It has been quite some time since I've last blogged. As a teacher for a high needs inner city school, let's just say that I'm quite busy.
The title of the post has to do with one of my few television show addictions, "Elementary," which is the modernization of the Sherlock Holmes genre. I'm open to interpretations and playing with the universe. I've been disappointed before, so I was cautious. However, I am thoroughly pleased with the entirety.
What I love is that Watson is not just a woman, but an Asian-American woman who is strong, smart, sensitive, and most of all on equal billing with Johnny Lee Miller who plays Holmes. Yes, Watson is normally the sidekick in the Sherlock Universe, and that is how it starts. However, as the show evolves, so does the relationship. It's not the steampunk Holmes universe. That's different. This is a true evolution of friendship and equality that is a breath of fresh air.
Lucy Liu plays the part brilliantly, and it breaks some of the stereotypes often given Asian women. She was a surgeon. Then she becomes a sober companion to recovering addicts. Now, she is Sherlock Holmes' apprentice and friend whose perspective becomes vital to Holmes. Liu plays a female lead that does not confine Asian women to meek roles, immigrant roles, or the typical modes of employ - doctor, lawyer, scientist, businesswoman, engineer. She does not have an accent. She is whipsmart, but chooses how to use it. She doesn't know martial arts - *gasp!*
Could "Elementary" have done it? Could this show have actually cast an Asian-American woman in a role as woman, one that could have been played by a Caucasian or Black woman? Whose cultural roots are no more harped on than her white or black counterparts? Yes, I think so.
Culture is a part of us, but it does not have to be the sole defining characteristic of a person. The different characters do not divorce themselves from culture, nor do they rely on culture to make themselves three-dimensional. Detective Bell, a black male, is smart and witty, loyal and calm. Captain Gregson, a white male, is temperamental. The show is smart, and has room to grow. What I like most is that it shows that race is starting to become less of an issue and more just a natural part of a character's background.
Yes, Captain Gregson is a white male in power. That is still an existing power structure today. That is something that the media can improve upon as our society moves into a more diverse and accepting society. Besides, my other favorite show, NCIS, has a black man as the boss. See? Progress.
Now, go watch "Elementary" on CBS. No, they didn't pay me to say that. Seriously, who would pay me for this kind of review? ;-)
