What I’m Watching: Elementary

Elementary: Season 3, Episode 5 “Rip Off” (B+)

I think this episode has officially changed my mind about Kitty. I wasn’t sure why she needed to be introduced at the start of this season, and up until now she seemed conveniently placed just as a sounding board or reflective device for others. In this episode, she showed her potential in a number of ways, as Watson was off in Europe with her boyfriend giving her successor an opportunity to prove herself. Pouring coffee on the laptop on which Watson had started writing her novel about Sherlock’s cases was a particularly memorable and awesome move, one that shows allegiance to her mentor and a clear acknowledgment of the fact that she does not need to sign a non-disclosure agreement since she has only loyal intentions. Intimidating the abusive boyfriend of Captain Gregson’s daughter was an equally solid and strong action on her part, which now creates an unexpected bond between the two supporting characters. It’s an interesting subplot for a character whose family life is rarely spotlighted, and hasn’t been featured at all recently. There’s no denying that Sherlock has amassed an absurd amount and range of knowledge, able to identify garment holes for tzitzit and the mark of a stain left by shrimp. Presumably, Watson will be back fromher adventures soon, and that should present the chance for a newly fortified and efficient team whose newest addition should serve only as a strengthening element rather than a distraction or a replacement, a not too uncommon move for a show continuing to redefine itself a few seasons into its run.