Elementary: Dead Clade Walking (2x14)

Hmmm... I have a bit of a mixed reaction to this episode. There were parts of it I really enjoyed. The case was quite interesting. Joan and Sherlock both got to do some cool investigative stuff. And there was a lovely subplot with Sherlock's fellow drug addict Randy. However, on the flip side of that, I felt a bit miffed about some of the larger things the episode was saying - especially about Joan and Sherlock's relationship, and their power dynamic. Let's dive right in to the plot.

Joan finds some new information in a cold case that Sherlock had worked back before he got clean. She consults a geologist named Gay about a strange rock found in the victim's yard. Later, when they have the rock subjected to further study, it is revealed that it contains a full dinosaur skeleton, and a rare one at that. Joan is on the case, following up several leads. Sherlock is also working on the case, but he is constantly interrupted by Randy, who is going through a hard time.

Sherlock struggles in his duties as a sober sponsor, because Randy's problems involve ex-girlfriend trouble. Randy's ex is a drug addict, and she wants to move in with Randy while she tries to get clean. Sherlock of course thinks this is a terrible idea, but he's not very good at communicating this kindly to Randy.

As the case progresses, Sherlock and Joan discover that the dinosaur skeleton would have proved a very unpopular theory in the field, and thus it was a paleontologist and some other involved black market parties who came together and killed the guy. It was all a bit confusing, but in the end Joan is happy that the responsible parties have been apprehended. Sherlock is glad too, because he admits that the last time he worked this case, he hadn't been clean, meaning that he didn't give the case his full lucid attention. He is happy to correct that error now.

However, in his duties as a sponsor, Sherlock finds himself failing. Randy relapses and gets high with his ex-girlfriend. The next morning, Randy tells her to leave, and he comes to Sherlock. Sherlock doesn't quite know how to handle this latest development, but he takes Randy to a meeting, determined not to give up.

Alright! Let us start with my problems... as I mentioned earlier, I'm just a bit miffed at the way Joan and Sherlock's relationship was explored in this episode. More specifically, Joan's character development seemed very... stagnant here. A few weeks back, we had Sherlock offer Joan his cold cases, which was a very important gesture in their relationship. And then, once she actually picks up a lead and has a chance to work a case, Sherlock swoops in and takes over for her. Something about this just didn't sit right with me. Joan has been relegated to the sidekick again, and I was really hoping to see her character expand.

But honestly, this episode was great other than that one significant problem. I loved the subplot with Sherlock and Randy. The great thing about it is this: Sherlock feels like he's failed when Randy relapses. Honestly, he sort of did fail, if you think about it. He wasn't really there for his sponsee as he should have been. But instead of freaking out or throwing in the towel, Sherlock accepts the latest development and moves forward, still determined to be Randy's sponsor. I think this shows tremendous growth for Sherlock as a character.

Also, I enjoyed the character of Gay. She was oddly hilarious, with her sort of grumpy attitude and matter of fact tones. And of course, this exchange made my day: "I'm Gaye." "I'm... not." "It's my name... Also I am. Gay. So, you know, saves time." I was cracking up at this part.

Joan did instigate the investigation, and she still played a big role in events. She was good at expressing concern over Sherlock's situation with Randy, without sticking her nose in. Joan's transition from being a sober companion to being Sherlock's colleague is a fascinating one. I simply wish we could have had some more character development and more focus on Joan's character.

7/10