Elementary

Elementary is a CBS television series that premiered on September 27, 2012, and concluded on August 15, 2019, starring Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson. The show is set in New York City and is a modern-day adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, with references to Baker Street, Scotland Yard, and Irene Adler. The series was developed by Robert Doherty and produced by CBS Television Studios, with Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly serving as executive producers, alongside John Lee Miller and Lucy Liu.

Introduction

The series introduces a new take on the classic characters, with Sherlock Holmes as a consulting detective and Dr. Joan Watson as a sober companion, working together to solve crimes in New York City, often involving NYPD and FBI cases, such as those investigated by Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The show's title, Elementary, is a reference to the famous Sherlock Holmes quote "Elementary, my dear Watson", and explores the complex relationship between Holmes and Watson, as well as their interactions with other characters, including Inspector Lestrade and Mycroft Holmes. The series also features appearances by notable actors, such as Natalie Dormer and Gina Gershon, and has been compared to other CBS shows, like Person of Interest and Hawaii Five-0.

Premise

The show's premise is based on the original Sherlock Holmes stories, with Sherlock Holmes using his exceptional deductive reasoning skills to solve complex crimes, often with the help of Dr. Joan Watson, who assists him in his investigations and provides a unique perspective on the cases, drawing from her experience as a medical doctor and her knowledge of psychology and sociology, as well as her connections to Columbia University and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. The series explores the darker side of New York City, delving into cases involving organized crime, corruption, and terrorism, and features appearances by notable figures, such as Aasif Mandvi and Wallace Shawn. The show's premise has been influenced by other Sherlock Holmes adaptations, including the BBC series Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, and the Guy Ritchie films, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.

Characters

The main characters in the series include Sherlock Holmes, played by Jonny Lee Miller, and Dr. Joan Watson, played by Lucy Liu, as well as Detective Marcus Bell, played by Jon Michael Hill, and Captain Thomas Gregson, played by Aidan Quinn. The show also features a range of recurring characters, including Mycroft Holmes, played by Rhys Ifans, and Irene Adler, played by Natalie Dormer, as well as appearances by notable actors, such as Sean Astin and Kristen Bush. The characters' relationships and interactions are central to the show, with Holmes and Watson's partnership at the core, and have been compared to those in other CBS shows, like The Good Wife and Blue Bloods.

Episodes

The series consists of 144 episodes, spread across seven seasons, with each episode featuring a unique case and often incorporating elements from the original Sherlock Holmes stories, such as The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Speckled Band. The show's episodes have been directed by a range of notable directors, including Guy Ferland and Seith Mann, and have featured appearances by guest stars, such as Gina Torres and Fisher Stevens. The episodes have been well-received by critics and audiences alike, with many praising the show's unique take on the Sherlock Holmes characters and its exploration of complex themes, such as addiction and trauma, and have been compared to other CBS shows, like NCIS and Criminal Minds.

Reception

The series has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu, as well as the show's unique take on the Sherlock Holmes characters and its exploration of complex themes, such as mental health and social justice. The show has been nominated for several awards, including Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards, and has won several, including a People's Choice Award and a Satellite Award. The series has also been praised by notable figures, such as Stephen King and Neil Gaiman, and has been compared to other CBS shows, like The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother.

Production

The series was produced by CBS Television Studios, with Robert Doherty serving as showrunner and executive producer, alongside Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly. The show was filmed on location in New York City, with many scenes shot in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and featured a range of notable guest stars, including Sean Astin and Gina Gershon. The series' production team included a range of notable writers and directors, including Jason Tracey and John Polson, and has been compared to other CBS shows, like Madam Secretary and Scorpion. The show's production has been influenced by other Sherlock Holmes adaptations, including the BBC series Sherlock, and the Guy Ritchie films, and has been praised for its unique take on the Sherlock Holmes characters and its exploration of complex themes. Category:Television series