Review: Elementary 02×02 – Solve for X
Reviewed by Liz Giorgi
Being Geek Chic For The Baker Street Babes
Could someone kill over a math problem? That’s the essential question at hand in Solve for X. The second most essential question is why haven’t the producers featured a Sherlock workout scene before? Hot damn.
Here’s the facts of the case: Two mathematicians are on the cusp of solving one of the most difficult problems in computer science: P vs. NP. For those who slept through algebra, here’s the basics: P vs. NP seeks to determine whether every possible problem has a solution which can be found via computer. If solved, most modern encryption and security methods would be unraveled, because a computer could merely “solve” the encryption. As the two victims hovered near a solution, someone steps in and murders them. But what’s their motivation? Did they solve it?
In many ways, this concept and the themes revolving around security and computing are fascinating. While BBC’s Sherlock has taken full advantage of the technology in modern times to change how Holmes and Watson approach their cases and interact with the world, Elementary hadn’t necessarily embraced those methods (except for a few wonky product placements for Windows tablets) and there were more scenes with books than computers. It’s a welcome change and is done masterfully here. As Holmes and Watson narrow in on a fellow mathematician as a potential killer, they are sent on a wild goose chase that involves hacking, misinformation and CCTV. This helps to up the ante and makes the concluding arrest all the more rewarding. I’ll keep it spoiler free, because it really is a lot of fun to experience.
And while the themes of the crimes get darker and more real in season 2, so do the key relationships in the series. It’s becoming abundantly clear that Joan is becoming a competent detective and her background as a medical professional is an increasingly beneficial asset. However, it’s the details of her backstory and the series of events leading to her departure from medicine that are especially welcome this week. For the first time we learn about the patient she accidentally killed and even meet his son, whom she still has an ongoing relationship with. While the tension and guilt of this relationship is hard to watch, the tender and careful way in which Holmes prompts Watson to share the story is critical to their bond. Sherlock surprises both the audience and Watson by actually empathizing with her plight and giving her truly helpful advice about the toxicity of guilt and the importance of accepting mistakes.
This empathetic Holmes is fascinating to watch, not just because he makes for a more lovable character, but it has the potential to make him an even better detective. By understanding how emotions can dictate a person’s actions, he can better interpret why a crime is committed, not just how. While this new direction emerges, so do small details from canon. Sherlock identifies a specific breed of dog based on a few singular hairs on a jacket – a skill Doyle shows off in The Hound of the Baskerville.
In truth, season 2 is shaping up to be brainy, emotional and honest. Let’s hope for more shirtless workouts too.
Liz Giorgi is the Baker Street Babes’ Elementary Guru and runs the fantastic nerdy blog Being Geek Chic. You can find her former reviews of Elementary here on her site.
She’s a social media and web strategist who currently works for a communications consulting firm in Minneapolis. She’s also a contributor for Apartment Therapy andThe Mary Sue.
You can contact her at elizabeth@beinggeekchic.com and follow her on Twitter @lizgiorgi