'Elementary' Review - 1.12 M.

        On the newest episode of CBS' Elementary, Sherlock is reunite with "M." a British criminal who appears to have followed Sherlock to New York City; and Joan has reservations about leaving Sherlock and taking on a new client.

        Throughout its first dozen episodes, Elementary has proved to be a strong character study of Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson. Much like the stories the series is based on, the relationship between these two characters is the strongest and most engaging facet of the narrative. Thusly, as the show continues, this dynamic needs to evolve and be challenged. A show like Elementary simply cannot have its main detective leads solve a case each week without it meaning anything to the larger picture. Some shows can do that. But because of the source novels and the mythology already build into this tale, the show foundational had to offer up something more in terms of serialization. Tonight's episode was the first true testament of the efforts built up from the first half of the season to astonishing success.
        This hour is hauntingly stunning and beautiful in that it truly is the crux of all that has happened on the series so far. We have slowly been peeling away at the larger mythology over the past eleven episodes - with a clue here and there that occasionally shine some light on the past lives of both Holmes and Watson. Coming into the episode, we know that Holmes and Watson's partnership is nearly over. We also know that Irene Adler was someone Holmes truly cared for and her death caused his spiral down into addiction. It seems only fitting that the narrative would juxtapose those two plots together to give one helluva convincing argument for both keeping this partnership together while at the same time really illuminate the grand story that is about to take place. This is only the beginning of the great things to come with this overarching story.
        Moriarity is the main antagonist throughout the novels and has played a role in all the recent adaptations of the story. Fans have been wondering since day one whether or not his presence would be felt here on this show as well. After coy teases, that is in fact what the show is building towards at this moment. Whether or not it will be the grand mythology throughout the longevity of the series (like "Red John" on The Mentalist) or simple be the driving force of the back half of the season is still up in the air. Yes, it could be a risk to introduce and capture him throughout the span of the next twelve episodes. However, I believe the payoff of doing so would be refreshing to viewers. By the time season five comes around - if this show is so lucky - and its still holding Moriarity out on us, then viewer fatigue could just give up on the series altogether. Again, no clue which direction will be taken but now I'm on board for the immediate future of this arc.
        Thus let the giant cork board of evidence begin in the hunt for Moriarty.

So what did everyone think of the episode? When should Moriarty be revealed? How long will Watson stay on without receiving payment? Share your thoughts in the comments.