Elementary

Elementary is a riveting American procedural drama series that aired on CBS from 2012 to 2019. The show, set in New York City, offers a contemporary, intriguing reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic characters of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson.

The central character, Sherlock Holmes, is portrayed by Jonny Lee Miller, who delivers an intense, memorable performance. Holmes is presented as a brilliant but troubled former consultant to Scotland Yard. He has come to New York City to recover from drug addiction. Holmes's ability to crack complex cases through deductive reasoning, observation, and encyclopedic knowledge continues to astonish and offers highly compelling viewing.

Lucy Liu nails her portrayal of the show’s iteration of Dr. John Watson. Instead of the traditional male sidekick, Elementary casts Watson as Joan Watson, an empathetic, resourceful woman and former surgeon. She becomes Sherlock's "sober companion," hired to ensure he remains clean. Over time they develop an unbreakable bond, and Watson evolves into his investigative partner, protegee, and confidante.

The dynamic between Sherlock and Joan breathes new life into the classic Holmes-Watson relationship, lending the narrative an intriguing emotional texture. Their partnership underscores the series, transcending the cases they solve, examining their symbiotic growth, their individual traumas, addictions, and personal relationships.

Elementary features a richly diverse supporting cast. Aidan Quinn plays Captain Thomas Gregson, a level-headed and stern yet supportive NYPD captain who has a strong past connection with Sherlock. Jon Michael Hill enacts the character of Detective Marcus Bell, a steadfast and intelligent detective initially skeptical of Holmes and his methods but eventually sees their merit.

The show also features a gripping interpretation of the infamous Moriarty character, but to avoid spoilers, this description won't delve into those details. Numerous guest stars feature throughout the series, including actors like John Noble, Natalie Dormer, and Rhys Ifans, adding further dimensions to the storyline.

A defining feature of Elementary is its taut writing. Every episode is carefully crafted, often blending elements of suspense, drama, and human connection. The exploration of Sherlock's recovery from addiction juxtaposed with solving crimes adds a novel depth to his character and shapes much of the series' narrative arc.

While incorporating the procedural formula of solving a crime per episode, the series also weaves long-term story arcs which capably explore the depths and histories of its main characters. This keeps the narrative from becoming monotonous while maintaining tension and intrigue throughout different seasons.

The series uses its New York City backdrop to good effect, tying the city's vast, bustling character into the narrative’s crimes, differing it significantly from the London-based original. This divergence from the source material distinguishes Elementary from other Sherlock Holmes adaptations while satisfying fans with its ingenuitive continuity of the characters’ spirit.

Besides the captivating storyline and rich characters, Elementary stands out with its brilliant cinematography, crisp art direction, and atmospheric musical scoring, harmoniously adding to the overall dramatic tension and aesthetic appeal of the series.

Overall, Elementary is an innovative take on the Sherlock Holmes mythos that manages to pay tribute to its origins while staking its own claim in the vast field of crime dramas. Its unique interpretations, combined with solid performances, intellectually challenging mysteries, and carefully layered character development make it an engaging watch, offering a gratifying blend of classic detective intrigue and contemporary narrative depth. In its seven-year run, it captivated audiences with the timeless allure of Holmes and Watson, redefined for a new generation.