Gray Wednesday sale - Two for the price of one - Elementary Season Four, episodes two and three. . ..

I have been remiss. Partially due to sciatic nerve or slipped sacroiliac issues that have made it uncomfortable to sit for any prolonged period of time. And partially because I have found little Sherlockian to review in the last two episodes.

But with all that said, I do think season four is starting out as one of the strongest seasons yet for 'Elementary'.

Episode Two, 'Evidence of Things Not Seen' main purpose was to introduce Sherlock's father to the story line, with the excellent actor John Noble playing Morland Holmes. John Noble has been in two of my favorite series, 'Fringe' and 'Sleepy Hollow'. Unfortunately his character in both those shows ended up taking a path that left me not enjoying either of those shows as much. I hope that is not to be repeated in 'Elementary'.

I have to admit, something that is painfully obvious to any one who has followed this blog for more than a couple of weeks, that I am probably not the most scholarly Sherlockian or person in general to review any show. My reviews are based on the very unintellectual of observations. More of just a Sherlockian gut reaction than anything.
I recently read a review that was able to identify several Biblical references in dialog this year, and while I very much admire someone so knowledgeable, rarely will you find a review of that nature here (unless I cut and paste someone else's thoughts here. With credit of course).

Again, with all that said, I have been enjoying this years episodes very much.
I really enjoyed that latest episode, 'Tag, you're me' and feel it is one of the strongest so far.
The case involving the search for doppelgangers was very well done and had some very interesting twists. It was, once again, a timely subject and explored our modern world of being so connected.

John Noble's turn as Morland Holmes so far feels like the show is apologizing for having a very weak Mycroft in earlier episodes,  with Morland not only being Sherlock's father but also the connection to world governments as well as Sherlock's "Smarter Brother". The tit-for-tat between the father and son at the party and a few of the closing remarks reminded me very much of the discourse Canonically between the two Holmes boys.

Many books and several films have explored Sherlock's relationship with his father, for better and for worse, and 'Elementary' is taking that same step with this season.

The strongest aspect of 'Elementary' is not it's ability to deliver a good adaptation of a Sherlock Holmes like character, but to make us ask questions and examine uncomfortable issues relating to Sherlock. So many times, in the exploration of the Canon, explanations have been given on Sherlockian things without exploring how that one thing fits into a complete picture, placing each aspect as a part not as the whole.  I believe 'Elementary' achieves that and makes us examine if we agree.

 I think if 'Elementary' could start putting some good 'Sherlockian' habits into the mix this would be a really strong year for the show.

One of my favorite lines from the last episode was when Sherlock's father said something along the lines of, "Sulking doesn't suit you Sherlock." The show does still like to portray Sherlock as a rather, at times, immature individual, but so far this season it has not become unbearable.

So, with all that said, these last two episodes get a combined score of;