that relationship this week, I found the dialog between Bell and Holmes when they were checking out the purple van to be very reminiscent of how Holmes will have Watson give his thoughts and then tell Watson that just about every point he made was wrong.

Bell serving as Watson this week worked.

We get a nod to The Criterion also in this episode.

Again, the case itself proved a little disappointing while the interaction between Bell and Holmes was well done.

I like the fact that Moriarty may be making a come back at some point in the future, and I liked the Canonical connection suggesting her reach and control as the mastermind behind all things criminal.

Once again Holmes' antics were kept to a minimum.
And that always serves the show well. Another failing of this show is the seemingly oft repeated types of crimes and type of criminal, and that is a little bit of a let down.

Another Canonical connection is Watson returning to the brownstone after the death of a loved one (Canonically, a wife, in this show a lover).

Holmes' use of the name Sigerson as an alas.

I give this episode;

Elementary S3E13 - 'Hemlock' - something just doesn't taste right.

Sherlock is not happy. Matter of fact he is bored. I guess he hasn't been keeping up with all the news lately about how being bored can be a good thing and that boredom can get the creative juices flowing. Experiments have been done recently about taking away teens smart phones and connection for at least part of the day, and most have found the experience stimulating.
Child behaviorists even suggest a little boredom is good for kids. The study of boredom was never listed as one of Holmes' pursuits.

And in Elementary, when Sherlock is bored he doesn't turn to the Canonical crutch but rather the irritating habit of, well, being irritating.

Boredom is one of a couple of Canonical references at the beginning of this episode. Another good one was the reference to old case files. We also get a reference, later in the show to Mrs. Hudson and we also see him getting on the floor while investigating a crime scene.

The case involved a women showing up at the flat looking for her missing husband. It was not unusual for the man and wife not see each other for a few days at a time, but it is unusual that they don't at least talk. At this point I was hoping the story would be an modern adaptation of TWIS, but it did not end up going that way.
The husband turned out to be a recently unemployed lawyer, who had started earning money buying other people's debts at a low price and then collecting on the debts. At some point during his new career he had a change of heart and started to forgive the debts upsetting an important lawyer (from his old firm) who had hoped to gain from a property purchase of someone who could not make good on a debt. This lawyer murdered the husband.

Once again, the case was nothing new. It did however have a few good twists, and made for an interesting watch.
Joan, thankfully, at least for another episode, has taken a little bit of an investigative backseat to Holmes' deductions and insight.

The episode was mainly about boredom. Holmes' bored with no interesting cases, which shows itself in the form of turtle painting, single stick practice, multiple sex partners and harassing Joan again about her love life.

It was also a bit about Joan's boredom with the relationship she finds herself in and the fact that Holmes suggest Joan is not really interested in a long term relationship.

Unusually, the episode didn't dive into the oft used crutch of using Holmes' old drug habit. Instead we find Holmes doing all sorts of other things to deal with the lack of a good criminal case, and we as the audience are finally saved by the missing husband from the banality of some of the bad habits the show falls into.

Canonically we can examine Holmes' methods for dealing with his boredom; cocaine, music, bee's, etc. And which of these seemed to serve the purpose the best. Was this boredom something that followed him through out his career or did the great hiatus put that more into prospective. We find Holmes accepting the solitary life as he retired to Sussex. Was the an acceptance or a desire?

Probably the most interesting thing about this episode was the tease it gave for next week and the probability of Watson moving back in with Holmes.
Canonically we can examine to whose benefit it was, latter in their relationship, for the agreement to once again share 'digs'. Did Holmes suggest Watson move back after the death of any number of his wives? Was it a situation Holmes preferred over living alone? Did the Canonical Holmes suffer as much from the absence of a 'flat' mate.

The episode in no way came up to the level of the last few weeks. It did however control itself when it seemed to be heading into a ditch returning to some of the shows bad habits.

So this week I give it a solid;

The Illustrious Client S3E11 and The One That Got Away S3E12 - Kitty Foyle(d) it.

One of the problems 'Elementary' is always going to face is having a character named Sherlock Holmes that bares very little resemblance to the image most people have of the Victorian detective.
Where 'Sherlock' at times seems to have plucked the Victorian Holmes out of 1895 London and dropped him, complete with wardrobe, habits and mannerisms, into 21st century London (which they are doing well), 'Elementary' as brought forth a Holmes more a creature of these present times, absent of most of traits we have come to expect from our image of Sherlock Holmes. Maybe in some eyes, this has been a failing of this show. It has, however, been a bold attempt to examine Holmes as a creature of the times he is now in.
When discussing the Canon at many Sherlockian events, arguments have often been bolstered up with some phrase along the lines of; "Well, they did things differently back then." or "People looked at things differently in Victorian times.", "We have to examine things in the context of their time."
'Sherlock' has found a way of balancing its seemingly Victorian-like Holmes in a way that has worked for it without actually giving us a modern Holmes. (I think it is the strong Watson they have in the show.)
Much of the time, this tampering, in 'Elementary', with the image has not served the show very well, being an almost parody of our much loved detective. Yes there have been episodic exceptions, but for the most part, Playing the Game with 'Elementary' has been an exercise in trying to dig up Sherlockian references (no matter how tenuous) in a show that lacks them.

The last few weeks, for me, the episodes have not fallen into that habit. Several episodes this season seem to suggest that 'Elementary' if not actually having found it's stride is very close to doing so.

I watched these latest two episodes, 'The Illustrious Client' and 'The One That Got Away', almost back to back, instead of spreading them over two weeks. That is why I am reviewing them as one.

At the end of S3E10 we find Holmes attending the crime scene of a murdered and branded young woman. The markings on the young woman are identical to those left on Kitty by her abductor.
'The Illustrious Client' found Holmes and gang pursuing an individual, de Merville, they suspected of the crime, erroneously for time thinking they had found the perpetrator of the crimes against Kitty. We find, near the end of this first episode, that although a loathsome individual in his own right, de Merville is not the man who violated Kitty. Holmes and Joan are reluctant to believe this in the beginning, The plot thickens with Kitty hearing the voice of Joan's new boss and recognizing it as the voice of the man who kidnapped and violated her.
'The One that Got Away' then picks up from here with first Joan not believing that to be possible, then, once convinced, joining Holmes and Kitty in trying to get Gruner off the streets.
Not wanting to rehash the whole story here, they do eventually do that and Gruner is put away.

But like with most episodes of 'Elementary' the plot or case is usually not what the story is all about.
Just think how much time we spend examining in the Canon things other than the case.

In these two episodes, and for that matter the one before (#10), we find a Holmes I believe is as close to a Canonical Holmes as we are going to get from 'Elementary'. He is no longer, as Brad so aptly suggested, the man child that so frequently invaded many of the early episodes. He is now more focused, introspective and stable. He now, at least for the time being (I hope it won't be short lived) the key figure in the investigations. There are no longer three 'Holmes' jockeying for position as lead detective. His skills are more refined and at the forefront. His observation, still not the only ones made, direct the investigation.

Watson's new role or position has still not yet formed, but has taken a more traditional back seat to Holmes as side-kick and helper more than equal partner. I also found it satisfying that Watson had a couple of deductive or detective missteps in her observations, once again proving she is not Holmes' deductive equal.

But lets face it, these last few episodes have really been all about Kitty. We have finally come to realize how and why Kitty has become involved with Holmes and how each have been important to the other in a certain amount of rebirth.

The episode showed much more 'depth of character' in all involved than has been displayed in many of the episodes.

While playing freely with the Canonical story ILLU, it did however remain true in many ways.

Kitty of course was a victim of the Canonical Gruner, as was she of this Gruner.

She survived his attacks in both cases and in the end extracted a little revenge in both.

Scaring was the method of disfigurement in both the original and the adaptation, although different on Kitty and Gruner in 'Elementary'.

In the end a book, used by Gruner to record his crimes, was used as evidence against him in both cases.

In the Canon, Violet was a victim of a manipulative suitor, in 'Elementary' Violet was the victim of a manipulative brother. Both required some convincing as to the horrors of their men-folk.

Both Canonically and episodically the case against Gruner was going to be hard to make.

In both, the case against Kitty for mutilation was not going to be pursued with much effort allowing on one for a light sentence and in the other an escape.

Gruner is a wealthy man in both.

Also in both, Holmes tries to get Kitty out of the way once Gruner is on to her again. In both cases this effort proved futile.

Another Canonical reference, made in E11 was Holmes' use of several safe houses about town.

I am surprised these episodes were not used at the end of the season, a prelude to next season. This hopefully means there are more good things to come.

Several other reviewers, not Brad, have argued that 'Elementary' is bold in its take on a modern Holmes, and for the most part I have scoffed at these interpretations, finding Miller's Holmes to far out there for me to make that image work. Maybe it is my newly found lack of taking this show too Canonically seriously, or maybe the scrips are becoming better, but I can now find some validation in that argument.

I liked how the Holmes and Kitty story arc came full circle in the conclusions offered last night.
I liked the fact that they closed the question of the cocaine bag in a satisfying way.

I will miss Kitty.

In fairness, would we now want a modern Holmes story that tries to compete with 'Sherlock', a Victorian Holmes placed in our times. One show is doing that well, two probably could not.

Not comparing these two episodes in content with the last two episodes of season three of 'Sherlock', but comparing them to how I felt about the shows at the end, I find episodes 11 and 12 very satisfying.

For these reasons, all the above, I give it;

'Elementary' S3E10 - 'Seed Money' - The bad boys always get the girls - I'm surprised no one was sneezing.

This episode opens with Kitty at her support group delivering a wonderful line taken from the Canon, with only a slight rewrite of course; "Life is stranger than anything the mind can invent. . ."

From here Kitty is asked to help find the daughter of one of the other support group members. This for all intended purposes removes her from being involved with Holmes and Joan's case. The end results also gives the viewers a chance to see how far Kitty as come in her own healing.

Mean while, back at the Baker Street cave, Holmes is asked to help with the deaths of two elderly people found dead in their beds. Of course that is not the real crime, only an accidental death caused by the true crime which took place in the basement below.
The case, involving cloning, and mafia and marijuana was interesting and provided some good observations and deductions.
We glimpsed Holmes' knowledge of botany as well as his knowledge of past criminal cases and again his acute sense of smell.
Canonically we a had a good quote about the motives of women which fit in, again Canonically with Holmes' view of women.
The show, thank goodness, lacked, for the most part, the juvenile behaviors we have come to expect from Millers Holmes. Even the waking of Watson was much more subtle than usual.

Watson is exploring working more away from Holmes, which Canonically holds true. It is unfortunate that the writers could not have made use of Watson's doctoring skills in this new career, say working for a neighborhood clinic or something. We never in the Canon think of Watson as one of Holmes' deductive contemporaries, but instead we realize he had a life away from Holmes that probably took up much of his time. We always took that to be his medical career, his sports, his club and later and at times his wife. So, it is at least good to see Watson having a life of her own, it would have just been better if it had been a different career.

Watson's 'Marty' Morstan is once again absent from the episode. I guess the over-seas trip didn't do all that much for the relationship.

One thing this episode made me think about was; When Watson was indeed absent from portions of Holmes case time, was Billy or the Baker St. Irregulars playing the role of 'Kitty' from Elementary?
A lot of the leg work we see 'Kitty' doing in the show, was it done by the Irregulars?

Which brings us back to the most interesting part of the show, the preview into the next episode.
Kitty's past is coming back and how will it affect all three of our players? Is Kitty on her way out?
Did we really believe Kitty was gong to be the next Watson?

Although still lacking in Sherlockian clinches, it was a much better episode than last week and was an enjoyable one to watch.

So I can fairly give it I believe;

Probably three and a half would be more realistic but I didn't feel like cropping today.

'Elementry' S3E9 - 'The Eternity Injection' - An eternity waiting for Holmes to appear

Once again Sherlock takes one of Watson's cases.
This one, a plea for help from one of Watson's co-workers, comes as a request to find a missing nurse who worked with Watson's friend.

Most of the evening once again resolved around Holmes' addiction and how he is dealing with it.

The case ends up revolving around and experimental drug that allows one to experience more life in a shorter period of time. . . . I think.
But it doesn't matter, once again the case really wasn't that important. Other than a slight similarity to CREE where both involve a drug that in some ways, mentally or physically gives one more energy.

Watson had very little to do, and Kitty even less. And although I like the fact that, other the the bugle blowing, most of the annoying habits of Holmes were nonexistent.
So, however, was any likeness to a Canonical Holmes.
For me this was the most police procedural of any of the tales so far.

Also, where last season we seemed to dwell most on Holmes relationship with Watson, this year so far it seems to be on his drug habit.

Where last week I found the show very good, and very Canonical, there was none of that this week.

I can only fairly give it;

mostly just because it wasn't bad.

Elementary S3E8 - 'End of Watch' - a little late, but still my review - I'm glad I didn't miss it.

Holiday activities made it impossible for me to catch this episode till last night, but I finally did.
The last couple of episodes I have been watching on the CBS app for IPAD and I have really been enjoying that method.
But I digress.

This episode opens with police lights flashing and pans out to a dead police officer laying on the ground.

It then cuts to Holmes attending his support group meeting and offering, for us Sherlockians, a really good Sherlockian quote; "My mind rebels at stagnation. . . .".
Rather well delivered by Miller and a good explanation to his group of one of the reasons he has trouble staying sober or clean. It turns out however that someone has been using his comments at these meetings and posting them on a web site to help other addicts. This he finds intrusive. The web site is of course named after his own phrase 'Brain Attic'.
Needless to say, Holmes is not happy.

While leaving the meeting Holmes gets paged by Gregson to come to the scene of the police shooting.

Quick recap; An officer is found dead. With the help of Joan it is determined that cop had been a drug addict and that his death was a result of that time in his life and his need to sell police guns to pay for his habit. He was found with a fake gun in his holster which leads to the discovery of missing guns at the police armory.
Another officer is murdered and Holmes determines it is a murder needed to cover up a robbery being planned for the same time as the officers funeral.

I thought this was probably the best episode of the season and one of the better ones of the whole show.
I think this was Millers most Holmes-like portrayal yet, and made him out to be very human without the stupid little quirks the show has become known for.
The case, although flawed in a couple of places was still very good and held my attention.
Although having key observations throughout the episode, both Joan and Kitty had more comfortable secondary roles.
The whole episode was really about addiction, whether it was Holmes or societies. And it made some very good points how addictions can destroy just about everything one holds dear.
The story examined how close Holmes will always be to his old habit and how he is always at a balancing point to maintain his equilibrium.
The wonderful quote found near the beginning of the episode, from SIGN, reminds us, Canonically, how close Holmes always was to this skeleton.
The fact that these addictions can also effect careers and families was also made clear in this episode.

The Holmes represented in this episode was a flawed yet likable Holmes, who has his skills and habits that confound most of us, yet make him who he is. There was no absurd. We saw a Holmes who reacts in ways we don't always understand yet is balanced out be the results. (most of the time)
I liked the fact that Millers Holmes, near the end, wrestled with his decision in making his fellow addict remove his quotes from the web site. Once again he was taken out of his comfort zone and was forced to examine whether or not his needs came first or the needs of others.

Millers Holmes was irritable and impatient. But not so much so that the slight Canonical shadow of Holmes was unnoticeable . I think this was a Holmes that even maybe Brad could come to like.

This episode made me hope that maybe the writers have found their stride and are now building a better modern Holmes.

We saw a Holmes who was not above self incrimination for mistakes he thought he had made.

He showed weakness in his fear of not being able to control his habit.

There were also several Holmes like references throughout.

There was no childish bickering between the principles.

I enjoyed this episode very much and can easily give it;

Canonical things to think about.

Did Holmes find Watson's writings, especially in the beginning, to be not only intrusive but a detriment to his career? We find in several cases, (SCAN for one) where Holmes reputation proceeded him. And we also have the quote, "Holmes the busy-body . . . ".

Did Holmes later enjoy the reputation the writings gave him and the invasion on his privacy, or would he have preferred to remain, publicly unknown?

Was the Canonical Holmes as uncomfortable out of his comfort zone as 'Elementary's' is?

Do you agree?

10 Best Sherlock Holmes Film Adaptations

S3E7 - 'The Adventure of the Nutmeg Concoction' - Nutmeg and sour milk - Review catch up time.

While preparing lunch or dinner, Joan has a client stop by. The client is looking for her sister who disappeared five years earlier, and the police and the FBI are once again clueless. Joan continues to make the meal.
Joan takes the case.
Kitty stops by and without permission informs Holmes of Joan's new case.
Holmes is bored from lack of work and wishes to 'help' Joan with her investigation.

Getting the client was actually about the only work Joan accomplished this episode.

The disappearance of the missing girl and several other victims involved a crime scene clean-up guy who no longer felt he was being paid enough by the cops to clean up crime scenes, so instead retires and starts working for the people who make the mess.

The case was interesting and the plot well done. It had a few twist and turns that made it watchable.

Holmes is still unable to leave Joan's love life alone, and although irritating throughout, in the end he did make Joan examine the types of relationships she gets involved in. This theme was also examined in the RDJ and Jude Law films.

Although cranky throughout the episode, Holmes is at least on top of his game coming up with some good clues and deductions. And for a change the first person that may have turned out to be the bad guy did not turn out to be the bad guy in the end.

Kitty once again out Watson's Watson, or should I say out Holmes' Watson, for it seems we are into a three detective TV show. Watson has almost been put back into a more Watson-like role this season. That I would suggest will change once again by the end of the season. I can not see Kitty staying on as such a strong character, which does not bode well for Kitty. Joan's involvement has really taken a turn this season that can not last in it's current form.
Matter of fact, Joan never really gets too mad with Holmes taking over her case and although involved in some of the discussions, I can not think of one clue that she found this week, which is kind of surprising since for a while we were complaining that she was becoming to Holmes like.
Kitty actually did the work on 'the case of the old boyfriend'. Joan's involvement was more along the line of the erroneous Watson of 'Hound'.

New 'Irregular' 'The Nose', played by John Horton, was my favorite participant in this episode.

Clyde was absent, but Mrs. Hudson made a brief appearance.

Some Holmes like references;
Irregulars
Mrs. Hudson
Holmes being foul tempered when bored

Although I found the rehashing of Holmes' involvement with Joan's love life at the beginning a little tiresome, it did take a turn that suggested something along the lines of sincerity. The case was good, as was the investigation and deductions. I did enjoy this episode more than most. For that reason I give it;

Which brings us to the Canonical discussion of the episode; Since Watson's wives only make (other than in one story) brief appearances, some times without their name being mentioned, in the Canon, is Millers Holmes observation of Watson's relationship a fair and accurate one? Was Watson, who had relationships on several continents, suited for a long term partnership or was he suited for a more casual love life?

'Elementary' S3E5 - 'Ripoff' - only if you just go by the case itself.

The episode opens with a women walking down the sidewalk, talking on her cell, and she steps into a rather deep puddle (what do you expect when you talk on the phone while walking). Uncovered in the rather deep puddle, is a severed hand.
But no body.
Holmes and Kitty are called in to consult, at which time Holmes does some rather nice deductive work to explain where the body may have ended up.
Now the rest of the mystery is rather unimportant, because it once again becomes overly convoluted and does not really have anything to do with the episode. The episode once again suggests how unimaginative the writers can sometimes be when writing motives and criminals. And the need for some sort of grotesque crime.

The episode did however give some the other characters in the show a chance to stretch their acting wings a little.
Gregson actually had a story to participate in, and although it came rather out of the blue, it allowed his character a chance to show a little depth.
This is also the first episode where the character of Kitty actually seemed to serve some purpose other than as an irritant. She actually shows enough emotional depth to be not only a help to Gregson, but also to Holmes, who we now have to view as a character who is going to be growing and changing throughout the series. Kitty actually seemed much more capable when not in Joan's shadow. And to be honest, where Canonically we see Holmes and Watson as almost social equals (manners, habits, how they view the world), I have always had the impression in 'Elementary' that Joan has been a little more up-scale than Holmes and that the partnership was always going to be a little strained. Holmes and Kitty seem suited for each other. (Could be the accent thing of course.)

Joan was completely absent from the episode, and for me, was not all that missed. I think Lucy Liu is a very capable actress and could handle any role of Watson that is given her. I do, however, not like the sidekick as equal roll her character is taking, so I found it nice see a sidekick who was just a little less than equal to Holmes skills. I am however of the camp that thinks something big will happen to Kitty because she is turning to much into Watson, and we don't need two Watson's.
Kitty's relationship with Gregson was a pleasant surprise and it gave us a chance to understand a little more about the motives of the two individuals.

I liked the fact that the episode explored Holmes' feelings about Watson's writings, although I believe it was handled, at least his reaction to it, in the usual 'Elementary' childish way. Which now since we see that that is how the show is going to handle most things Holmes finds uncomfortable, we can accept it as the norm and move on from it being unnecessary. We do hear Canonically how Holmes sometimes finds Watson's writings an irritant, but we never really learn how he feels about it. It first comes across as something Holmes finds a complete waste of time. But then eventually we are lead to believe Holmes finds it somewhat flattering. Canonically we also find Holmes is not against others learning of his methods. He is however not a fan of the seeming dramatization of his works.

The case itself, once again, contained to many irrelevant points.
Why was the body stuffed under the car in the first place?
Did the bodybuilder actually look for a key before he ripped the hand off?
Are lawyers so bad in NY that once again they can be bribed to help commit murder? I believe we have seen that plot devise a couple of times.
Would the bodybuilder really roll over that quickly, and what was he already going to jail for anyway?
And surely the body builder knew the case was going to be attached and would have brought some bolt cutters along. Even if he did have the strength to rip a hand off, surely bolt cutters would have been quicker.
The body builder also had no other record other than substance abuse, would he really have been talked into to murder so easily.

Canonical references I imagined;
Holmes' lack of interest in keeping up his paperwork and filing.
His laying on the ground when looking for clues.
His apparent dislike of Watson recording his cases.
The use of dummies to replicate the severing of a hand is reminiscent of BLAC and seeing how much force it would take to harpoon a body and pin it to a wall.

I was hoping the scene where Holmes takes on the body builder in a show of strength would be reminiscent of the Canonical poker scene,

The episode lacked really good deductive and observational craft but made up for it in character I believe. If we, again, now accept that that is what the show will be about, we have to use that as one of the key points of judgement.

On character I give the episode a four, on the case and plot, a two, so on the average I give it;

I did also enjoy this review.

'Elementary' S3E4 - 'Bella' - a review unresolved

While 'bleeding' himself, Sherlock and Kitty get a late evening visitor in the form of computer software expert Edwin Burstein.
Burstein as had a very important new piece of AI (Artificial Intelligence) software stolen and his business will be ruined if the thief is not caught and the program returned.
Although reluctant at first, Holmes takes the case. Seemly more to prove AI is impossible, rather than to solve the case. Intending to leave most of the leg work to Watson and Winter. (He can not completely keep his hands out of it however.)

The actual original case in this story turns out to be very unimportant, for Holmes quickly resolves it (allowing, once again, the criminal to remain free) and makes sure the stolen copy is destroyed. (Apparently industrial espionage is not very high on Holmes crime list.)

When bringing the good news to Edwin, Holmes and associates find Edwin dead from a seizure, seemly brought on by Bella the AI program on the computer. Is Bella the murderer? Holmes does not think so.

Holmes and Irregular Mason deduce, during a very annoying session of very loud music review, that the a virus as been placed on Bella by it being introduced hidden between tracks on a heavy metal CD.

Holmes suggests that the virus has been placed there by an anti-AI Professor named Pike, who believes Artificial Intelligence will eventually destroy mankind.

Unfortunately one of the professors proteges takes the fall, not very convincingly, (would Kitty do this for Holmes?)(and surely the NYPD could disprove her story!) for the crime and Holmes has to result to a bluff to try to prove that Pike was the one actually responsible.
Pike seems very formidable in his confrontation with Holmes.
We are left believing Holmes was unable to go through with the bluff.

The plot was unconvincing in how the protege, such a seemly weak individual, was able to find and follow, then steal and replace the Heavy Metal Cd. We are left to assume that she may have gone about it the same way as Raffles (which really seems highly unlikely). But, where along the way was the way-laying taking place?
Is this plot line going to suggest that Pike has a network of followers (much like Moriarty) who are able to do his bidding and who will willingly go to jail for him?

Although the episode still allowed itself some room to include moments of unnecessary quirkiness, it was not over done. The leach bit in the beginning served no purpose, and the time could have been better used.

Most of the plot actually still dealt with relationships and personalities as they reflect on Holmes.
And, nicely, the story was allowed to focus on that and much of it used the relationship between the computer and Holmes to show that.


Although I don't usually like an unresolved story, especially since next weeks preview did not suggest the story would be continued, I think it worked well with the exploration of this part of Holmes personality. Is Prof. Pike going to end up being one of the few who have beaten Holmes (beaten four times, three by men). The closing scene did suggest Holmes had however come up with a clue, from Bella, or that he had had a personal revelation about how to solve the crime.

The episode also took a step closer to explaining the path of the relationship between Holmes and Watson. Canonically it would be suggested that at times Watson must have wondered about his roll in the relationship with Holmes. It is a Canonically good discussion point to wonder how the relationship with Watson may or may not have changed Holmes. We see suggestions of this change every week in the show. How would that be reflected in the Canon?

Kitty, to my mind, is proving to be unnecessary to the stories, and I hope her character develops a little more soon. At the moment she is serving as little more than a go-fer and someone who is just taking lines away from the Watson character

Joan, now not living with Holmes, gives the show a chance to explore Holmes' life without Watson living at the faux 221b. We will have to just wait and see if we agree with how Holmes handles it.
Will something happen in Denmark to her new love? And will Holmes be involved with the investigation? Holmes likes the guy, Watson likes the guy. Something is going to happen, right?

Another reviewer suggests that it is unfortunate that 'Elementary' is unable to come up with a plot line that does not include murder. As we Canonically know, many of Holmes' cases did not include a death. Are the writers capable of coming up with a plot that does no require someone to die?

Several good Canonical references were present;

A client coming to Holmes after a recommendation from a previous client.
Holmes taking a case for no fee because it interests him.
Holmes being a thinking, logic machine, not allowing emotions to make his decisions.
Not being hired by the police force, so therefore, not required to turn in a criminal.
Holmes and Watson not sharing 'Baker St. (We can't use Watson moving out because of a relationship because she moved out before then to get her own 'space')
Spending many hours on a case without stopping to take a break.
Irregulars, (who's numbers have vastly increased these last few weeks).
Holmes' knowledge of important world wide criminals.
(And there is one big one that I just can not remember this morning!)

Although I am still not a big fan of Miller's portrayal of Holmes, last nights episode was a good story and had some strong Canonical references, and shows signs of growth and also suggested discussion-able points. I think that is going to be may gauge for this show now; Does this episode offer some good Canonical references and possible Canonical discussion points?

How does that work for you?

So, for that reason, I give this episode, . . . .

'Elementary' S3E3 - 'Just a regular irregular' - a review

One of last seasons Irregulars, Harlan Emple, math genius, has lots of free time on his hands and spends a great deal of it doing math (half naked) scavenger hunts. In this episode one of these hunts leads to the dead body of another hunter playing the same game.
While the police interrogate him he drops the names of Holmes and Watson as friends, involving them in the investigation.


Although the case tonight did not involve much in the way of Canonical references, the mystery itself was at least a little interesting. Although it would have been more interesting if the math involved more than just games and lottery money. But again, the case was not the important part of this episode, once again.
After having a fairly good story last week, this week we fall back once again on the personalities and how they interact.
Millers Holmes was once again fairly strong Canonically, with, for me, only one unnecessary nod towards being weird. It seems like both 'Sherlock' and 'Elementary' need to throw out something for shock value in each episode. 'Sherlock' would do something like have Holmes show up at the Queen's residence in just a sheet, while 'Elementary' will have Holmes eat some crumbs out of a dead man's pocket. Although the dog biscuit could have been a good lead, the fact that the producers had him eat served no purpose. (This could also explain the producers need to always have Holmes comment on Joan's sex life.)

Where we had discussed a few months back about Irregulars appearing as such in 'Elementary', the question was finally answered in this one. To the extent that tonight that was even Kitty Winters role.
Some time down the road Winter's role in the stories is going to have to change and it will be interesting to see where it goes.
I guess we should also include Phil Simms as an Irregular as it seems he has a skill that Holmes requires knowledge of on occasion.

Tonight was about teaching Holmes what it truly means to be a mentor, as suggested by his interactions with both Winters and Emple.

We do also see the relationship between Kitty and Joan improving.

I do have one question however; How did that tiny mathematician get that really, really big guy into that cabinet? And how do you close the door on an irregular surface with out the moth balls rolling out?

Canoically there was not much to 'Play the Game' with this week. I do however think the knife throwing segment was a nod to Holmes being bored when he has no work.
Other than that. . . . .

Although better than the first episode, it was not up to last weeks and lacked any Canonical references that could have made it fun. With that in mind, I can only give this episode. .

'Elementary' S3E2 - Five Orange Pipz - a review

A man walks into his apartment and checks his mail.
Inside one large envelope is five plastic beads. For some reason the sight of the beads frightens the man and he makes a phone call. The phone is picked up by Gregson who is at the office of a murder victim, the man who was suppose to answer the phone. While on the phone the caller is murdered. The second murdered man, the one who made the phone call is Elias Openshaw.
The mystery also involves blackmail and political intrigue.

 Compared to last weeks dysfunctional mess, I found 'Five Orange Pipz' to be a very good episode.

Holmes is less needy and unsure of himself and Watson has fallen, although she won't admit it yet, back a little more into a lesser roll as detective. She still offers some valuable insights, but the case is defiantly Holmes'.

The character of Kitty is filled out a little bit more with a little bit of her background exposed, and she also proves that she is not willing to play second fiddle to Watson. Where last week she seemed odd and spoiled, this week she seemed more damaged and repairable.
She also makes some valuable observations along the way. The Canonical Kitty seemed damaged yet strong. This week gave us a glimpse of that.

This week the role of Holmes being a mentor seemed more plausible and less needy and dependent.
His interest in Kitty seemed more sincere and less looking for a replacement to Watson. His role was almost that of the role the first brought Watson to Holmes.
For me, this episode was one of the closest to a more Canonical Holmes that 'Elementary' has achieved. Miller's Holmes seemed more directed by the work than the personalities this week.

Liu's Watson seemed to, maybe too quickly, fall back into her role slightly not as observant side-kick. Which is where she should be. She is still smart and adds to the case, but in the end it is Holmes' insights the solve the case.

Although back stories still played a role in character behavior this week, they did not get in the way of the story or mystery.

There were also some interesting twists involving the district attorney.

Canonical references that I caught ( I always rely on Buddy2Blogger to catch the ones I miss) are;

Miller's Holmes reference to not guessing.
Five orange pips (pipz).
Kitty Winter (again).
Openshaw.

Everything seemed to be played a little more subtly this week. There were no over the top histrionics or overly gory crime scenes. Even Kitty's seemly over reactions were latter explained.

Although as Sherlockians one of the most important aspects of going over and over the Canon is the insight we perceive we get into the personalities of Holmes and Watson, and at times our quest for that over shadows the story. But in the Canon, not matter how obsessive we get, the little tidbits of the individuals we get is always a subtle treat and not an overwhelming glut. The Canon never gets bogged down with the back stories, instead handing them out just little pieces at a time.
I think last weeks episode over did that. Where this weeks episode played it down and made for a much better night.

Would I liked to still see more Canonical Holmes like characteristics, sure. But it was much better than last week.

So this week I feel I should give it

'Elementary' S3,E1 - 'Enough Nemesis to go around'. Enough somethin', that's for sure.

Is it just me, or was every body in this episode just in a bad mood. And by the end of the episode I can see why.
I haven't read Brad's review yet, nor any other, but I can see right now I may have to agree with whatever rant he comes up with.
Come on CBS, is that the best you can do with a returning Sherlock Holmes. Oh, wait! I don't even think Sherlock Holmes was in this episode.

We see in the opening of this episode that Watson has now struck out on her own as either a police consultant or a P.I. We don't see her card so we don't know for sure what her new title is. But whatever it is, she is way too over confident for the period of time she has been at it.

Two years with Sherlock and already she has big time drug lord cases. Who would have thought.
Really the biggest thing she has learned from Holmes is how to be first overly confident then insecure about her own abilities.

As the episode goes along Watson starts receiving clues first from an unknown informant, and then from a returned Holmes. Help from the unknown doesn't seem to bother her until she finds out it is Holmes. (Wait, Watson kept a key to the faux 221b?)

Yes, Holmes has returned from his mini-hiatus, tail between his legs, having failed in England (his home turf) with MI-something-or-other. He returns to New York, new protege in tow, who is already just about as insecure as Holmes and Watson.
Holmes is just as annoying as ever, not really having learned any lessons in interacting with other people. Which would be fine if he actually acted like Sherlock Holmes.

Well, back to the case. Watson is sent to convince a changed of heart witness that her testimony is important in the drug lord case Watson is working on. While in an elevator on her why to the trial the witness is murdered along with a cop. No one got on or off the elevator, and it did not stop, so how was the witness and the cop shoot? And by whom?
A couple of months later Watson has a new boyfriend, a shadow and still no idea how the witness was killed and still in a bad mood.
Watson eventually confronts the shadow and attacks her. (Yea, it's okay for Watson to tail people, but put the shoe on the other foot!!!!!)
Re-enter Sherlock Holmes. All apologetic, and human behavior wise still clueless.

Even Lestrade is in a foul mood and finally tells Holmes what he really thinks of him. (It's suppose to go the other way. Lestrade first dislikes Holmes, then comes to respect him as the show goes along.)

Well, really the case is very unimportant in a Sherlock Holmes story at this point. The method of murder was interesting, and to my knowledge a first.

But what we were really hoping for was, well, a little more Sherlock Holmes.
Holmes didn't come back from his hiatus with his tail between his legs having failed at his mission.

We almost got two Sherlockian references, but at least one was cut short by Watson's inpatients with Holmes (Come on! What does she expect by this time?)

Holmes as new side kick that is no Joan Watson and a waste of a good actress. Kitty, name from the Canon, may yet prove to be not so good for Holmes. She has already eluded to the need to move on from something in her past (a Sherlockian reference.) And ohYea! that single stick fight in the street, wasn't that great!

So far all Sherlock has gotten out of the last eight months is that he is meant to be a teacher of private eyes, and I suppose in two years when his new 'Watson' has learned her stuff, he will take on another.

A great opportunity was missed in this episode for reconnecting the two main characters and continuing in a more Sherlockian way. No growth was made by anyone, with, I believe Watson slipping even a little further.

Only because I don't want to spend the time cutting it in half, I give this episode one pipe.

'Forever' - The Immortal Detective meets the Highlander

I hate to start the fall TV season off by thanking Brad, especially since we are so close to the season premiere of 'Elementary' where he will just irritate the heck out of me.

But, just to be honest, he did put me on to 'Forever'.
So . . . . thanks. . .  Brad.

'Forever' airs on Tuesday nights on ABC.

I have watched two episodes so far and am really enjoying it.

Ioan Grufford plays Dr. Henry Morgan who is seemingly an immortal medical examiner.

His hobby over the last two hundred years is studying death in an attempt to find out why he does not die.

He has chosen medical examiner and doctor as careers to allow him to be closer to his hobby.
He is very observant, and his skills have now involved him with the police to such a degree that he now helps on cases.

I have always liked Ioan Grufford as an actor and look forward to most of his performances.
This show, so far, makes a better modern day version of Sherlock Holmes (dare I say it, as such a stanch support!) than 'Elementary'.
Grufford is a classier actor than Miller and could easily carry the role of Holmes.
In two episodes so far there have been at least two references to Holmes.

Gruffords "Mrs. Hudson" is played by Jude Hirsch and is very well suited for the roll he is playing.

His "Watson" is played by Alana de la Garza. Although her role so far is that of police side-kick, she is doing a great job with the part.

The explanation of the deductions and his methods are very convincing and are a strong part of the show.

I look forward to more episodes.

One of my other favorite movies included Grufford and Cumberbatch, 'Amazing Grace'.

Enjoy.

;

Elementary - S2E24 #48 - "The Grand Experiment" - was a failure.

Don't get me wrong, there were a few great moments in this episode, but for the most part the finale left me pretty disappointed.

And I guess in a sense they did have a "Final Problem" of sorts, only with Mycroft going on an hiatus and not Sherlock.

We left off last week with Sherlock informing us that Mycroft was being framed for murder by a mole in MI6.
That in and of itself could and should have made for a great story line.
But without the framing of Mycroft there was no indication that there was a mole within MI6 that needed ferreting out. And if Mycroft had not been framed, Sherlock would not have become involved.
The last couple of episodes became more about spy's playing spy games that became overly involved because, well, spy's like playing spy games.

And although there were several great places to use the line about Mycroft's lack of energy and industry, the line became more of a declaration of failure (which was the point they were trying to make) than a declaration of possibility and admiration of Mycroft's intelligence. When Rhys Ifans was first introduced as Mycroft, there was a promise of intellectual sparing, even though they hated each other, that never materialized. Instead of being Holmes mental better, we ended the season seemly, slightly dim-witted, but an unknowingly caring, older brother. Over the course of the last couple of weeks, Mycroft has become even less mentally astute. (I just about barfed at the closing hug!)

Ever since Mycroft said, "I am British Intelligence", it seems like he has been trying to prove he is not. That should have been the starting point on a case to prove how deeply involved and necessary Mycroft was.

We have been led to believe that some where in both brothers past, something happened to them that created this wedge. Something bigger than Sherlock's drug habit, something before then. Yet no matter how hard Mycroft seemingly tries to make amends, it never happens and we are never told the base reason for the mutual discontent. They milked that story line way longer than they should have.

And I was hoping they would bring Irene back.

This show, after the season it has had, needed to end on some type of positive note about one or more of the relationships within, or on a positive note about Sherlock's new maturity or skills. It failed to end in a very Sherlockian way for me.

I think the show does continue to examine relationships in a way that maybe has not been done before, and even if I don't like the way they do it, I do find it a plus in the show.

I do however think some of the great Sherlockian lines used in this episode were wasted on where and when they were use.

This episode also become way to convoluted and tingled up in it's own story line.

Wasted also on the show was the lack of re-use of Mrs. Hudson. Although mentioned, hardly ever present.
I can't believe I am going to quote Sherlock Peoria here, but, they had the money to blow up a car, but not enough to bring back Mrs.Hudson? (That was painful.)

I am not sure where the Watson moving out story line is going to go, but with Sherlock's lack of growth in his relationship with her (and in general), you can't really blame her for looking for new digs. The line Sherlock made when entering the 'safe house' library (which was a great room by the way!) about "don't touch the first additions, or Watson" just goes to prove the point.
Lucy Liu, it must be said, is doing a great job of showing her increasing lack of respect for Sherlock's behaviour.
And every time Sherlock seems sincere in his feelings for Watson, the show allows him to blow it. He states the one of the things he has learned during his time with her is that he is capable of change, yet he is never allowed to.

This episode left me feeling like I needed to defend this show, as I have done a little in the past. And, like I said, there were a few very good moments, but the show was way to disjointed for me, and it lacked a good Sherlockian ending for the season. High hopes dashed.
The episodes have become way to repetitive in plot and personalities (much like the Hamish Macbeth series of books).

So for those reasons, I can only give it

A rather interesting piece on "Young Sherlock Holmes"

Young Sherlock Holmes

Elementary - S2E23 #47 - 'Art in the Blood' - a review

Once I get past the fact that I don't like the relationship still developing between Mycroft and Joan, and the fact the Sherlock's reaction to this relationship (and many other things) is really immature, I rather liked this episode.
Mycroft reveals to Joan, and later Holmes, that he works for the British secret service, and eventually we find out he has for a long time.
Mycroft had gotten out of it, but, eventually, to save his brothers reputation, becomes involved again, which leads to Sherlock and Joan also getting involved.

Once these revelations are made to Sherlock, other than the reason for Mycroft's re-involvement, he is invited to, appearance-wise, the "Diogenes Club" for spies and asked to work for "Queen and Country" to help find out if a recent murder is connected to MI-6.

We are not sure if he does this because the case interests him, or to get back at his brother.

The episode suffered again from it's need for grotesques crimes, but if that part of the story develops (with Sherlock solving that mystery and the code on the arms) it could prove interesting. (Then again, Cadogan West probably didn't look to good after coming of the train.)
And it still suffers from the over use of Sherlock's drug habit as the driving force of his personality.

The episode was full of good Canonical references.
'Cadogan' West.
Mycroft's involvement with the British Government.
Sherlock's unorthodox methods noticed by others.
His affection for Watson, and his inability to express it.
A building with the real atmosphere of the Diogenes Club and its offering of a space where like mind men can 'hang-out'.
12B.
And although some may say West's ex-wife walking in and giving Holmes so much information is a lazy way to handle the story, when in fact in BRUC West's  fiancee provided Holmes with some valuable clues.

And others.

I loved Joan's explanation on where she stood on Sherlock's personality.
The relationship seems a little in trouble however, and it is going to be interesting to see how it is handled.
Because of the nature of the short story, Canonically we never got a look at how Watson's other relationships were handle in the Canon. Of course times were also different and such things for the most part were not handled the same. However, if we remember, Watson did have experience on several continents, so, indeed, how did he handle it.
Canonically Watson left because he got a private life. On "Elementary", Watson is leaving to get one.

This episode also highlighted some well done observations on Sherlock's part.

Canonically we sometimes wonder why the relationship between the Holmes brothers is so limited, Mycroft only appearing in four stories. So if nothing else and even if we don't like it, "Elementary" is filling in some of the details.

Hopefully next season Joan will be allowed to develop a relationship with someone Sherlock does not despise and someone we Sherlockians can Canonically except. After all we are never lead to believe Sherlock did not like Mary.
If the relationship changes between the brothers, it will be interesting to see if Sherlock still has problems with Watson getting together with his brother.

Mostly because of the wealth of Canonical references in this episode, and the twists in the case, I can happily give it . . . .

Here is another review I rather liked. . .

'Elementary' - S2E22 #46 - "Paint it Black" - A Review

The bad guys have Watson. It is Mycrofts fault. Holmes wants her back. And he is pissed. But not up to his game for getting her back.
After Watson last week got herself in trouble with some French terrorists, it is now up to Sherlock to get her back. Something he had a hand in, but in the end could not do.
While there were some very good parts in this episode the resulting conclusion was a little below expectations.

Good points first.

There were some very good moments of Sherlockiana in Holmes' observational skills while surveying various crime scenes. Some of the little details we keep hoping he will come up with were finally played out in this episode; Details in photographs, markings on floors, etc. At one point, when Holmes was examining the ground for poor Norman's body, I kept hoping he would prostrate himself on the ground like the great Sidney Paget drawing. It got close, but did not quite make it.
We had a couple Canonical references to Mycroft's lack of energy.
There were several examples of Holmes' feelings for his Watson.
Examples of his knowledge in chemistry.
Although not Canonical, the acting was strong.
Mysterious Mycroft and the climactic discovery of his involvement with the British Government (which was, if not surprising, fairly well done.)

What spoiled this episode for me was it's falling back on habits we keep hoping it will get beyond.

Overly gross crimes, that lack panache. Or as Watson would say, "grotesque". And it's need to have an innocent victim being murdered in just about every episode.

The sibling rivalry between the brothers is getting a little tiresome, especially the younger Holmes' immaturity in the situation.

And it seems like instead of Sherlock being only slightly less intelligent than his brother, he seems to be coming in at least fourth in the running to other characters in the show. We are told, Canonically, that Sherlock knows Mycroft's position of importance in the British Government. But in 'Elementary' Sherlock is very Alicia Silverstone, 'Clueless', to Mycroft's real involvements. Canonically we expect the difference between the two brothers to be more a level of energy issue and not a blinded by resentment one. I kept hoping the investigation would turn into a tit-for-tat, back and forth bouncing off of ideas between the two. It would almost come to that, then just fade away.

While this episode was very strong in a couple of Canonical Holmes references the immaturity of Sherlock rather spoiled it. We were even lead to believe Sherlock was completely, again, clueless and absent in the cases resolution. Mycroft once again pulled to wool over Sherlocks eyes. Surely Mycroft would know, once Watson was released, that Sherlock would learn of that involvement. Why then exclude him from the finale?

In "Sherlock" the sometime showing of immaturity works because B.C. at least gets away appearing to be a younger Holmes (in reality they are only about three years apart). In "Elementary" we expect Holmes to be old enough to have out grown it.

Although I found this episode well above most of what the show has had to offer, it did not come up to expectations over the last couple of weeks promise. (I can't wait to see what Brad has to say.)

So, for that reason I can only give it; 

Elementary S2, Ep 21 #41 - The Man with the Twisted Lip - a review

Mycrofts back, and Watson has him. . . if she wants. And Ms. Hudson is back.

Last nights story opens with Holmes at one of his AA meetings.
While Watson is waiting to join Holmes for the trip home, Watson gets involved with the disappearance of another AA members sister.
When they get home after talking to Tess about her sister, Mycroft is waiting with dinner ready.
We soon learn that Mycroft wants to be more than friends with Watson, again. We also learn Mycroft, again, once again, is up to something.
The hunt for the missing sister soon involves Holmes and Watson in a triple murder mystery and high tech gadgets.

The opening, one relative seeking information about the disappearance of another, is a nod to TWIS, as is the fact that the case was introduced to Holmes from Watson.

As was also the case with TWIS, the case had references to Holmes drug use.

What I found interesting about the opening scene is the dialog from Holmes to his meetings companions about him having no peers. Basically him saying the reason he has no real friends is that there is no one with his mental capabilities that he can actually form a friendship with. All others would be, to steal a phrase from "Sherlock", boring.

I think this is a Canonical reference to the few times Holmes is surprised by others thinking there are better detectives (or smarter people?) than himself. I can think of Insp. Baynes in WIST.
It could also be a nod to Holmes' unsociable life style.

Also within those first few minutes we find a Holmes that also thinks some cases are beneath his talents, another Canonical nod.

Some other interesting aspects of this episode.

I don't think there are many Sherlockians who do not wish Mycrofts character had been a little more fleshed out in the Canon, or that he had more things to do. Canonically we are told how bright he is and how important he is, but rarely do we see much of that.
This episode, and a couple others, has handled this fairly well. Mycroft is still a mystery to us, and we, as of yet, do not know what he is involved in, but we know it is going to be something (Is it for Queen and Country or is it something more nefarious?). Is he using Joan? Or is his affection real. Is he trying to get Holmes involved in some investigation? When we think of the Canonical Mycroft most of us probably just see him standing in the Diogenes Club, when actually we are told he is involved in much more than that. This series is giving him some what more energy and personality.

The story is becoming pretty interesting with some nice twists, and it will also be interesting to see where it ends up. The topic, drones in the hands of civilians and the use of drones in the military,  is quiet topical at the moment.

Something else this episode is doing well is examining the relationship between Holmes and Watson, and why they need each other. Is Holmes now co-dependent on Watson, or is it that they are really friends?
Canonically it doesn't seem that Watson has as much need for Holmes as Holmes has for Watson. We see Watson move out a couple of times. This episode suggests that Watson would not have as much trouble 'moving out' as Holmes would. I think within the next couple of episodes we are going to get to examine that relationship.
It is also doing a real good job of developing the realization for Holmes of the importance and position of Watson in his life.

Although interesting this time, again, the case is not as important as the personalities.

With all the peripheral goings on, and Myrofts involvement, and the use of high tech military applications, we may be headed towards a modern adaption of BRUC. Those two men in the Diogenes Club are going to be involved soon.

Some of the deductions were handled well; The hidden track on the recordings, foot prints near the bodies. The gun splatter pattern.

The short comings of the episode are the same as the last few weeks, but not as many.
Ms. Hudson's involvement was unnecessary, unless she will be given more to do in the upcoming weeks.
And, if the murderers are willing to use a bug bite to kill the doctor, why not use a bug to kill the whistle-blower?

But it's strengths were, well, a little stronger.
The story is pretty good, so far.
Mycroft, as he is Canonically, is being very mysterious.

I enjoyed this episode and look forward to it's resolution.
For that reason I give it;

out of a possible five.

"No Lack of Void" - S2, Ep20 - "Elementary" - a review

Much of what I have to say about this episode I could just cut and paste from last weeks review.

As with most to this seasons fare, the mystery is hardly what the show is about. It's weaknesses are the same, as are it's strength's .

Plot; While visiting the police station, Watson is asked to check on an ill prisoner.

The prisoner is found dead. A victim of anthrax poisoning.

The hunt begins, now joined by Sherlock, for the maker of the anthrax and to find his/her intention for it.

Seemed like the plot could develop into a very good story; anti-government anarchist ready to attack government officials would have been a more exciting story line, but intended murder of bovine hardly made the plot interesting (although, was a good twist on where everyone though it was going), nor did the brother killing brother provided anything new.

The solutions were more leg work than observation or deduction, and, again, much of it done by Watson.
For me, the fact that most of the science used in the deductions in Elementary are from Watson's knowledge as a doctor, and not Holmes own research or knowledge base is a little bit of a let down (although, at least in this episode, it was a pretty good mix). Maybe it is a way to keep Lucy Liu happy in the roll, I don't know. But I liked last week better for that reason.

The strong points in this episode were Miller's acting as the grieving friend.
As reviewer Genevieve Valentine  puts it; "the initial condescending distance, the forced pragmatism, the belief he can set things right by finding out the What Really Happened of it all, the spiral into acting out, and eventually the acceptance of responsibility and the first steps toward healing. It’s his addiction in a nutshell, mapped over grief."  Source

The scene where Liu's 'Watson', ( while listening to Holmes suggest ways to find the missing anthrax maker ), opens the mailbox and comes up with the solution was priceless and brought a chuckle.

I do have one math question though; It was suggested that the anthrax producer was 5'11' tall. I am about the same height. It was also stated by Holmes, unless I didn't hear correctly, and I listened several times, that the average stride of someone that tall was 1.8 meters.
My stride length is between 24 - 29 inches, less than a meter. If my stride were 1.8 meters it would be 5.9 feet. He would have to have been all legs.
I don't think my running stride is that long.
Did I hear wrong?

Although the acting was great by Miller in this one, the repetitive nature of the plot and lack of Holmesian traits makes me want to give this one only