Neither Jonny Lee Miller (Sherlock) or Lucy Liu (a female Watson) seemed completely comfortable in their roles. It was almost as if both knew that the shoes they had to fill were just a little too big for the both of them.
Miller, didn't seem to know whether to play Holmes as manic or slightly crazy. When he attempted to do both manic and slightly crazy together and at the same time --- it didn't make for a very likable character, just an annoying one.
Lucy Liu, on the other hand, clearly wanted Joan Watson to be sympathetic and likable. Unfortunately, the charisma that the Watson character usually carries, just wasn't there.Instead, she seemed to go through most of the night as if she didn't know what her back-story was. It was as if she had never read a Sherlock Holmes story or seen someone else play the character of Watson.
And there....perhaps lies the problem. There are "rules" to be followed when it comes to Sherlock Holmes and Elementary broke them. The PBS version of Sherlock, however follows them brilliantly. Even though that version of Sherlock Holmes is completely modern, Holmes still lives on Baker Street. He still has his housekeeper/landlord Ms. Hudson and he's too troubled to be in a sexual relationship unless perhaps it is with Irene Addler, whom many consider Sherlock's one true love (or some say Watson was --- but that's another story...).
Perhaps, as the show goes on --- they will adapt to and follow some of the rules. It would be fun to see a New York version of The Hounds of Baskerville or A Scandal in Bohemia. An appearance by MyCroft would be nice and (of course) Professor Moriarity.
As for the Pilot itself. The case was extremely ho-hum with a doctor overloading his patient on steroids so he could have him kill his wife. The case was hardly worthy of Sherlock Holmes attention and yet --- there we were. Hopefully, next week will be better as our characters settle more into their roles.
For now --- Sushiboofay gives this premiere episode 6 Sushi Rolls and will re-evaluate as it goes further into the season.
While I can’t imagine how any lover of the books would like this show, like you said, the writing is quite good for how the characters interact with each other. Although Holmes is almost nothing like the Doyle character, he is the glue that makes his attractive partner affable. I tend to watch TV on my lunch breaks at DISH, using the Dish Online website. I was glad when I saw that the “Elementary” pilot was on there, because I heard about it and wanted to see it, only I don’t have time at home. Now that I watch TV at work, my lunch has become a great time to relax and get away from the pressure.
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