It was a unique idea–not the revamping Sherlock Holmes part, but the making Watson a woman part–but I’m not so sure how well it is working for the TV series Elementary. Although the midseason premiere that aired last night does finally seem to break the show out of its formulaic case-of-the-week mold, Lucy Liu’s performance as Watson still leaves much to be desired.

Jonny Lee Miller, on the other hand, plays a great Holmes. He’s the snide, self-absorbed, distinctively British genius we all want him to be. But the Watson-Holmes relationship is simply not as compelling as it is in Arthur Conan Doyle’s original creation. I don’t know if this is because of the gender dynamics (I hope to Odin they don’t end up trying to give them a romantic relationship–*gag*), or if the writing of their dialogue is just poorly done, or if Lucy Liu simply doesn’t have the capacity for the kind of humor required of the character. No matter the cause, Watson just falls flat and is a mere accessory to Holmes in this adaptation.

With all of the many versions of Sherlock Holmes out there, Elementary is definitely not at the top of the list. And especially after seeing Martin Freeman’s rendition of Bilbo–maybe the only saving grace of The Hobbit–I’m very tempted to start watching Sherlock, if only because I’m dying for a Dr. Watson who is anything more than bland and boring.

‘Elementary’ May Be Graduating to the Next Level
Liz Medendorp @ PopMatters

“Observe and deduce” is his mantra. And the midseason premiere of Elementary reveals precisely how this directive applies not only to Sherlock Holmes (Jonny Lee Miller), but also to viewers at home. Upon entering a horrific crime scene, with all 12 pints of the victim’s blood pooled on the floor, the detective’s expression is peculiar, almost amused. The observant audience member might deduce that his response has special significance for him, that indeed, this is no ordinary crime scene.

Read More >