Elementary Review: The Further Adventures (Season 7 Episode 1)
Our last installments of Sherlock and Joan begin with old crimes in a new country on Elementary Season 7 Episode 1, “The Further Adventures.”
After seven seasons, Sherlock Holmes is living at 221 B Baker Street—and Joan is living at the flat next door. Unfortunately, the London police aren’t quite as welcoming to her as they are to their own native son.
Still, she’s doing far better than the woman who gets attacked with acid. A gruesome case to be sure, but standard fare here, even across the pond.
After the victim “commits suicide” (is pushed down an empty elevator shaft,) a doctor is found as the guilty party, going way overboard in covering up a previous malpractice. I’m not actually at that interested.
To be fair, the show doesn’t seem to put much effort into drawing us in. It’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make when there’s so much more to care about going on in our character’s lives.
Joan’s displeasure with her situation comes in light of Sherlock being all too happy to be home and not necessarily understanding her feelings. Even with how their friendship has progressed, he’s still Sherlock, and (story-wise,) that’s not a bad thing.
We aren’t ignoring New York by any means, though. Cases are still being addressed even as Marcus prepares to depart for his new career, an air of tension hanging over everything.
The reason for these emotions, also the reason Sherlock and Joan have been forced overseas in the first place, is the glue that holds everything together.
Hannah doesn’t appear in the episode, but the wake of her actions, their effect on Sherlock and Joan, and Sherlock’s final response all loom large. The captain is not necessarily dealing with his guilt in the best possible way.
Seeing Marcus finally call Gregson to the mat over all this is very satisfying. I don’t think any fan doubts they’ll all wind up back together, but this is the first sign on screen of things moving in that direction.
By that token, we should also expect the new major obstacle that puts a whole new painful spin on all the other, already present major obstacles—the captain being shot and on the verge of death.
While I’m almost certain he’ll pull through and that we’ll find a way for our heroes to return to America under the FBI’s gaze unscathed, this makes all of that a lot more difficult and pushes back the issue of Michael’s real killer.
Still, we’re going to have to address it eventually, and that matter lingers no matter what. The waters are even choppier now, but we were never going to have smooth sailing, and there’s good reason to be nervous.
Before we get to this very unpleasant surprise, the most pleasant thing lingering throughout the episode is the return of Kitty with some very cute purple streaked hair, and Joan and Sherlock’s absolutely adorable godson.
Limited as our time in London may be, I hope we get at least a bit more of this group interacting, especially if the now unresolved question of Joan’s adoption pursuits goes unheeded. This domestic quality is a nice break from everything else.
Last season’s finale could have worked very well as series finale if necessary– so well that I hope they’ll be able to do it justice now. Yet I’m very glad for this last bit of our show. I’m looking forward to a little more closure for all involved.
What did you think of this episode of Elementary? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Elementary airs Thursdays at 10/9c on CBS.
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Caitlin Wyneken
Caitlin is an elder millennial with an only slightly unhealthy dedication to a random selection of TV shows, from PBS Masterpiece dramas to some of the less popular series on popular networks. Outside of screen time, she's dedicated to the public sector and worthy nonprofits, working to make a difference in the world outside of media.