Hey, I saw that you reblogged Elementary, so I was wondering if you could give me the scoop? I've looked it up a bit, and watched the trailer, and well, I think my heart still belongs to BBC Sherlock, because color me unimpressed. But, I think you're a good judge, and I wanted to know what you think.
Hey! Well, firstly - thank you for asking me, I’m glad you hold my opinion so highly! Elementary is great, but before you watch it, you need to get one thing into your head:
Elementary and Sherlock are different shows and they do not need to be compared. And it is totally okay to like one or the other, or both (maybe even neither - each to their own tastes!)
There are (literally) dozens of different versions of the Sherlock Holmes stories that have been produced over the years. Sherlock and Elementary are just two in a sea of many. I’ve never seen anyone comparing the recent RDJ movies with BBC Sherlock, so I don’t see why we should do that for Elementary; people are perfectly able to enjoy them as separate versions of the same character/story. It’s not a competition.
But if you really want me to compare them, it goes a little something like this:
BBC Sherlock - I honestly do not think any other show will ever compare to the genius and perfection that is this show. The intelligent writing, the wonderful casting, the phenomenal acting, the fucking gorgeous cinematography and style the show has. I am perfectly happy to wait a year for each short ‘season’ because it’s worth it. BUT… there are many aspects to Moffat’s writing for BBC Sherlock that are problematic, and that is important to note, especially when we are all ranting and raving about how perfect this show is.
Elementary - I think it’s a really wonderful take on the Sherlock Holmes stories, and watching the elements of the original stories play out (characters like Moran, Irene, Mrs Hudson, Moriarty etc.) is really exciting, and season 1 has a spectacular plot arc and twist! I am into the show and the characters and the storylines they have to offer. Honestly, what this show does best; better than any other I’ve seen, is it represents minorities fairly and well. The cast is far more ethnically diverse, Watson is a female charater who is 3 dimensional and has an interesting story, Mrs Hudson is a trans woman, Irene is a beautifully written character with an incredibly interesting story… the list goes on (but… spoilers!!)
Now I’m gonna say it again - it is totally okay to prefer one to the other. It’s okay to love both; I do! But do not expect them to be the same. They are not. Elementary could never be a replacement for Sherlock, nor is it trying to be. And Sherlock couldn’t ever be what Elementary is, not even close. They are two different shows, who tell the story about the character Sherlock Holmes in their own, individual way.
