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The classic character of Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has seen a myriad of adaptations throughout the years. The latest film version starring Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes was hugely popular in theaters. There is also a popular television version in England but none is quite like the CBS version, Elementary. The contemporary take on Sherlock Holmes with a female Watson character is a fresh new look for a classic story. However, there are a few suggested improvements to ensure that the show maintains a large audience for years to come.
Elementary starring Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu and Aidan Quinn airs on CBS Thursdays at 10:00 pm ET.
Where's Irene?
A huge part of the latest Sherlock Holmes film, includes a complicated love interest between Sherlock (Robert Downey Jr.) and Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams). While Sherlock Holmes is seen more as a highly intellectual crime solver than a hopeless romantic, a good complicated love interest is always appealing to audiences. A female character like Irene would be a great addition to Elementary because it would give audiences something to hope for in the way of budding love. Whether it's a main theme to be added to the rest of the season or just a small glimpse in a few episodes, a complicated love interest for Sherlock would be a great way to add some dimension to the Sherlock character.
Secret Watson Love
The idea of Watson being played by a woman is a completely radical idea but Lucy Liu does it with finesse and star quality. Although there have been some subtle hints toward some sort of sparking romance, it would be nice if the romantic void in Sherlock’s life was filled by Watson. While they both work well with each other on a professional level, sometimes audiences like to see a little spark between co-stars like in FOX's, Bones.
Why So Masculine?
With Elementary being the first Sherlock Holmes adaptation to utilize a female Watson character, it seems Dr. Joan Watson goes out of her way to downplay her feminism. Always dressed in dark, masculine attire, it seems her character might be trying a little too hard to be a masculine sidekick. After choosing such a beautiful woman in Lucy Liu to play Watson, it’s a shame to constantly play down her feminine charms. Her character might benefit from showing she is not just intelligent and savvy but also feminine and sexy.
A Little Less Conversation, A Little More Action Please
While it's undeniable that the Sherlock Holmes character is highly intelligent, acute and observant; a huge draw to the film version of Sherlock Holmes is his ability to be physical as well. Fight scenes, explosives and daring acts seem to fill the recent film adaptation and seem to be lacking in Elementary. Adding some dimension to the Sherlock Holmes character in Elementary can be as simple as throwing in some fight scenes to show off some more of Jonny Lee Miller's physique for the female audience.
Supernatural Element
Supernatural themes in film and television have been hugely popular in recent years, whether it’s vampires in Twilight or fantasy folklore in Grimm. Elementary seems to be more of a CSI crime drama that doesn’t hit on elements of supernatural mystery. Adding some supernatural features to some of the crimes they solve can help to add a more mysterious element to the show and could draw in some additional viewers that favor the paranormal.
Nearing the halfway point of the first season, Elementary has already built a growing audience with some great reviews from critics. However, with so many shows cancelled in 2012, it's important for audiences to continue to watch and help this show grow.
