10 Reasons BBC's Sherlock Outshines Elementary

Summary

Elementary has made Sherlock Holmes a relatable and human character, allowing viewers to understand his emotions and reactions.

Lucy Liu's performance as Joan Watson offers a unique outlook on the character, effortlessly integrating with Conan Doyle's books. In contrast to Sherlock, Elementary maintains a high standard of excellence throughout its entire duration, with no decrease in quality in the later seasons, thus providing viewers with a gratifying conclusion.

Content

The 2010s witnessed the release of two successful adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's renowned work, delivering delight to audiences. Surprisingly, CBS' show, Elementary, may have outshined the BBC's Sherlock, with Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead role. While Sherlock is often regarded as the best modern adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, Elementary deserves recognition as well. Despite being an American procedural drama that significantly deviates from the original story, it does so with remarkable finesse.

Sherlock offers stunning flashback sequences, skillfully displaying the detective's brilliance, and creates an unmatched, authentically British atmosphere. On the other hand, Elementary accomplishes the impossible feat of humanizing Sherlock Holmes before the eyes of both characters within the show and viewers. Spanning a remarkable seven seasons, the show set a professional record for its lead actor, Miller, who portrayed the legendary role in the highest number of television and cinematic episodes combined.

10. Elementary's Sherlock Has More Depth

9. Joan Watson Is A More Interesting Take On The Character

Sherlock Holmes' deductive prowess has become legendary, captivating many adaptations that primarily focus on showcasing his extraordinary cognitive abilities rather than delving into the intricacies of his multifaceted personality. However, Elementary sets itself apart by presenting Jonny Lee Miller's Sherlock as a remarkably complex character. In addition to his awe-inspiring detective aptitude, he is portrayed as a fallible human being, grappling with a range of emotions and struggles that he cannot always tame. Unlike Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Sherlock, Miller's rendition exhibits a relatability in how he responds to trauma and heartbreak, making his reactions align more closely with those typically experienced by ordinary individuals.

Dr. Watson holds significant importance in Sherlock Holmes' life throughout various adaptations. Martin Freeman's portrayal of the legendary detective's sidekick in Sherlock is truly commendable. However, Lucy Liu's interpretation of Watson in Elementary brings a fresh and captivating female perspective, which greatly enhances the character. The dynamic between Joan and Sherlock, beginning with her assignment to him by his father, alters the relationship between the two characters from the very start. Despite being deliberately distinct from the traditional depiction of Watson, Liu's portrayal effortlessly embodies the essence of Conan Doyle's novels.

8. Elementary Doesn't Decline In Quality Like Sherlock

The quality of Sherlock notably declined in its last two seasons, possibly due to lengthy gaps between episodes. In contrast, Elementary maintained its strength throughout its entire run and ended season 7 on a high note without feeling forced. The continuous production of the series prevented viewers' expectations from reaching unrealistic levels, reducing the risk of disappointment as seen in Sherlock's final seasons.

7. Elementary Is More Realistic

While Sherlock captivates viewers with its captivating visuals and remarkable portrayal of the detective's deductive abilities, Elementary wins hearts through its realistic storytelling approach. Unlike Cumberbatch's Sherlock, Miller's character genuinely battles addiction as a serious health issue, rather than using it as a mental booster. In Elementary, Sherlock acknowledges his mistakes and sincerely reproaches himself for them. He grapples with personal hardships and traumas that are not played for comic relief. Sherlock is simply a flawed individual who strives, although not always successfully, to do what is right.

6. Irene Adler Being Moriarty Is A Genius Move

5. Sherlock's Father Adds Layers To The Detective

While Jim Moriarty, played by Andrew Scott, has become a legendary character, it is Natalie Dormer's portrayal of Irene Adler, also known as Jamie Moriarty, that steals the show. The combination of these two complex villains, merged into one, showcases Sherlock's immense love and deserves applause. Elementary took a risk by incorporating this twist, but it ultimately paid off due to the exceptional writing and remarkable acting by Dormer. The presence of Irene, or Jamie, adds an unexpected twist to the show, making her character more captivating and unpredictable. As these two unpredictable forces blend together, it becomes a challenge to anticipate the direction of her storyline.

5. Sherlock's Father Adds Layers To The Detective

Both Conan Doyle's original works and the BBC adaptation of Sherlock offer limited insight into Holmes' parents, with only occasional mentions made during conversations with Mycroft. However, Elementary takes a bold step by introducing Sherlock's father, Morland Holmes, elevating the series to a new level. Despite John Noble's Morland appearing on-screen only in season 4, he plays a crucial role right from the start, significantly influencing Sherlock's character. Throughout the series, Holmes' relationship with his father evolves, leading to transformative changes in Sherlock himself. By viewing Sherlock through the lens of his parental dynamic, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the character's motivations.

4. Elementary Treats Sherlock Just Like Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle famously did not have a great affinity for Sherlock Holmes, despite being the creator of the character. In his novels, it is apparent that he never intended for Sherlock to be revered like a deity or a superhero. Instead, he preferred to present him alongside more "ordinary" characters in order to maintain a sense of human grounding. Numerous adaptations, including Sherlock, often portray Sherlock as an extraordinary being who follows his own set of exceptional rules. However, Elementary takes a completely different approach by portraying him as fallible and even ridiculous at times, which can lead other characters to lose their patience and feel unimpressed with his behavior. It is important to acknowledge that Holmes can sometimes showcase his skills in a showy manner and he should be treated accordingly.

3. Elementary Is More Diverse

While Conan Doyle's stories are undeniably great, they do reflect outdated perspectives, resulting in a lack of diversity. In contrast, the BBC's Sherlock, which aired in the last decade, faces its own set of challenges in terms of representation. Characters like Mrs. Hudson and Molly Hooper, though essential, are somewhat stereotypical and not given enough prominence. It isn't until the introduction of Mary Watson that the series finally presents a strong female lead. On the other hand, Elementary boasts a diverse main cast right from the start, with complex female characters like Joan and Jamie.

2. In Elementary, The Police Aren't Dumb

1. The Drama Doesn't Get Tiresome In Elementary

The BBC's Sherlock has gained a reputation for its disdain towards law enforcement. From beginning to end, Holmes' cruel jokes and the overall portrayal of the police officers as simpleminded remain consistent, with only Greg Lestrade occasionally being spared. In contrast, the depiction of police officers in Elementary diverges greatly as they are portrayed as intelligent and highly competent representatives of the law. Moreover, Sherlock himself shows more respect towards the police, and they reciprocate by dignifiedly considering his suggestions. Although Elementary is not without flaws in this aspect, the series has undoubtedly made progress.

One of the drawbacks of Sherlock's narrative is that it immediately escalates the drama without leaving room for progression, leading to a sense of frustration as one catastrophe follows another, making it feel unrealistic. Elementary takes a different approach to storytelling, deliberately pacing itself and gradually building towards a climax. This allows the audience to continuously experience shock and surprise without feeling overwhelmed. At the same time, Elementary maintains a more relaxed tone, while still delivering the suspense that is essential in any compelling Holmes story.