By John Keegan and Paul Pearson
For the second time in recent years, here's another attempt at a Sherlock Holmes television series set in the modern day -- only this one is coming from the US network notorious for its procedurals. And this really shows, because "Elementary" feels more like a CSI spinoff than an adaptation of a beloved literary canon. There's a solid presentation and a sense that if the creator had the guts to simply pitch the premise as its own story, it might actually work, but the little glimmers of quality are pretty quickly snuffed out.
For the second time in recent years, here's another attempt at a Sherlock Holmes television series set in the modern day -- only this one is coming from the US network notorious for its procedurals. And this really shows, because "Elementary" feels more like a CSI spinoff than an adaptation of a beloved literary canon. There's a solid presentation and a sense that if the creator had the guts to simply pitch the premise as its own story, it might actually work, but the little glimmers of quality are pretty quickly snuffed out.
Season three of Haven recently returned to Syfy, and this week's episode introduces a new character to the series, Dr. Claire Callahan, played by Bree Williamson, who is has not only come to Haven to help Audrey cope with her problems, but also to help the "Troubled" with their afflictions, as well as profile and catch them when need be.
Season five of Fringe premieres tomorrow on Fox. The episode picks up after the events from last season's "Letters of Transit" in the year 2036. The Fringe team have preserved themselves in amber, and they and an adult Etta reunite to find out what happened to Olivia and try to find a way to stop the Observers in "Transilience Thought Unifer Model-11."
Ever since “Lost” fascinated (and infuriated) viewers with its methodical revelations, slowly rotated through the back stories of the main cast, the debate has been joined about the best way to roll out a show’s secrets. “Revolution” (or perhaps, “R___evolution,” as per the opening credits,) has decided on the opposite approach; chucking plot points up on the screen willy-nilly. The frenetic pace of the pilot continues, leaving no chance to get to know the characters. Unfortunately, what little we do learn doesn’t make us care about most of them. A few parts are working, but only where the actors manage to rise above the material.
This episode of “Warehouse 13” would have scored serious points just for tossing aside the formulaic elements of the past few installments and getting into the meat of the season arc. Having most of the team members confront threats to their loved ones provided more than enough tension. But much like the penultimate hour of the third season, this lead-in to the mid-season finale ended with a punch to the collective gut.
Picking up where the previous episode left off, this installment is a dark, intense hour that rarely loosens its grip. There’s a real sense of high stakes throughout the story, and there’s little doubt that someone is going to end up victimized before all is said and done. Even the occasional quip from Gary is barely enough to defuse the tension.
“Haven” delivered a surprising sophomore season that took all the potential of the first season and started paying it off. Layers of mystery began to peel back, and by the end of the season arc, the series was gearing up to take things to the next level. But even accounting for some of the strange directions indicated by the second season finale, I was taken aback by some of the implications of this season premiere.
New Girl returns to Fox Tuesday, September 25 with all new episodes. Series star Zooey Deschanel, who was recently nominated for an Emmy for her part, will also be guest starring on the season premiere of The Simpsons on Sunday, September 30. Deschanel is known for her work in films such as The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy and The Happening, and on television for roles such as on Weeds and Bones. Deschanel is also known an accomplished musician for her collaboration with M. Ward with She & Him.