Sherlock & Daughter - The Challenge

Introducing them first separately before throwing the two characters together, we witness Sherlock Holmes (David Thewlis) refusing to take several cases in the notable absence of Dr. Watson. We also witness the resilient Amelia Rojas (Blu Hunt) make her way from New York to London and, through a bit of quick thinking and subterfuge, find her way to the great detective as his new maid. What Amelia is really after is for Holmes, who she believes to be her father, to help solve her mother's murder. Also, in the coincidence that keeps them together long enough for Holmes to get a feel for the young woman, she is determined to help solve the disappearance of a wealthy young girl (Gia Hunter) she met on the ship from America (apparently one of many targeted by the mysterious "Thread").

While I understand the structure of the episode, and its purpose in giving us both characters separately before bringing them together, "The Challenge" feels a bit herky-jerky until the pair are working together (first against Holmes' will and later with his consent) in investigating what is just the tip of an iceberg of larger crimes (we see alluded to in the final scene) which may eventually tie back to Holmes' greatest enemy. With training, mystery, and enemies afoot for Holmes and Amelia to dive into, I think it's quite possible, after all is said and done, that this could be the weakest episode of the season.

Given what's teased here, I think we'll be getting something like Enola Holmes, but with likely a larger guiding hand for Amelia as she investigates the crimes that Holmes currently can not without putting Watson's life in danger. As for Amelia's paternity, given that Holmes has agreed to pay and train her, I don't know that the final answer to that question matters in the larger scope of the show to anyone other than Amelia. Holmes' strong rebuttal he never knew Amelia's mother certainly seems to be a rather large black mark in Amelia's theory that she is his daughter.

• Title: Sherlock & Daughter< - The Challenge
• IMDb: link