While both shows are brilliant,Elementaryamazingly fixes an annoying problem that the BBC’sSherlockis known for.Elementaryended after seven seasonsin 2019, but the show left behind quite a legacy as one of the best Conan Doyle adaptations.The best episodes ofElementaryfocus on Jonny Lee Miller as the titular character, where he demonstrates his incredible deduction skills. By his side is Lucy Liu as Joan Watson, rather than John, another reason whyElementaryis different from otherSherlock Holmes titles.
While there are many Sherlock Holmes movie and TV show adaptations,ElementaryandSherlockstand as two of the very best, and the CBS drama has something over the BBC show.Sherlockis a deep drama, whereasElementaryis more of a procedural, but the difference in format doesn’t meanElementaryisn’t still an astounding Sherlock Holmes series. Although Benedict Cumberbatch’s version of the titular detective is stellar,Elementaryfixes an issue with the character thatSherlockfails to do.
Sherlock’s Deductive Skills In Elementary Were More Realistic Than The BBC Show’s
Jonny Lee Miller’s Sherlock Feels More Like An Actual Person
The detective’s ability to deduce everything around him inSherlockrequires audiences to suspend their disbelief. Whilethe puzzles and mysteries inSherlockare intricate,and it’s rather impressive when the titular character figures them out, they are sometimes so complex that they pull viewers out of it. However, the deductive skills ofElementary’s Sherlock are far more realistic. This is one of the aspects in whichElementaryis better than BBC’sSherlock.
Jonny Lee Miller’s Sherlock is a lot more humane than Benedict Cumberbatch’s interpretation. Cumberbatch’s Sherlock leans far too heavily into the trope of an unnatural genius fixing problems in society, to the point that he starts to feel a little robotic.Elementarydepicts Sherlock as a deeper and complicated figure,and his layered characterization allows for more realistic deductions. Cumberbatch’s Sherlock almost always has the answer and treats everyone else as stupid, but inElementary, Sherlock and Joan work together and make more logical observations.
Elementary Was A More Grounded Sherlock Adaptation Than The British Show
Sherlock Doesn’t Develop Its World Or Characters As Much As Elementary
Even thoughSherlockis set in the present and provides an accurate depiction of London in the 2010s,there are a few things about the show that viewers have to simply accept or ignore. For example, it’s never clearwhat Mycroft’s job inSherlockis, but he’s always in the know with seemingly unlimited power, and Eurus being isolated on an island is also a bit ridiculous. However,Elementaryis generally considered a much more grounded show thanSherlockis.
Because ofElementary’s more procedural format, there’s more room for character development, too.
Elementarymakes Watson just as interesting as Sherlock, rather than pushing her aside as a sidekick. The show also isn’t afraid to allow the characters to show their emotions and develop connections with one another. Because ofElementary’s more procedural format, there’s more room for character development, too. While there is still an intriguing mystery at the forefront of the episode,not every single second ofElementaryis necessarily dedicated to the detective showing off his prowess and intelligence,whichSherlockdoes far too often.
Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock Was Amazing, But Some Scenes Were Just Too Much
Steven Moffat & Mark Gattis Are Too Ambitious Sometimes
There’s no doubt that the BBC’sSherlockis amazing, and even after the disappointing final seasons, it continues to be a huge hit with new viewers. However, some aspects of the show are just too much.Certain moments inSherlockare over-the-top ridiculous,nonsensical, or too clever to the point that viewers question whether any of it is actually accurate in the real world. For example, the lack of resolution toSherlock’s “The Reichenbach Fall”was very frustrating.
Mary Watson’s death inSherlockseason 4is also a bit goofy, and her ghost following John around after is cliché, let alone the fact that it doesn’t really fit the tone of the show. The entire final storyline involving Eurus also required a lot of suspension of disbelief. Thankfully,Elementaryis a great alternative for those looking for a Sherlock Holmes story with a little more realism.
Elementary
Cast
A modern retelling of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories, Elementary is set in New York City and details the adventures of Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) who becomes partner to the consulting detective Sherlock Holmes (Johnny Lee Miller) after first being assigned as his sober companion. Set up a procedural crime drama, the series includes multiple references to the original Holmes stories, often with surprising twists. Aidan Quinn and John Micahel Hill also star as Thomas Gregson and Marcus Bell, with John Noble as a notable guest star.
Sherlock
In this incarnation of Sherlock from creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman assume the roles of Sherlock and Watson as they establish their partnership and begin solving strange mysteries throughout the U.K. and beyond. Set in a more 2010’s modern setting, Sherlock’s eccentric and complex nature is accentuated as he solves seemingly supernatural crimes with unparalleled intellect while struggling to connect with others on a human level. Meanwhile, Watson blogs the stories summarizing their cases while building a strained but caring friendship with his new partner.
