I was a big fan of Hugh Laurie in House, and Elementary has several things in common with that show. For example, it shares writers and the characterisation of Holmes as seen in that show is similar to House. They're both brilliant in the same way, although while House was abusing prescription drugs, Holmes in Elementary is a recovering drug user. Both have addictive personalities as can be seen in their approach to work. This is just a broad way of saying that Elementary uses the character's drug use as a tool in helping him understand his thoughts. I guess the British Sherlock does this in a different manner, as it shows his thoughts straight-up on screen. Now while I do like the effect in Sherlock, I can't help think that it is used because there isn't enough time to show some further characterisation. The former drug addiction angle is actually the way that Holmes and Watson meet in Elementary, as she is written in as a "sober companion" hired by Holmes' father. So it is rather key. Of course, it does mean that they can go to the well of relapse when needed just like they did in House. The British Sherlock hasn't gone anywhere near that side of the character, and I wouldn't expect it to. It is a Sunday night BBC One show, after all.
