Elementary Review: Sand Trap (Season 6 Episode 8)

On Elementary Season 6 Episode 8, “Sand Trap,” Joan explores a major step toward motherhood that could mean big changes for her and Sherlock.

Things are more or less back to normal for Sherlock and Joan, at least as “normal” applies to them. Having promised to not kill anyone (for now), Michael seems to be keeping his word, leaving other cases that need attention.

Sherlock is also getting himself back into his usual shape, having taken a vacation to rest his mind. And by “rest”, I of course mean “work.” How could Joan expect anything else?

Since we are back to the usual grind, at least for a while, we’re starting to see some familiar macabre humor. Like the poor woman buried in concrete who gets chopped up into slabs with it. Thank goodness she’s long dead before that, but still, ew.

Above anything else, this episode teaches me that A. sand is a hugely desired natural resources, and B. removing it can cause bridges to collapse. Isn’t learning about potentially exaggerated facts fun?

Jokes aside, it’s nice to see the show get back to what it knows– quirky, somewhat gruesome cases where Sherlock gets to show off his brain power while still relying on Joan. There are some red herrings, but not the absurd twists of recent weeks.

Okay, we do get “ocean Roombas” (that’s the actual term used), suspects who flee in the nude, and a man who literally drills holes in his victims, but that kind of stuff is standard fare here. Soon enough, Sherlock is tracking down and calling out the true killer.

As you may guess, there is a more important story to tell in this episode. I am happy to report that Joan’s pursuit of motherhood is not being sidelined at all, but instead given all the attention it deserves.

For a while, it seems like she may get a child in the very near future. She talks to a young pregnant woman looking at adoptive parents for the baby she is unprepared for. In the end, though, Joan inspires the girl in an entirely different way.

The scene when she reveals that, seeing all Joan is capable of, she has decided to keep her baby, is decidedly bittersweet. I hadn’t expected Joan to get a child just yet, but we can feel her heartbreak even as she’s genuinely happy for her new friend.

Sherlock has only just learned of Joan’s true intentions. Yet he proves again that he can be truly caring and supporting, much as he himself might deny it. And can’t you just picture the hilarity of him and Joan co-parenting?

Speaking of that, while his offer to move out if Joan is chosen to adopt is honorable, it feels like a bit of an anticlimactic point. Even setting aside his being the title character, I can’t see him ever not being this future kid’s dubious role model.

That said, his past has been and remains a concern. We know the show isn’t afraid to address his drug use and the possibility of a relapse. It is true that this could negatively affect Joan’s chances of adoption.

My best guess is that this plot will play through the season, with Joan potentially getting a baby in the final episodes. If that happens, I’m already looking forward to next season.

In the meantime, it’s back to the usual beat, at least until Michael returns. I welcome this as long as it lasts. It’s what the show does best.

What did you think of this episode of Elementary? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Elementary airs Mondays at 10/9c on CBS.

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