Stephy Watched Elementary: Season One

 I don't guess; I observe. And once I've observed, I deduce.

About/Summary

Elementary is a modern day Sherlock Holmes adaptation that aired from 2012 to 2019. Starring Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as Joan Watson, the duo assist the New York Police Department in solving various crimes.

Content/Trigger Warnings

Murder

Sexual Assault

Manipulation

Drug Use

Past Drug Addiction

Kidnapping

 

This is a crime drama so, yeah... Lots of crime. Mostly murder.

Characters/Casting 

I fucking adore the casting of this show.  I've been a slight fan of Jonny Lee Miller since I watched Trainspotting as a teenager so when I originally heard he was going to be Sherlock Holmes I was excited to check it out. Was not disappointed. Lucy Liu was perfect as a genderbent version of Dr. Watson.

Atmosphere/Setting

The show takes place in New York City. Mostly in the brownstone that Sherlock lives in with Watson. I want to live in that brownstone. Not with Sherlock, though. He seems like a real shitty roommate. 🤔 Actually, he might be a fun roommate. Yeah. I would live with him.

Adaptation?

Maybe an adaptation? More of an influenced by? Okay, everyone knows who Sherlock Holmes is. And this is a modern retelling. But it doesn't really follow any of the books or stories that well. There are elements and chracters there. But not enough to say it's an adaptation.
 

Plot

 Each episode (for the most part) has a stand alone main plot line, which is just Sherlock trying to solve a crime. Then there is the underlying sub-plot of Watson trying to get Sherlock to open up, which results in the Moriarty plot that shows up in all the Sherlock Holmes things.
 

Costuming

Costuming is pretty basic. Wait. No. That means something not great... Uh... It's simple. Modern era so costuming is sort of easier, I guess. It seems easier than historical costuming, at least. Well, all of it would be easy if you didn't care, but if you're going for accuracy, historical costuming seems more difficult. 

Anyway! This isn't supposed to be me rambling about historical costuming or whatever.

I do love a lot of the outfits Watson and Sherlock wear. The clothes seem to fit their personality types. And I just like them on a personal level.
 

How diverse is it?

It is moderately diverse. One of the main characters is an Asian American woman. One of the main cop characters is African American. So, not a bunch of white dudes at least.

Oh! And we do get a trans character. That isn't a criminal. Nor the butt of a joke.
 

Overall Thoughts 

Major Spoilers Ahead

so, if you don't want shit spoiled for a 12-year-old show, stop reading now.

This is my favorite Sherlock Holmes adaptation/inspired by thing. The others are fine. But this one is better. 🤷

And I love the Moriarty twist. Natalie Dormer needs to play more criminal masterminds because she was fantastic in this. Stop giving me boring white dudes as criminal masterminds. Give me Natalie Dormer.

Watson starts out as a former surgeon turned sober companion and then gives that up to become a consulting detective with Sherlock. I think the arc of her changing jobs was well done.

Not sure what to say that isn't just me gushing about Natalie Dormer and Lucy Liu. So, I think I'll end this one here. Go check out Elementary. It's really good.

What I'm Watching

 What I’m Watching…

Photo by Nothing Ahead

Just a quick refresher for anyone that forgot:

With the new year, I got back into scheduling what I watch. By that I mean, each day I focus on one streaming service or watching DVDs/blu-rays I own. I started doing this years ago and it really helped me to actually finish watching shows instead of just starting something and then going back and watching random shit on YouTube for the next month. Which is what I’ve been doing for the past year, really. So, I’m going to start some posts talking about what I’m watching for each day and my thoughts, and my expectations to actually finish it.

Disney+

Still no Disney+. I’ll get it back someday… Cause I do need to watch that Obi-Wan Kenobi show… And the Boba Fett show… But, car is in the shop and we gotta save every little bit we can. So, Disney+ is on hiatus for me.

DVD/blu-ray

Clerks, Clerks: Animated Series, Mallrats, Chasing Amy and Dogma

Oh boy. This was a fun day of laughing at dick and fart jokes I have heard a few thousand times. So far, Dogma is still my absolute favorite Kevin Smith. It is just a great movie. I am probably gonna do a tier list of Kevin Smith movies at some point after I finish watching the View Askew movies. I will go into my love for each then.

DVR

The Daily Show 

Did y’all know Gabrielle Union is 50? Also finally watched Trevor's last show. Which I will miss him. Also got caught up on John Oliver. And watched a random Doctor Who episode. Then I watched Spongebob cause I got sucked into reading and couldn’t be bothered to actually pay attention to anything.

HBO Max

The Looney Tunes Show (2011-2013)

I was tired and still cared more about reading than paying attention to the TV. Which, that show is awesome. It’s basically a sitcom with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. I don’t really like what they did with Lola. She is a fun character, but I remember Lola from the old Space Jam movie and… this is not that Lola… But other than that I love the show and it is a go-to for me when I’m just not in the mood for something serious.

Hulu

Elementary

Got to the episode with the Moriarty reveal. Which I think is just perfection. This Moriarty is my favorite.

Netflix

Lucifer

This show just keeps getting more twisty and turny and I love it. 

PlutoTV

Garfield and Friends

PlutoTV is not a favorite streaming service, but it’s free. And it has a whole “channel” or whatever that plays Garfield and Friends. Which is such a nostalgia watch for me. 

Prime

Grimm

The show is growing on me. I’m interested. But… I still have some issues with it so it won’t be on my favorite TV shows list. But it’s an interesting watch.

Roku

Dead Like Me

I watched this show before and really enjoyed it. Figured I could do a rewatch. The show is about a group of grim reapers. And it’s surprisingly funny. Mostly. There is some angst, of course. 

Tubi

Boogeymen: Monsters Among Us

Yay! More cryptids! Lot of lake monsters… Is there a monster in every lake? Which, when I asked Ryan this, he said they are guardian spirits and now I have decided every lake does indeed have a “monster” but it’s really a guardian spirit. So, time to make some sacrifices to these guardian spirits.

VUDU

Supernatural

Almost got all the way through season one. Still do not like John Winchester. Don’t come at me listing off his redeeming qualities, cause I don’t care. Bobby is the better father figure to the Winchester boys. Speaking of Bobby. I stopped watching at his first episode. Gods did I miss him. Bobby is totally my favorite Supernatural character.

YouTube

Hmm… I feel like I should explain how I watch stuff on YouTube real quick. I don’t just pick out a video on the main page and go from there. I go through the recommended videos and save the interesting ones to my Watch Later list. Then I just hit play on that on YouTube days. So, unless I am in the mood to watch something specific, YouTube days are all over the place. Which means -

I watched a few videos to put on the kiddo’s school playlists (we have a playlist for each subject and they have to watch so many a month and give me a summary or at least tell me something they learned). Watched Lazy Game Reviews talk about an old game and unbox an old computer. Watched a couple dudes make nerdy things. Watched a list of spooky videos. Watched the new OnlyOneOf video. And some CJUGames videos. 

“I’m not good at the advice. Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?” 

– Chandler (Matthew Perry), Friends

What I'm Watching

Photo by Nothing Ahead

With the new year, I got back into scheduling what I watch. By that I mean, each day I focus on one streaming service, watching DVDs/blu-rays I own or watching things on my DVR. I started doing this years ago and it really helped me to actually finish watching shows instead of just starting something and then going back and watching random shit on YouTube for the next month. Which is what I’ve been doing for the past year, really. It also spread out longer shows and movie series so I didn't get burnt out on them. So, I’m going to start some posts talking about what I’m watching for each day and my thoughts, and my expectations to actually finish it.

Disney+

Had to cancel our Disney+ subscription for a bit, so nothing is being watched there.

DVD/blu-ray

The Shining and Doctor Sleep

I have mixed feelings about The Shining movie. It’s a good movie, but the book is so much better. Which means I started reading the book again (I will hopefully post a review of that when I’m finished). Doctor Sleep was fantastic. I read the book around the time it was released (Thanks for letting me borrow that, Erica). My memories of the book were a bit spotty. And maybe after I read the book again the movie will not be as great to me, but for now, I think the movie was excellent and totally worth watching.

DVR

Trying to catch up on the Daily Show. I had episodes on my DVR from October… And I’m also really sad to see Trevor go. I love him.

HBO Max

Prodigal Son

I watched most (if not all) of this show when it was on the air and fucking loved it. The cast is great and the characters are so interesting. I can’t remember if I actually finished watching the second season, I’m pretty sure I did but my memory sucks, so I decided to give it a rewatch. Do not regret the decision. If you like detective shows with a bit of a twist, I highly recommend this one. Just… Don’t expect much as it only had two seasons. I wanted more but what can ya do?

Hulu

Elementary 

I loved Elementary from the first episode. I think it’s a great adaptation of Sherlock Holmes. I never finished the last season, so I am determined to actually do so now. I think Jonny Lee Miller as Sherlock Holmes is a fantastic choice. And the supporting cast of characters are also fantastic. I highly recommend this to anyone that likes Sherlock Holmes stories but doesn’t need an exact replica of an adaptation. Also, great diversity.

Netflix

Lucifer

I watched the first couple of seasons back when it was first aired. And then just… stopped for some reason. I really enjoy the show though. Love Maze. I give her heart eyes every time she is on screen. And Trixie, the detective's daughter, is one of the best child characters I have seen on TV.

Prime

Grimm

I watched most of the first season before, I believe. I remember very little. I’m not loving this one as much as I’m loving other shows I’m watching. It is cool enough, but… If I was going to recommend a detective show with supernatural elements, I’d recommend Lucifer first. I’m going to keep with it, though. We’ll see how I do. My issues with the show are very nit-picky so I’m trying to look past them. Monroe is great though. I love him.

Roku

I can’t remember what I watched on Roku… Did I watch anything on it?

Tubi

Boogeymen: Monsters Among Us 

When this popped up while I was scrolling for something to watch I thought it was going to be a murder show. It is not a murder show. It is a cryptid show. Second episode is about Mothman, and as a West Virginian who loves cryptids, Mothman is my bro. Also, I met a few of the people that were in that episode, which was cool. And all the episodes seem pretty interesting. Especially if you like cryptids. If you like those shows where dudes go into the woods or whatever to prove these things exist, this is not the show for you. But if you like learning about weird shit in a documentary style, definitely check this show out.

VUDU

Supernatural

Oh, Supernatural… I can’t remember when I stopped watching this show before. I know plot-wise around when I stopped, but no spoilers so… Who knows when I stopped watching. I’m going to give it another go. I know I will at least make it through the first five seasons with no problems. After that is anyone’s guess.

YouTube

Started watching a bunch of North of the Border’s stuff. His sculptures are just so awesome and his sense of humor is hilarious. Also watched some Lazy Game Reviews futzing around with weird computer shit. Both channels are oddly calming and if you’re into nerdy shit, I highly recommend them. North of the Border makes tiny nerdy things, usually with clay. And Lazy Game Reviews does a lot of computer related stuff. His technical jargon goes over my head but I still find his videos enjoyable. 

And that's what I've been watching for the past 10 days (maybe nine? What the fuck did I watch on the Roku channel?) Anyone else watch any of these shows/movies? Any recommendations for things I should check out?

Sometimes I like to challenge myself by being an idiot and doing things the hard way.

-North of the Border (YouTube channel - I made Steve and a Warden video.)

Stephy's Recommendations While You're Stuck Inside

So, you’re stuck not doing social activities for the foreseeable future. Man, that sucks. I mean, for other people. I spent years avoiding social activities so I’m prepared for this. And for those less prepared, I got a list of random cool things I’m into that I highly recommend checking out.

Read my stuff on AO3. What? Self-promotion is healthy or some shit. Rrrrrrrreeeeeeaaaaaad myyyyyyyy shhhhhhhiiiiiiiiit.

Elementary. For those that don’t know, it is a Sherlock Holmes show with some slight twists on the classic. The main one being Watson is a woman. A beautiful, badass woman that deserves all the praise. Even Sherlock thinks so. It is by far my favorite Sherlock Holmes related thing that isn’t the original books. Available on Hulu.

Schitt’s Creek. This show is simply the best. It focuses on the Rose family, who were once super rich, but then their business manager screwed them over and they lost everything. They end up in Schitt’s Creek, some small town with no culture. Or much of anything really. It is funny, heartwarming, and has one of the best love stories I have ever seen on screen. I also feel this show is appropriate for kids around 11 and above. If you don’t mind them hearing some “bad” language. I’m gonna make Short Round watch it while she’s off school. First five seasons are on Netflix (sixth season is still airing).

The Assasin’s Creed series. These games are not only fun, but they’re also educational! Not even joking. You go through history, playing as different assassins. And the historical stuff that’s mentioned? It’s mostly true. Just take out the assassins and templars, and yep, that’s pretty much what happened. I highly recommend starting at the beginning, but if that’s not feasible, find a video that explains what happens in the games you missed so you don’t miss anything.

Zefrank videos on YouTube. His animal videos are some of the best things I have ever seen.

Scared to Death and Timesuck podcasts. So far I’ve just watched the Scared to Death videos, but I fell in love with them about a minute into the first one. Scared to Death is just Dan Cummins and his wife Lynze talking about spooky and scary things. It is great.

Bedtime Stories on YouTube. This channel covers a variety of stories that range from cryptids, mysterious deaths, conspiracy theories, and hauntings and they’re presented as a visual storybook. It’s almost like this guy is reading a bedtime story (eeeehhh, *nudge nudge* I’m hilarious) to me.



What We Do in the Shadows. A vampire comedy. And that is really all the reason you need to watch both the movie and TV show. Oh, how about Taika Waititi? Oh, you want to know what it’s about? Okay, so a group of vampires are being filmed by a documentary crew. Hilarity. Show is on Hulu. I think the movie is on Amazon Prime, not sure.



The Fraction Hawkeye run. Clint Barton is a mess. He’s a disaster. A dumpster fire. But hey, he has a dog. And a protege that might or might not be better than him. Also, Hawkeye vs. Deadpool is great.

Riodanverse books. These are young adult books but work for everyone if a kid is smart (Short Round started reading them in third grade) or the adult isn’t a douchebag (I read and love them). The books start with Percy Jackson and the Olympians, which features a kid, Percy Jackson, dealing with the fact that he is a demigod (a child of a god for those unaware). That set deals with Greek Mythology. Other series that take place in the universe cover other mythologies. I honestly cannot remember what has been covered and what hasn’t as it has become so vast. I remember Egyptian, Norse, Roman… And now there are new writers writing more books that all take place in the same universe. If you watched the Percy Jackson movies, I highly suggest you read the books. They are 6000 times better. If you haven’t watched the movies, I suggest skipping them if you expect them to follow the books.

And that’s ten. Stay tuned cause I might make more recommendations in the future. Okay, I will cause I love talking about cool shit I like.

Everyone stay safe, wash your hands, don’t hoard things and punch anyone that doesn’t respect personal space.