Saturday, August 30, 2014

ELEMENTARY SEASON 2: HOLMES CONTINUES TO AMAZE

I reviewed season one of this series before and spoke of how wonderful it was. One would think it would fall far short of continuing that ability in its sophomore slump. It's a delight to let you know that the series continues to be a great series that continues to do the character well.

For those who missed season one add it to your collection, watch it and then make sure you purchase this one as well. If you missed it, the series plants Sherlock Holmes into the 21st century in the form of Johnny Lee Miller. Miller's portrayal finds Sherlock an ex-drug addict trying to remain sober by involving himself in the solving of crimes in New York City. Accompanying him through these adventures is his sober coach Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) who not only helps him through each case but becomes a student of his crime solving techniques with the hope of one day becoming a certified sleuth in her own right. Each week another crime calls upon them to assist local chief detective Captain Thomas Gregson (Aidan Quinn).

So what works in this series? Everything. Miller's Holmes isn't always the purest of heroes at times but he is still the ever self assured character that those who loved to books and earlier incantations that we have come to love as seen on screen. He's quirky as all get out, always seems on edge and ready to jump and is almost never wrong in any and all solutions that he brings about in the cases he investigates. At the same time the characters edge here is seen in his boredom felt when there are no new cases or cases that actually give him the rush he needs in being difficult rather than simple. Helping him through those times this season is Joan's interest in becoming his pupil. Mentoring her to become his protégé gives him new meaning.

This season also offers some glimpses into Holmes past beginning with a case taking place in London and involving another protégé of Holmes, Inspector Lestrade (Sean Pertwee). It turns out that Lestrade used Holmes to help solve cases while taking credit for them himself. Now he finds himself in a jam since Holmes move to NYC has left him alone. All he needs is Holmes assistance in another high profile crime. It seems Lestrade has demons of his own, an addiction to fame and fortune. How Holmes aids him here sets the stage for another appearance of the same character later in the season and Pertwee does a tremendous job here.

We also get to see more of Holme's brother Mycroft as played by Rhys Ifans. It seems that Mycroft, a restaurateur, has opened a new restaurant in NYC much to the displeasure of Holmes. Sherlock views this as an attempt to plant Mycroft there to watch over him by his father. In truth, Mycroft does indeed hope to make a success of the new place and to give him a chance to romance Joan, something else that displeases Sherlock. The interaction between the three characters gives them more depth than on display in season one.

While the entire season is filled with various cases that call upon Sherlock to solve them, we are also moved along in watching Watson develop her own skills as a detective at the same time. This is not the bumbling Watson as seen in the old Rathbone/Brice movies of the past, this is a self assured woman who at times doesn't live up to Holmes brilliance and at others equals his abilities. She is learning quite well but still falls a tad short of his abilities, forcing him to grow fonder of her as time passes.

The season ends with a two parter involving Mycroft that offers a few surprises for all involved.  When it ends no one will be left untouched by the events that unfold and things will be set for more surprises next season. That's a good thing because through it all the series entertains from start to finish, something many shows these days fail to do.

There are no bad performers here. Miller is fantastic as Holmes, Liu is amazing in what could have been a much smaller role, Quinn is believably baffled by some of the cases and yet not the bumbling Lestrade seen in the old films and Ifans as Mycroft becomes one of the most tragic character seen on TV. All of these performances do nothing but elevate this series above most.

If you're a fan of Sherlock Holmes, or even if you're not, then by all means you should be watching this series. Season two moves the series forward in so many ways, all of them positive. As I said earlier, this is one that you not only need to see but to add to your collection. It remains one of the best shows on TV. Purchasing both season 1 and 2 and watching them also gives you a chance to get on board before season 3 begins.

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