What I’m Watching: Elementary

Elementary: Season 1, Episodes 15 and 16 “A Giant Gun, Filled with Drugs” and “Details” (B+)

These two episodes were both great, featuring a problematic blast from the past for two of the show’s main characters. It’s always good to see John Hannah, who last year handed in a standout performance on “Damages” and here played Rhys, who stopped by Sherlock’s apartment after his daughter was kidnapped and presented a serious threat to Sherlock’s sobriety by encouraging him to take drugs so that he could be a more focused investigator. Watson stepping in to defend Sherlock and warn Rhys about his actions was compelling, and Rhys made up for his mistakes by planning to sacrifice himself to allow Watson to get away. Sherlock’s dismissal of him at the end of the episode was cold but less cruel than it could have been. In episode sixteen, Detective Bell got to be the center of attention for once, as he got framed for murder and revealed that he had a criminal brother, played by Malcolm J. Goodwin. It was nice to see Andre use what could well have been his final moments to defend his brother, especially after they had fought, and to see that relationship survive the hardships of being on different sides of the law. Paula Garces, from “The Shield,” was cast in a familiar but ultimately much more devious role as Officer Reyes, who turned out to be the culprit who tried to frame Bell. The best part of the episode was the latest development in the business relationship between Sherlock and Watson, which was highlighted by them throwing balls at each other. Sherlock revealing that he knew that Watson’s contract had not been extended and offering her to stay on as his paid companion was great, and I like how Watson responded by stating her conditions. It will be good to see the team continue to work without the impending chance of her leaving hanging over everything.