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Additions: The way Joan has an intense knowledge of New York mob families. The way Joan is an equal to Sherlock, they're different but equal. How she solves cases on her own, offers insights that Sherlock wouldn't have thought of or couldn't have known. The way Sherlock is written as overtly neurodivergent. How sex and sex-workers aren't vilified, they're just there and regular people like every else. Mrs. Hudson and her expertise which lead her to becoming an irregular. The spite and love between the Holmes' that feels so very natural, like a distant family that drifted apart after tragedy and still cannot dissolve the unit, after all it's still family.
The fact that Sherlock actually uses consultants (Mason, Harlan, Mrs. Hudson, Everyone, the Nose etc.) because while he is an expert on many things, he can't be the expert on everything. The way Moriarty is build up across a season with frankly one of the most amazing climaxes I've ever seen in procedural tv. The way Sherlock relapses, the way it is handled as a part of recovery. Mycroft's story making a surprising amount of sense. That one time Marcus and Sherlock solve a case involving missing zebra's. The way Gregson steps up as a father figure for Sherlock in moments when Sherlock least wants it but most needs it. Naming a bee after Watson. The one case all about colony-collapse disorder and the genuine enthusiasm and passion Sherlock shows, not only for bees but also a variety of other activities. The way he's constantly doing experiments and gaining knowledge.
I don't think there will ever come a day were I can accurately describe how endearing I find Elementary (2012) and how it is the superior modern-day Sherlock adaptation.
This is not a perfect show, far from it. It's a procedural show, some of the story-lines are simply weak, there's an abundance of copaganda and there are many more things I could name, small or big.
And yet every time I open an episode I find myself inevitably drawn in fully because the show does do a lot of good. I am drawn in by the relationship between Sherlock and Joan, how deep their love goes and how it is far more important than any kind of romantic love could be. By the way addiction is handled without vilifying anyone, with the gentle hand that is necessary whilst also showing it in its fullest and without censure. By the way we see Joan progress through the show, moving from an ordinary barely satisfying existence to one she really calls her own, regardless of how odd it is. The way it dealt with sexual assault and the compassion that was shown to Kitty at all times. The growth Sherlock experiences, not because he's suddenly a better person but because he made mistakes and mistakes and finally had a network for whom he wanted to do better, be better, because they deserve it. The way the show actually solves crimes using logic (instead of some other adaptation).
There are many other things I find absolutely endearing, big and small (such as a random king dropping in to blackmail a lawyer or cylde, just anything related to clyde), I could go on for hours but the picture seems clear enough. The show isn't perfect, but it did good. It is good.
Sidenote: One thing that I feel is very important to point out which I also like is that the show makes it very obviously that all of it is based on the premise that Sherlock has a ridiculous amount of resources and time, both to be so knowledgeable himself as to take 2 different people under his tutelage. A small thing, but nonetheless important that they show his life is very much a result of privilege and hard work.