Elementary Review: Their Last Bow (Season 7 Episode 13)

We cover four years over the course of Elementary Season 7 Episode 13 “Their Last Bow”—enough to welcome new lives, bid farewell to lost ones, and vanquish mortal enemies.

It may be a little disappointing that we start not only at the end of a three-year time jump, but also immediately after Odin Reichenbach has been arrested for his crimes. Still, his dismissal is a reminder of who we’ve always really been here for.

Though Sherlock has indeed been presumed dead by the world, it’s a welcome twist that Joan has known the truth for most of that time. Bell and Gregson have also been let in, though admittedly much later. Bell in particular is less than thrilled.

The events of the “lost” time include both celebratory ones like Bell taking over as captain after Gregson’s retirement, and tragic ones, like Paige eventually succumbing to MS.

Above all, Joan has become a mother. After a season that left the adoption storyline behind, she has a young son named Arthur, a decidedly un-subtle nod to the original creator of Sherlock Holmes.

There are plenty of references to canon through the episode, meant largely to assure us that Sherlock couldn’t stay away from his work for long, even if he had to do it anonymously. Would we expect anything else?

Oddly, we don’t get any explanation of how Sherlock pulls off faking his death. There’s something to be said for leaving it a mystery, but far from being a focus of the episode, it isn’t even mentioned.

Instead, there’s somewhat awkward interference with an NSA agent. This is probably just a way to slip a little more sleuthing in at the very end, but it does feel unnecessary when there’s so much we care more about.

That includes Jaime Moriarty, once Sherlock’s Irene Adler and since his and Joan’s admired adversary, a highlight of moral grey areas. She never appears herself, though acquaintances step in as she fakes her own death several times over.

Using Moriarty once more is a nice remembrance of this show’s greatest twist, though one that would work better actually seeing her on screen. It’s just one of many threads that can live on open to fan speculation.

The one thing here that really deserves more focus is a very brief storyline in which Joan has cancer. Don’t worry too much– after yet another supposed death fake out, we learn that she is remission after a year of treatment.

This storyline deserves more time because it is so beautifully done. Joan’s struggles keep Sherlock in New York when he considers leaving again. It gives them one last heartfelt conversation. It shows how much they love each other.

All this shouldn’t be rushed, especially considering how well it could play into Sherlock’s absence. The pain he expresses over his choices takes many forms, including a brief relapse into addiction, and it makes the reality even more poignant.

Overall, though, this finale is a wonderful tribute to seven years. We touch on so many things. A final conversation with Gregson, remembering Paige and acknowledging that Sherlock has a platonic one true love in Joan. Seeing that she has taken care of his bees all this time.

The final moments see our heroes returning to the NYPD healthy and whole, ready to ask Captain Bell(!!) if they can resume their consulting work. We know he’ll say yes, but as Sherlock says:

So long as we’re together, what does it matter?

And so we hear the music that first welcomed us to the series close us out as our heroes head out to continue their work, partners until the end. This isn’t the final adventure at all. It’s only the last one we’re lucky enough to see.

 

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Elementary aired Thursdays at 10/9c on CBS.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

26 TV Shows We Lost in 2018 (And 6 That Were Saved)