Taken piece by piece, the brownstone that is home to the man of mysteries is fascinating. It tells a story. But as a whole it can seem disjointed, clunky, hard to get used to, which is pretty much any person’s take away from first meeting Holmes.
Placing Sherlock Holmes in its midst, the space comes alive. The unreliable pieces fit together as he reaches for the out of place stool, the book on the floor, or the spatula in the bedroom. Neither the audience, nor Watson, is privy to all the information lurking within. But through watching Sherlock run about putting the pieces to use, much like the cases, it larger picture begins to come together.
The living room/study
Books, books, armchairs, and more books. That is what you will find in the workspace where Holmes and Watson spend a majority of their time. It is not unlike looking at Sherlock’s brain from a wider angle. The closer you look, the more detailed certain parts of the man become. For instance, the room is at times covered wall to wall, ceiling to floor, with case materials. That is all you are going to get out of Sherlock when he throws himself entirely into work.
Other times, you can catch a glimpse of important staples, such as his Phrenology bust, a quirky lamp, even another person (Watson) that speaks to his fascination with things that interest him. The arm chairs, collection of tables, and other assorted furniture, are not there to make the place cozy or homey. They are there strictly to be used in whatever capacity that they are needed for at any given moment.
Not enough going on
The media room set up is the first introduction we are given to Sherlock Holmes in Elementary. Sherlock’s need to have more than one option at all times speaks to his need to cover ground quickly and efficiently. Sherlock is well aware of the overbearing amount of stimuli calling for his attention every day. Compartmentalizing it to certain areas helps to hone his focus on everything and something specific all at once.
Apiary oasis
Why the bees? Sherlock Holmes’ fascination with bees is one thing that Elementary built on from a brief mention to the hobby Holmes picked up in retirement from Doyle’s work, “His Last Bow.” This may be the most important section of Sherlock’s home. It is the one activity that is his alone to enjoy. His sanctuary on the roof where he is not teaching anyone a lesson. He is going to be alone. Here is where Sherlock hides Irene’s letters. The apiary is where a large part of his heart resides.
Watch Elementary season 3, episode 17, “T-Bone and the Iceman,” Thursday, March 12 at 10:00 p.m. ET on CBS.
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