Elementary Round Table: "The Rat Race"

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Elementary viewers witnessed the evolution of Watson and Sherlock on "The Rat Race," as this new CBS drama continued to up the character development ante.

In the latest edition of the TV Fanatic Round Table, staff members Carissa Pavlica and Jim Garner are joined by Amanda from Grizzlybomb.com and Brian from Geek Magazine as they break down the adventures of this iconic detective...

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What was your favorite scene from the episode?
Carissa: Really, that talk at the end cannot be beat. I've always been a huge fan of Aidan Quinn and have wondered why he chose a supporting role. That material against Jonny Lee Miller finally gave him the light he deserved. It was beautifully played on both sides. Anyone who had doubts about Elementary should have been greatly pleased by that scene. It showed great depth and hints of where Elementary can take us in the future. 

Jim: I'm in total agreement with Carissa. As I described in my review, all the little moving parts of the conversation between Gregson and Holmes at the end were so well done. I loved it.

Brian: I really liked the scene where Sherlock laid out the murders for everyone in the boardroom.  They finally did something out of form - at the beginning when we first see Jim Fowkes, who was played by Craig Bierko, it's easy to assume right off that he is the guilty one. After all Bierko has a long history of playing killers (e.g. The Long Kiss Goodnight) and typically on TV shows they give a way the end with the casting. BUT, out of left field here, they didn't do that. Kudos on the misdirect. 

Amanda: I'm split on this one. One, I'm with Brian; I really liked the boardroom scene. But I pegged Molly Price as the killer right off the bat. Since Third Watch, she's been doing the rounds of crime shows and the secretary has sort of become the modern day "the butler did it". The other, I have had a major crush Aidan Quinn since Benny and Joon and any scene that includes him is going to be tops on my list.

Were you surprised that Gregson knew about Holmes' condition?
Carissa: No. Like he said, he's not an idiot. He's also considerate of others and respected that Sherlock would tell him when he felt the time was right. God, I loved that scene. 

Jim: I was, but only because of the red herring that we got fed during the opening scene when Gregson played dumb about Watson and Holmes relationship.

Brian: No, Gregson is to Holmes as Gordon is to Batman. Guy is a badass and sees Holmes as a tool he can use to better his city. He's not about to use a tool he doesn't understand. This is a good bit of development here though, and not just for Gregson, but for Holmes too as he learns there are people he can trust.

Amanda: Can't say that I was. Nor am I surprised that he didn't say anything about it. I imagine (and let's be frank here, my experience is mainly from television) it would be difficult to gain the trust of the cops underneath you if you weren't able to keep things to yourself from time to time.

Have you ever been "Ambush Setup" on a blind date?
Carissa: Nope. I've never had friends who had coworkers they wanted to subject to my quirky self. Thankfully, having finally found someone I no longer need to worry about it!

Jim: I have not, I have, however, done an ambush setup for two friends who I knew would hit it off and they have now been married for nearly 2 years. So, don't knock the setup from a friend who knows you well!

Brian: No, I'm more likely to do that to my friends than the other way around.

Amanda: Once, and it was one of the most awkward things ever. Friend even set it up that another friend called her to give her an excuse to leave me with the guy who ended up being a little bit of a nutjob. A move that a reformed, but still likes to flirt with the mean side, Regina George would be proud of.

Should Watson have forgiven Aaron for not mentioning he was legally married?
Carissa: Yes. If it does indeed turn out to be true. If she thinks about it, it's sort of what she's doing for Sherlock. She doesn't exactly tell the truth about her relationship with him when they are introduced and what they share is much deeper. 

Jim: He should have just said "It's complicated" when she asked and offered to explain more later. Saying "no" was a flat out lie and if you want to see someone again, you really shouldn't end the date with a lie.

Brian: Clearly. I mean, come on, it's a first date, no one airs all their baggage right away.

Amanda: Are you mentally sound? Are there any outstanding warrants for your arrest? Do you frequently hatchet murder women in your garage? Do you have children? Are you married? These are all typical getting to know you questions that probably should be answered truthfully if you want to relationship to have any chance of success.

Do you think we will see Aaron again, or did Watson scare him off?
Carissa: He seemed very sweet, so I hope she at least keeps him in rotation. She doesn't need to commit to a steady relationship and can give him a reasonable try out period.

Jim: She may see him in mixed company with other friends, but not romantically. Holmes is right, people get scared when they realize you can see through their "walls."

Brian: No, I think he served his purpose and as a result Sherlock and Joan are closer now after bonding over her deduction skills.

Amanda: I do believe Aaron is off with his green card wife and I'm sure they'll happily ever after... we just won't be a witness to it. Bye Aaron, it was nice knowing ya.

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Elementary Season 1 Episode 4 Quotes

Jim: My name is Jim Fowkes. I am the chief vestment officer. This is Daniel Cho our Chief Financial Officer another in-house board member.
Sherlock: Yep. You're all chiefs of something. What do you want?

Aaron: What is I.M.L.T.H.O?
Sherlock: In my less than humble opinion.
Watson: You're abbreviations are becoming borderline indecipherable. I don't know why, because you are obviously capable being articulate.
Sherlock: Language is evolving Watson becoming a more effective version of itself. I love text shorthand. It's a way you to convey content and tone without losing velocity.