What I’m Watching: Elementary (Season Premiere)

Elementary: Season 2, Episode 1 “Step Nine” (B+)

I nearly forgot that this show had premiered, and I’m glad that I took the time to watch it since it truly is one of the most entertaining and engaging shows on television. A visit to London seems appropriate for its second season starter, and while this trip was markedly different from another Thursday night excursion to the British city (on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation” in the 8pm hour), it was just as enjoyable. I’m not too familiar with Inspector Lestrade as a Sherlock Holmes character only than to be able to recognize his name and as the detective played by Eddie Marsan in the Robert Downey Jr. film version, and this version was rather pitiable and easily overshadowed by Sherlock, which worked out just fine. I loved the casting of Rhys Ifans, who was hilarious in films like “Notting Hill” and “The Replacements,” as Sherlock’s brother Mycroft, who got sentimental with Watson but was considerably less warm to Sherlock, excited to show him that he did still have some of Sherlock’s possessions before blowing them to pieces just to get even with him for sleeping with his girlfriend. The case in this episode was very interesting and its intricacies well-showcased, but, as usual, what’s best about this show is the relationship that Sherlock and Watson have. Their trip to England was worthy fodder for a season premiere, and I’m sure they’ll have perfectly enthralling adventures back as soon as they return to New York and throughout the upcoming season.