Elementary: The Geek Interpreter (6x19)

Let's dive right in to this one.

Cons:

Something in the pacing of the main case was a little bit off. We learn late in the game that the motive for kidnapping has to do with flood zones for insurance/property value purposes. This comes out of left field and is a much less exciting reason to kidnap a mathematician than I would have expected from this show. Not that everything needs to be wacky all the time, but this was a little mundane, especially for something that was brought up so late in the episode.

I'm also a little miffed by the lack of development in any of the existing subplots. No further mention of Michael's return, no forward motion on Bell's career or Joan's quest to become a mother. Instead, we introduce another subplot that I found quite interesting. But despite my interest, I find it odd that we're only a few episodes away from the finale of the season, and we're introducing new ideas instead of further exploring the handful of subplots still left dangling.

Pros:

The case of the week was interesting in that it involved one of Sherlock's irregulars. I do like the fact that this show is set up in such a way that the inciting incident that gets Sherlock and Joan's attention isn't always a call to a crime scene by the NYPD. Sometimes, a personal connection or a private client draws them in to the mystery, and the police get involved later. That's kind of fun. I also like how the love story of these two math nerds was underplayed and kind of sweet, and that this episode gave evidence of Sherlock's many off-screen friendships and connections. Obviously, the bond he shares with Joan Watson is unique, but Sherlock has a whole network of people who he gets along with, generally other folks who are a little strange, and can appreciate his eccentricities.

Obviously, the big highlight of this episode for me was Joan confronting Sherlock about his loneliness and his need for companionship. Sherlock begins the episode with Athena, another irregular who helps him out with cases and also has sex with him on occasion. But Joan thinks that Sherlock needs more than just casual sex with an acquaintance. He craves more, and he hasn't been content since ending his relationship with Fiona. In the end, we see Sherlock asking Athena out to dinner, and it's actually very sweet.

There are so many things to love about this. First of all, Joan telling Sherlock that he's being annoying, and Sherlock's affronted reaction. These two are hilarious and their strangely sibling-ish bickering gives me life. Also, this subplot gave us the chance to reminisce about Fiona, who was a delightful character, and also Moriarty. Sherlock says that no attempt at romance is ever going to affect him the same way that Moriarty's did. Joan admits that this might be the case, but says that's okay - it's not about replicating the same feelings, it's about finding a new love and a new dynamic. I love that Sherlock admits to still being deeply influenced by what happened in his past with Moriarty. I also love that Joan's advice and opinions mean so much to Sherlock that he's willing to try something based on her recommendation. Also, Johnny Lee Miller has been in a number of Jane Austen adaptations, and he plays the awkward, earnest suitor so very well. I was reminded of his Edmund and his Knightley in the final scene of the episode, as he awkwardly but adorably asks Athena out to dinner. I'm not sure this is the great epic romance Sherlock needs, but it's nice to see him putting in the effort!

That's where I'll stop for now. I think there are just two more episodes left this season. Given all the dangling threads left, I'm glad we're getting a Season Seven!

8/10