kaydeefalls | i need a proper elementary icon

Seriously, guys, Elementary is fast becoming my favorite TV show on the air. The cases themselves aren't terribly inspired -- I do wish they'd draw more from ACD in that respect -- but the CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, oh my goodness, this show is all about the characters. These aren't ACD's Holmes and Watson, but they are very recognizable reincarnations, and oh god, I love their faces so much. While I love complex plots, I'm a character girl at heart, and the way these people (including Gregson and Bell) visibly grow and change from one episode to the next, and the shifting dynamic of their relationships, is just golden. Sherlock's proposition to Joan made my heart grow three sizes, I swear. He loves her so much, and hasn't quite figured it out yet, but he's doing his best and so clearly both needs her and, more importantly, completely respects her own agency in the matter. It is a glorious thing to behold. (When I say "love", I don't necessarily mean romantic love, or sexual attraction -- that's totally open to interpretation at this point, and I honestly don't expect the writers to take it in that direction, which is perfectly fine. But oh, my god, does he ever love her.)

And Watson is falling madly, giddily in love with Sherlock's work, which, again, is just wonderful to watch. No, she's not ex-military in this incarnation, but she's clearly becoming just as addicted to the danger as any other version of Watson. God, the look on her face when the therapist asks her about PTSD -- this is not a woman who feels traumatizes in any way, shape, or form. And her reactions to Sherlock's various "tests" are PURE JOY TO BEHOLD. Tipping over the locks! Braining him with a basketball! She has always clearly been the domme in this relationship, it's fantastic. (I don't generally enjoy D/s as a trope, and feel that it's often shoehorned onto relationships in fandom in ways that rub me the wrong way entirely; this Holmes & Watson are an exception.) But seriously, shipping aside, UGH THESE PEOPLE ARE SO ENDLESSLY FASCINATING TO ME, PLEASE KEEP THE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT COMING IN SPADES.

Also I really like Bell! I've enjoyed his presence in previous episodes, and I'm glad he finally took a turn in the spotlight. More of that please.