Sherlock vs. Elementary: Why CBS Isn't Getting It Right - Part 1

  

On July 25th of 2010, the first episode of the BBC drama, Sherlock, was aired. A Study in Pink it was titled, a nod to the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle story and the original Sherlock Holmes' first adventure with Dr. Watson,  A Study in Scarlet. Pink was followed by two more episodes, The Blind Banker and The Great Game.  The first season of Sherlock received much attention from both the U.K. and the U.S. Not long after, the go-ahead was given for a second season to be aired in 2012. Season Two consisted of A Scandal in Belgravia, The Hounds of Baskerville, and finally The Reichenbach Fall. With an enormous cliff-hanger in the season finale, fans are left waiting until summer of 2013 for a resolution.

   Then, September 27th of 2012, the world was introduced the CBS crime-drama, Elementary. Sherlock fans everywhere groaned collectively. So far, six episodes of the show have been aired, with more to come. So far, Elementary has received relatively positive critical reviews, with Metacritic giving the show a 73% based on 29 "generally favorable" popular reviews. ^ "Elementary: Season 1". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. http://www.metacritic.com/tv/elementary/critic-reviews.
But its number of U.S. viewers has been declining episodically, with an initial 13.41 million viewers for the pilot, and eventually retiring down from 11.13 to 10.91 to 10.31 million for the fourth and most recent episode, Rat Race. The fifth episode will air on November 1st.

Finally, a poll by entertainmentwise.com shows that 6.16% prefer Elementary over Sherlock, while 93.84% voted vice versa, placing Sherlock far above Elementary.

   Allow me to explain why I have presented you with the facts I have. I am, if you haven't yet figured it out, a Sherlock Holmes fanatic. Not just of the BBC show, but also of the Robert Downey, Jr. film adaptation and, most of all, the original works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I like to think that I know Sherlock Holmes very, very well. I've been a fan for many years now, beginning with my first reading of the Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes, which I have since reread twice. Then, I saw Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law take on the role of the Victorian-era consulting detective and his loyal biographer. RDJ added more of an action-adventurer feel to it, a popular ingredient in today's films. RDJ's Holmes, however, still retained every bit of the classic Bohemian's arrogance, intelligence, and unfailing loyalty. Then, only a few months ago, I came across BBC's Sherlock series on Netflix. In three short nights I had devoured all three, 90-minute episodes. Very much impressed, I quickly jetted over to iTunes in order to purchase the full second season in HD. Only a week later, I had watched the full series on my iPad. I have since watched them a second time. Then, mere weeks later, Elementary was introduced to the airwaves. I, for weeks before it was shown, had been denouncing Elementary with everything I had. As far as I was concerned, no adaptation of my favorite book, film, and television character could be successful with such mangling as was given to Elementary.
"Watson is a girl?!" I cried. "Blasphemy!"
Not to mention New York. Spider-man stops crime in New York. The Avengers take down criminals in New York. The NYPD put men behind bars. Not Sherlock Holmes. He belongs in London, on Baker Street, pacing 221B, in a dressing gown, smoking a pipe, bemoaning the idiocy of those around him, and pondering the sheer intelligence of Professor James Moriarty, the Napoleon of Crime.
But my arguments against the appeal of Elementary were lacking. I could only base them off a thirty-second TV spot. However, the second I found the pilot episode to be free on iTunes, I quickly downloaded it. That night, I sat down, grinning mischieveiously to myself, anxious to begin denouncing every place CBS got it wrong. How surprised I was when I was able to watch through the first ten-minutes of the episode with nothing to scoff at, besides the obvious Dr. Joan Watson. But I still had 35 minutes of material left. Believe me when I say, I was scrutinizing every word Johnny Lee Miller said, cross-referencing it against every bit of Holmesian knowledge I had at my disposal. I wasn't wasting my time. As the credits began rolling, I sat back, thinking hard and analyzing every second of the show. Suffice it to say, I was disappointed. I had been desperately wanting to be proven wrong; I was begging CBS to give me something Sherlock to whet my appetite until Benedict Cumberbatch of BBC's adaptation returned. But they let me down; big time. Thus, the reason for this blog post. But, as it is unraveling to be much longer than I had anticipated, it will now become a two-part argument. This will become the introduction. Tomorrow's post will be the main piece. In part two, I will break down both shows and compare the pros and cons of each.

Until then,
~Ian James~

Why I Love Senior Year - Part 2

   Welcome, friend bloggers, to part 2 of Why I Love Senior Year. We previously discussed how high school is not all that the Disney Channel makes it out to be. It's hard work filled with stress and Algebra-test last-minute cramming. But we also discussed some of the pluses of high school. Or the high-school-years, anyway. Youthful recklessness, youthful ignorance, and the like are vital ingredients to the 4 years of high school. They serve to teach wisdom to the future generation. In my experience, they do their job well. I have made my own fair share of mistakes, and have learned from them.

   But all that is past me now. I currently look forward to my eighteenth birthday this summer, among other things; most prominent of them being my enlistment in the the U.S. Army. After a one or two years enlisted, I look to be accepted into West Point. But that's a bit farther into the future. For now, I focus on finishing up my senior year of high school. My final year of, shall we say, conventional schooling. It's been an adventure for sure. Homeschooling the past four years has been an experience all by itself. It hasn't been easy, and many a time have I just wished that it's over. Now, however, that it's so close to being that way, I almost wish I had a longer time of it. At the same time, I look forward with interest to my career in the military. It's a sort of bittersweet feeling. I'm getting ready to leave home, in order to make another. Preparing to abandon one way of life so I might discover another.

Deus custodiat animam meam in hac nocte, ut vitae suae vires Evangelia cras.

God watch over my soul tonight, that I might have the strength to live His gospels tomorrow.

~Ian James~

Why I Love Senior Year - Part 1

   While some middle schoolers out there might expect high school to be the way Troy and Gabriella had it, those of us who are actually in it know the truth: High school is not that fun. Sure, there are friends, assemblies, and school dances but they are never held in song with choreographed basketball movements. The individual years can also be broken down. Freshman year is a time of going from oldest and coolest in the school, to youngest and most looked down upon. Sophomore year is better; you know what you're doing and you know have students younger than you. Junior year could arguably be one of the best; driver's ed is a definite plus, not to mention that you are still enjoying youth, but are getting older and more mature.
  
   But to me, senior year trumps all, hands down. A shorter school year accompanies getting prepared to choose a career; searching for scholarships precedes the college experience. It signifies one of the largest turning points in life. For me, senior year has been the greatest time of my life. So far, anyway. I've had trigonometry, the first type of mathematics I have begrudgingly enjoyed. I've studied prose and poetry from the beginning of the English language to its present, gaining knowledge from such masters as St. Thomas More, William Shakespeare (of course), Robert Burns, Geoffrey Chaucer, Ben Jonson, John Donne, John Milton, Lord Byron, John Keats, Lord Alfred Tennyson, T.S. Eliot and many more besides. It has also been an adventure writing this very blog. Business Technology has enlightened and prepared me for my future career. I have studied American Government, learning about the inner-workings of our country's bureaucracy. The History of the Constitution has also been very enjoyable. Over all, it has been a very successful year, and it's not even over yet. I look expectantly to the future.

Why I Love My Country-Part 4: In God We Trust

   God is important to me. If you've been reading this blog for more than a few posts back, you probably already have noticed this. God is important to me for many reasons, most prominent being that He is the reason I am here today. He is my Father, my Creator, and my King. I owe Him everything.

   Because God gives me all that I need, I have consequently come to trust in Him and His ways. As long as I work hard and worship and respect Him, He will reward me with what I need. This is what God does and will do for all of us. The Founding Fathers, and those who came after, realized this. That is why our government is set upon the Bible, which is God's word and teachings. In God We Trust.

   The Constitutional Convention saw that is was necessary to separate government from religion. But they also saw it was needed to found our country upon God's word. They literally set our country's foundation upon our Lord. This is the largest part of why I love my country. Respect for God is fundamental in making a success out of a country. God rewards those who deserve it.

   Some people might say that the U.S. isn't very religious. I do not hold this to be true. A 2003 joint poll by USA Today, CNN, and Gallup showed that 90% of Americans support the inscription "In God We Trust." This is but one example of the American people showing their belief in something beyond this Earth. I know that not everybody believes in God, but it is my opinion that with witness, we can spread God's word even further than it already has been. The United States of America has been so successful for so long ( 236 years...) because of its founding on God. He has rewarded us, and will continue to do so as long as we respect Him, love Him, and trust in Him.

   So, now you know how I feel about my country, as well as why. I said in the first post of this blog series that I take great pride in my country. These are the three main reasons. America may not be perfect, but its close. She's a land of opportunity, with a hard-working military, and in God she trusts. She's the land of the free, kept safe by the brave. God bless her evermore. Her stars and stripes watch over us, ever may they wave. She's the land of the free and the home of the brave. May God bless her forevermore.

~Ian James~

To read the previous posts of this blog series, click on the links below:

Why I Love My Country-Part 1: Introduction. http://julyburnsred.blogspot.com/2012/04/why-i-love-my-country-part-1.html

Why I Love My Country-Part 2: Land of Opportunity. http://julyburnsred.blogspot.com/2012/04/why-i-love-my-country-part-2-land-of.html

Why I Love My Country-Part 3: The Military.  http://julyburnsred.blogspot.com/2012/04/why-i-love-my-country-part-3-military.html





Why I Love My Country-Part 3: The Military

Three years ago, my father announced to the family that he was joining the Army. In that instant, my life was hugely changed. Two years later, here I sit in South Korea. Traveling in the military is not a privilege everyone can enjoy, but I have been lucky enough to have that experience. I have, through my father, experienced the Army life first hand. As a soon-to-be-high-school graduate, I am looking to go enlisted in the Army myself. To say that I am proud in my country's military is almost an understatement. Words cannot describe it adequately. I know that saying that might sound odd, but I write it in all honesty.

  

   The Army, created June 14, 1775, has survived over 200 years as a successful branch of the military. The Army itself employs around 1,129,275. I do not have the experience nor the time to include all the other branches of the military, therefore, for simplicity's sake, I will only detail the Army. But I know enough of the other branches to recognize their sacrifice for their country. And that is where my pride stems from. Millions of men and women, leaving their regular day-in-and-day-out lives to instead put those same lives on the line to protect people they have never met. The military is a profession that certainly deserves a lot of respect. I think that sometimes we as Americans take our soldiers for granted. Even if they aren't deployed, they are still working hard to keep our country safe and secure. Most countries have their own organized militaries, but ours stands out. For several reasons. We protect not only our own country, but aid other countries as well, the most notable being South Korea. There are those who would say that this makes the United States look nosy and bullying. Maybe this is true a little bit, but I think its important that we help those who need it. If we have the ability to help, we should.

   When I got the idea to write this series, I was thinking of the top three reasons that make me so proud of my country, and I almost overlooked the military. But once I thought long and hard about it, I realized just how important the Army is in my life. I've enjoyed experiencing the Army second-hand so much, that I want to become a part of it. I want to protect and defend my country from the terrorism of groups in the Middle East, and from the Communism of North Korea. I would be ready and willing to give up my life at a moments notice; and, while that's slightly gruesome, I mean it. The United States is a part of my family, and I feel that it's important to keep my family safe. I will continue to be proud of our military; I will continue to be proud of our country.

~Ian James~

Why I Love My Country-Part 2: Land of Opportunity and Freedom

   As humans, having 'stuff' is important to us. I admit to being this way; my guitar is very important to me. This isn't necessarily a bad thing; at least, not on the offset, anyway. If you are obsessed with your stuff, then maybe it's time to spend some more time caring about people. To have stuff, though, you need money, right? And, unless you just inherited a bunch of money from your Great-Uncle Chester and Great-Aunt Bessie, you have to work in order to have money. Now, in a third-world country, jobs and, by extension, money are hard to come by. But in America, even with our 'end-of-the-world' unemployment rate, there are jobs out there for everyone. They just may not always be easy to find. So, we are much more lucky than a lot of other countries out there. That's definitely something to be grateful for.

   America is the Land of Opportunity. It's the land of HD-flat-screen TV's, which I have nothing against. It's the land of drive-through and fast-food. It's the land of iPods, iPhones, and Ikeas. In America, very few things are in short supply. I'm hard-pressed to think of any. The rich get richer, and if the poor are smart, they get richer too. This doesn't necessarily mean that life is rosy for everyone, but for the most part, it is. America. It's the land of a strong military; life with which I've experienced firsthand. It's the land of Wal-mart and Target. It's the Land of Opportunity.

   You have to realize that opportunity goes beyond having physical stuff. It goes beyond having a job. There is one big thing, as Americans, that we have. This thing should be our most prized possession. You may be thinking freedom, and if you are, you are indeed correct. Our Freedom is our most valuable component. It makes America what it is. The United States wouldn't be half of what it is without our freedom. Our religious, our political, our personal freedom. It's certainly something we take for granted, maybe not all the time, but every once in a while for sure. I am honestly bursting with pride as I write this. I just keep thinking how I would be a totally different person, living in a totally different country if, all those years ago, the Founding Fathers did not set this country atop Freedom's Hill. The countries which share this beautiful hilltop town with us number few, and none shine so brightly as we do. Of course, there is a downfall to shining brightly, as it attracts attention, but not all attention is bad. May we shine so brightly for much, much longer.

   In the Land of Opportunity, I can thrive. I am able to grow as I should, without unnecessary restraint, without unnecessary regulation. Instead, I roam freely, not hindered by monarchies or Communist regimes. I am protected by the Stars and Stripes, along with Her appointed leadership. Sometimes, to protect Freedom, there must be war, but She never seeks it. Today, I am safe; tomorrow, I will be safe. I am grateful for what I have been given, and I hope to one day pay Her back. Just recognizing all that she has done for me is a step in that direction. May America stay strong and continue to enjoy the Freedom it has worked so hard to protect and defend.

~Ian James~

Why I Love My Country-Part 1 : Introduction

   Pride in your country is important. In the words of President Theodore Roosevelt:

"The man who loves other countries as much as his own stands on a level with the man who loves other women as much as he loves his own wife."

   I have always taken pride in my country, for many reasons. The United States of America have not stood strong for this long without good excuse. I think that, while there are many things in our government that are not right, there are still many parts to be proud of. Our system is not perfect, but it's on the right track. Many conservatives may look at the current state of the democratic system of the States and be disappointed. But I think there is cause for rejoice at the heart of it all. Our leadership may sometimes be leading us wrong, but the foundation they stand on still remains. It has not crumbled beneath their weight.

   I feel the need to share why I still have faith in my country. I think that people, not all...but many, have forgotten what is good about our country, our government. They instead focus only on the negative; what is imperfect and flawed. Therefore, I will be sharing with you why I love my country in a four-part blog series. This introduction is part one. The rest I plan to have released every Monday for the next three weeks, so keep on the lookout. Hopefully you will find it interesting, as well as enlightening. I do not pretend to be some sort of expert on the inner workings of our government, but I do know what in this country keeps me proud. I do know why I love my country.

~Ian James~

Great Expectations: 21st Century for Teenagers~Part 2

*** If you have not read part 1, then do not continue. Instead, scroll down and read the first part of this blog duo. ***

   Welcome to part two of Great Expectations: 21st Century Edition for Teenagers~Part 2. I'll get right down to business right after a quick recap. In the previous section, we discussed the main story idea of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. I stated that I found it to be relatable for certain reasons. I understand what Pip, the main character, is going through. He has great expectations placed upon him, by others as well as himself. Every teenager does. It's something every person has to deal with in their life as they make the stressful, awkward, and, often times, difficult transition from child to adult. Adolescence, which we all know is what comes in-between, is just that; in-between. Sometimes, its great; going to the movies with friends, staying up all night, eating endless amounts of food and never gaining a pound. Sometimes, its no cake walk; high-school stress, pressure to be cooler than the next guy, and just plain emotional meltdowns. And while that sounds extreme to say out loud (or on paper), it happens. If you haven't had said experience, good for you; your life is under control. As for the rest of us who aren't perfect and face struggles in our life, keep reading.

   There are literally countless things to be said on the subject of adolescent life. Many suggestions to happiness and steps to success can be given, but who has time to read it all? Therefore, I have put together three easy, all-encompassing steps which will easily guide the reader to 7 good teenager years (or however many you have left.) Listed least-to-greatest importance, the three steps are as follows...

   1) "Prepare ye the way..."
        The first step is to always be prepared. Literally, expect the unexpected. Sounds impossible to do, yet it's not, whether its being prepared for the pop quiz in Algebra II or to recite the first act of Romeo and Juliet. It may not even be in the schoolwork area that you need to expect the unexpected. It could just be regular life. Maybe you or a family member gets seriously sick, or maybe Facebook goes down. ( I think we all know how tragic that is...) But seriously, be ready, because life always has something to throw your way.

   2) Understand Yourself.
       The second step may seem unimportant, but it's a mistake to think so. Understanding who you are and what you believe in are important components to shaping who you will grow into. So when you find yourself confronted with great expectations, have no fear, because you know your own abilities, your own heart, mind and soul.

   3) PRAY!
       This is the most obvious part, and is of paramount importance. Pray when you're eating, pray when you're working, pray when you're sleeping if you can. God can only help you if you ask Him to. He wants your permission, because He gave us all free will and wouldn't even thinking of changing our life without you saying so first. Always remember, when in doubt, PRAY!

   Well, there you have it. The three steps to surviving great expectations. May they help you and serve you well. There will always be things expected of you, and you may have to rise up and meet these expectations. When you do, remember that the Lord loves and cares about you. Wherever you go, He follows. Never try to outrun Him. He can and will help. You need only ask. As it is written in Matthew 7:7-

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

Peace in Christ,
   ~Ian James~

Endnote: I just want to give a shout-out to my cousin, Theodore, as he is graduating eighth grade and will be entering his freshman year of high school this fall. Good luck and may God be with you as you take this next big step in your life! 

Great Expectations: 21st Century Edition for Teenagers~Part 1

   Charles Dickens has never been a favorite author of mine. The only book I truly like of his is the Christmas Carol, and then only for its shortness and originality. I enjoy the story idea, but not his writing. The same went for the book Great Expectations. I respected and was interested by the plot, but his style of writing kills me. Saying that his style is over descriptive doesn't do the thing justice. Try uber-mega-super-unnecessarily-descriptive. Apparently, the reasoning behind this is because his publisher payed him by the word, and Dickens wanted be rich, I guess. He must've been, taking Great Expectations and David Copperfield into account. But anyway, despite my absolute loathing of the swampy, overcrowded use of adjectives and run-on sentences, I still minimally enjoyed Great Expectations; again, only for the story. And, before I move on, if you think that I only find Charles Dickens difficult to read because I'm an ignorant 21st century teenager, think again; much of England in c. 1860 felt the same way, thus hurting his sales. Hmmm... So, are we saying that Dicken's greed actually made him poorer? Food for thought.

   Why do I find the storyline of Great Expectations so interesting? Because its relatable. I understand what the main character is going through, for the most part. For those of you who have not had the ridiculous pleasure of reading Dickens' work, Great Expectations is basically about the life of a young man from age 7, onward. Thus, I can relate in some ways. Pip, however, becomes friends(more or less) with an escaped convict; I, on the other hand, have never had the pleasure of doing so. Pip also is an orphan; I gratefully own two parents, with extended warranties both (just in case of accidents).Back to relatable, though. Pip has trouble just with growing up. Hormones and inexperience plague him like they do all of us. And, of course, he deals with having to live up to great expectations. We all face this problem. We've all seen the dad who forces his son to practice, practice, practice until he's perfect (My dad, while very encouraging, is thankfully not obnoxious). Nobody enjoys parents who care more about their child's appearance than the child himself. Pip is forced to go and be a gentleman, a big deal in the 19th century. Only the very wealthy could afford to do so, and only those who wished to make something of themselves ever bothered to do so. Thus, Pip finds himself having much required of him. Much expected.

   As a teenager, thirteen through nineteen, stress is to be expected(no pun). Pressure will be exerted and, at times, threaten to crush you. But with the right attitude, and the right tools, dangerous levels of hormones will never be reached and you may just survive. In part two, I will discuss HOW to survive the great expectations of the teenager years. Don't touch the dial.

~Ian James~