Elementary: The Fourth Season

The fourth season of this modern update on Arthur Conan Doyle's classic character Sherlock Holmes—set in contemporary New York City—opens with Sherlock (Jonny Lee Miller) recovering from his relapse into heroin addiction and facing criminal charges while Dr. Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) tries to help him repair relations with the NYPD. But along with the regular cases they pursue—as both police consultants and private investigators—the pair also cope with a new challenge: the arrival of Sherlock's estranged father Morland (John Noble), who ostensibly wants to reconnect with his brilliant but troubled son. A powerful businessman with international connections, Morland uses his influence to have Sherlock reinstated with the police, but that only raises suspicions about his father's motives. Along with the family drama, this season features an adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles updated with modern technology and a romantic relationship for Sherlock in the form of a brilliant woman (Betty Gilpin) with a social disorder that makes it difficult for her to interact with people. Aidan Quinn and Jon Michael Hill have less to do this season as Captain Gregson and Detective Bell, but the strength of the show still lies in Miller's superb interpretation of the iconic detective in a modern context and his relationship with Liu's sharp Watson, who remains protective of Holmes. Elementary receives less acclaim than the BBC's Sherlock but offers a more interesting take on Holmes and a deeper exploration of his personality and emotional struggles. Presenting all 24 episodes from the 2015-16 fourth season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)