CBS's "Elementary"

[chironsgirl]

I like the show becus it has some humour in it between Watson and Holmes. And they both have their own "baggage". I wanted to see another episode, but for some reason there is none this week. (pouts) But I know that the show has been "picked up" and they are rushing around like loonies trying to get more epis done. So hopefully in the new year there will be more.

 

I like Aidan Quinn a lot. He adds a gruff rumpledness to Gregson.

[Carol the Dabbler]

It's fairly common for shows to skip holiday weeks (or to re-run an old episode at such times), since a lot of people are otherwise occupied. However, I just checked Elementary's page on the CBS web site, and they are no longer listing any upcoming episode. So apparently the initial order was for just the ten to date. Glad to hear that more are in the works!

 

Yes, I like Quinn too (wonderful voice!). And I'm hoping they'll bring back Sherlock's old friend from the book store.

[onthegokc]

I was dead set against watching this show. It just seemed wrong. With the new movies taking Holmes into a rather comical character, and Watson into a more dominate personality I had no thought that this show would be able to pull off a meaningful adaptation or take on the Holmes character. But I was wrong. While the BBC Sherlock is by far my favorite TV show (while in reality they are more like Made for TV movies) this show holds it own as a TV show, clever dialog, building plots, super interaction, and fresh ideas. I like it. Watson is great and Sherlock, while not the best, is good. I DVR it each week and have watched two of them, saving the rest for this weeks holiday viewing. Have enjoyed reading everyones take on the show.

[SherLOCKED221]

Depending on the network that airs/created the show depends on the amount of episodes (as a standard) then it must also be taken into account the actors previous engagements or unexpected events (such as an actor getting pregnant or dying etc.). HBO usally has 12 episodes per season (sometimes 13 or 14 depending if the series is wrapping up or needs an extra episode for its season cliff hanger) While the BBC usally dishes out 6 episodes before breaking for the next season!

There are always exceptions to the rules but this is usually what happens.

[Carol the Dabbler]

Back a few decades, the American broadcast-network (i.e., ABC, CBS, and NBC) tradition was for something like 22-26 episodes per season, which would then be repeated to fill out the year. Seeing as how CBS's initial order appears to have been 10, I'm guessing that's their current idea of a half-season probationary period. If the Elementary people have some new scripts ready to go and can get right back into production, the show could be back on the air within just a few weeks, and I would expect another 10 episodes before summer. Assuming the show is renewed for next fall, CBS may well approve 20 episodes right off the bat.

(HBO is a cable network, so they have a different way of doing things.)

[SherLOCKED221]

A lot of TV shows are prepared to make 22-26 episodes but get cancelled before their 10th. Sometimes as early as their 4th!!

[Carol the Dabbler]

All too true, alas!

 

But Elementary's CBS web page now lists a new episode for January 3rd -- this Thursday! (I don't know how that translates in other countries, though.)

[aely]

Firefly is a perfect example of this - they only made 14 episodes and it was cancelled after 11 had been aired. Dresden Files was also cancelled after only 12 episodes, but that first series was planned at only being that length. The first series of Castle was also only 10 episodes, but each subsequent series has had 23/24 episodes.

 

Wiki has this to say about Elementary...

 

On October 23, 2012 CBS picked up Elementary for a full season. CBS announced November 5 that the show will have a Super Bowl episode which will air immediately after the Super Bowl on February 3, 2013. On November 15, 2012, CBS ordered two additional episodes to its current season, bringing the total number of episodes to 24.

[Carol the Dabbler]

24? Oh, good -- something to watch until fall!

[aely]

I just watched the last 2 episodes and it struck me as amusing that I mentioned Kill Bill on this thread, and then they go and give Joan's brother essentially the same name Lucy's character had in Kill Bill.

[Carol the Dabbler]

I wonder if that might have been an intentional in-joke. What were the two names?

[aely]

Lucy's character was O-Ren Ishii in Kill Bill, Joan's brother in Elementary is Oren Watson. I read somewhere after spotting it that it was intentional but can't remember where now.

[Carol the Dabbler]

Actually, Ishii doesn't sound all that much like Watson.

[chironsgirl]

Am tickled there is going to be more! I will be able to watch on my new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 tomorrow. Hmmm. That calls for a cowdance!

[aely]

Actually, Ishii doesn't sound all that much like Watson.

No, it doesn't.

[Carol the Dabbler]

Am tickled there is going to be more! I will be able to watch on my new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 tomorrow. Hmmm. That calls for a cowdance!

 

Yes, and it's on tonight (Thursday) here in the US! (10 p.m. Eastern on CBS)

 

May I join you?

[chironsgirl]

Everybody! Watson is sticking to her guns. Sherlock has offered apprenticeship training in return for some housework. But no go. What will Sherlock have to do to hold on to Watson? Wash his own dishes? Gregson and Bell may have to go to their knees and beg.

[Carol the Dabbler]

Everybody! Watson is sticking to her guns. Sherlock has offered apprenticeship training in return for some housework. But no go. What will Sherlock have to do to hold on to Watson? Wash his own dishes? Gregson and Bell may have to go to their knees and beg.

 

I think what Sherlock needs to do is acknowledge that Watson is already a valuable partner, not an apprentice. It's their synergy that's valuable, and his "training" her would ruin that. I mean, he was fooled by this last case, and she was able to solve it precisely because she doesn't look at things the same way he does. We all know she's gonna stay (or come back). We're just wondering how / why / when?

 

One thing has been bugging me the past few episodes. The cops seem to be routinely phoning Sherlock as soon as they've had a quick look at a crime scene. Whatever happened to trying to solve a crime on their own before giving up and calling in their emergency backup?

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

Really, they are worried about "American sensitivities" ? I'm American and I much prefer British TV. Wonder what that says about my sensitivities.

[chironsgirl]

Yes, Carol, Sherlock will have to swallow his arrogance and acknowledge Watson's sharp wits.

 

You make a good point; Gregson seems to call on Sherlock a lot. BBC Sherlock has lots of dry spells where there isn't a case to be had for love or money. He is forced to rely on whatever John's blog turns up. Hense the body parts and experiments.

[chironsgirl]

God help me, I really liked Moran!

[Carol the Dabbler]

OK, I wanna discuss the plot (Episode #12), so --

 

* * * * * * * * * * SPOILER ALERT !!! * * * * * * * * * *

 

They were sneaky about him -- signing his notes "M". I wondered -- of course! -- if he was supposed to be Moriarty. Didn't think he really seemed the type, but you never know what direction an adaptation will take. Then he told Sherlock his name, and I said "Oh! He's Moran!" Then had to explain that to my husband, who hasn't read "Empty House" yet.

 

Yes, he works very nicely for Moran. Even has a military background (Marines, wasn't it?). Can't exactly say that I like him, but I do think it's cool having him & Sherlock working together against Moriarty. Not that I'd really trust Moran, but he did lie to the police to protect Sherlock, so that's one point in his favor.

 

Also liked that Joan wanted so badly to stay on that she lied to Sherlock. My question is, did she do it merely because she's interested in that line of work, or is she also (like John) wanting to protect Sherlock (mostly from himself).

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

Got to consider the plot line as well. Where would Sherlock be without his Watson. Couldn't be Sherlock Holmes without him...or in this case.....her. To throw in my own two cents worth, I would say at this point in this relationship, she is worried about him. He was prepared to torture and even kill the man, up to the point of actually stabbing him. So, I like the last part of your post, Carol. To protect Sherlock. Maybe she'll grow into liking the "detective" part later on.

[Carol the Dabbler]

Oh yeah -- CBS has gotta keep their Watson!

 

From an in-universe perspective, it seems clear to me that Watson really does enjoy the deductive process, or at least can't resist engaging in it once she notices a discrepancy. Both because of that and in addition to that, I believe she is fascinated by Sherlock the man. Not saying that she has the hots for him (not saying she doesn't), just that she's never met anyone at all like him before. And she sees how his addictive nature is being fueled by the current vendetta, meaning that -- well, somebody has got to keep him at least halfway grounded.

[Bakerstreet Irregular]

Exactly, and in that way Doyle was a absolute genius in creating this pair. The frenetic Sherlock and the more down to earth, solid Watson a perfect balance.