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The Worst Episodes of Elementary

Every episode of Elementary ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Elementary!

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A modern-day drama about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD's most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London and a stint in rehab, eccentric Sherlock escapes to Manhattan where his wealthy father

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    Elementary Season 5 Episode 19 - High Heat
    7.1/10(842 votes)

    #1 - High Heat

    S5:E19

    Holmes and Watson investigate the murder of a man Sherlock considered one of New York’s worst private investigators. Also, as Holmes stews over being beaten by Shinwell, he decides to take out his aggression by dismantling a local organization of private investigators.

    Director:Michael Hekmat
    Writer:Kelly Wheeler

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  2. Elementary Season 5 Episode 22 - Moving Targets
    7.1/10(846 votes)

    #2 - Moving Targets

    S5:E22

    When a reality show contestant is murdered, Holmes and Watson zero in on another competitor as a suspect, a former war criminal who may be the most skilled killer they’ve ever pursued. Also, for the first time since he attacked Sherlock, Shinwell reaches out to Joan to ask for a favor

    Director:Lucy Liu
    Writer:Robert Hewitt Wolfe

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  3. Elementary Season 2 Episode 14 - Dead Clade Walking
    7.3/10(1171 votes)

    #3 - Dead Clade Walking

    S2:E14

    Joan discovers an unsolved murder connected to a rare prehistoric fossil when she reviews one of Sherlock's cold cases; Sherlock's responsibilities as a sobriety sponsor cross personal boundaries.

    Director:Helen Shaver
    Writer:Jeffrey Paul King

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  4. Elementary Season 3 Episode 17 - T-Bone and the Iceman
    7.3/10(990 votes)

    #4 - T-Bone and the Iceman

    S3:E17

    Holmes and Watson investigate a murder that initially looks like a road rage incident, but takes a new direction when they learn the victim was flash-frozen at the time of death. Also, when Watson’s mother finds out Joan’s brother is cheating on his wife, she puts Joan in the awkward position of confronting him about the affair.

    Director:Michael Slovis
    Writer:Jason Tracey

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  5. Elementary Season 5 Episode 14 - Rekt in Real Life
    7.3/10(903 votes)

    #5 - Rekt in Real Life

    S5:E14

    Holmes and Watson investigate the murder of a former professional eSports video game player who died after being assaulted in front of his fans during a live video stream. Also, Shinwell approaches Joan for advice when his teenage daughter asks to meet with him for the first time in years.

    Director:John Polson
    Writer:Robert Hewitt Wolfe

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  6. Elementary Season 5 Episode 20 - The Art of Sleights and Deception
    7.3/10(857 votes)

    #6 - The Art of Sleights and Deception

    S5:E20

    Holmes and Watson get mixed up in murder and magic when they investigate the death of a magician killed while performing a classic stunt. Also, Watson suspects Bell is being targeted by the ex-husband of his girlfriend, Chantal, after a false allegation lands him the middle of an Internal Affairs investigation.

    Director:Ron Fortunato
    Writer:Mark Hudis

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  7. Elementary Season 7 Episode 7 - From Russia with Drugs
    7.3/10(704 votes)

    #7 - From Russia with Drugs

    S7:E7

    Sherlock and Joan investigate the murder of a criminal who made his living by stealing from other criminals. When Gregson resumes leadership of the precinct, he suspects his interim replacement is responsible for one of his best detective’s suspicious departure.

    Director:Michael Hekmat
    Writer:Sean Bennett

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  8. Elementary Season 3 Episode 2 - The Five Orange Pipz
    7.4/10(1124 votes)

    #8 - The Five Orange Pipz

    S3:E2

    When Sherlock and Joan join forces on a double homicide, Sherlock’s new apprentice threatens the investigation when she allows her jealousy of Sherlock and Joan's work rapport to override her better judgment.

    Director:Larry Teng
    Writer:Bob Goodman

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  9. Elementary Season 4 Episode 14 - Who Is That Masked Man?
    7.4/10(902 votes)

    #9 - Who Is That Masked Man?

    S4:E14

    When Holmes’ investigation into the attempt on Morland’s life pushes their strained relationship to the breaking point, the identity of Sherlock’s mother is revealed. Also, when three gang members are murdered, Holmes and Watson are amazed when an elderly woman emerges as their prime suspect.

    Director:Larry Teng
    Writer:Jason Tracey

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  10. Elementary Season 5 Episode 18 - Dead Man's Tale
    7.4/10(867 votes)

    #10 - Dead Man's Tale

    S5:E18

    Sherlock and Joan question how well they know Shinwell when they investigate the possibility he may have gotten away with the unsolved murder of his friend, a fellow gang member. Also, Sherlock and Joan’s latest case puts them on the hunt for a treasure map rumored to lead to a fortune in pirate’s gold hidden around New York City.

    Director:Alex Chapple
    Writer:Tamara Jaron

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  11. Elementary Season 6 Episode 3 - Pushing Buttons
    7.4/10(769 votes)

    #11 - Pushing Buttons

    S6:E3

    Holmes and Watson enter the world of rare antiquities when they investigate a case in which victim was killed during a Revolutionary War reenactment. Also, as Holmes grows frustrated with the length of his cognitive recovery, he finds solace in his growing friendship with Michael.

    Director:Christine Moore
    Writer:Jeffrey Paul King

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  12. Elementary Season 6 Episode 12 - Meet Your Maker
    7.4/10(716 votes)

    #12 - Meet Your Maker

    S6:E12

    Detective Bell considers leaving the NYPD when he is recommended for a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity. Also, Holmes and Watson are hired by a private client to investigate the disappearance of a young woman who led a double life online as a financial dominatrix.

    Director:Ron Fortunato
    Writer:Robert Hewitt Wolfe

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  13. Elementary Season 1 Episode 11 - Dirty Laundry
    7.5/10(1576 votes)

    #13 - Dirty Laundry

    S1:E11

    Sherlock and Joan investigate the murder of the general manager of a high-end Manhattan hotel whose body is found inside an industrial laundry machine. Meanwhile, since Joan’s time with Sherlock is almost up, he offers her an apprenticeship.

    Director:John David Coles
    Writers:Liz Friedman, Christopher Silber

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  14. Elementary Season 1 Episode 13 - The Red Team
    7.5/10(1540 votes)

    #14 - The Red Team

    S1:E13

    While on suspension from the NYPD, Sherlock investigates a suspicious hit-and-run accident involving a conspiracy theorist. Meanwhile, Watson tries to broker peace between Sherlock and Gregson.

    Director:Christine Moore
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Elementary Season 2 Episode 3 - We Are Everyone
    7.5/10(1335 votes)

    #15 - We Are Everyone

    S2:E3

    When Holmes and Watson set out to track down a civil contractor who leaked classified information, their lives are disrupted when they are targeted by the group of cyber-activists protecting him. Meanwhile, Joan takes the advice of a friend and signs up for an online dating service.

    Director:Michael Pressman
    Writer:Craig Sweeny

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  16. Elementary Season 2 Episode 5 - Ancient History
    7.5/10(1251 votes)

    #16 - Ancient History

    S2:E5

    Holmes and Watson find themselves digging through the dark world of the mob to find a killer when they discover the body of a former assassin. Meanwhile, Watson helps a close friend track down a mystery man who swept her off her feet.

    Director:Sanaa Hamri
    Writer:Jason Tracey

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  17. Elementary Season 2 Episode 16 - The One Percent Solution
    7.5/10(1147 votes)

    #17 - The One Percent Solution

    S2:E16

    Tensions rise when Holmes and Watson are forced to partner with Gareth Lestrade, Sherlock’s former Scotland Yard colleague, on a bombing investigation.

    Director:Guy Ferland
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Elementary Season 2 Episode 17 - Ears to You
    7.5/10(1135 votes)

    #18 - Ears to You

    S2:E17

    Holmes and Watson consult on a case in which a man suspected of murdering his wife years ago receives a ransom demand for her safe return. Meanwhile, Lestrade overstays his welcome at the brownstone and seems unwilling to leave.

    Director:Seith Mann
    Writers:Lauren MacKenzie, Andrew Gettens

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  19. Elementary Season 2 Episode 18 - The Hound of the Cancer Cells
    7.5/10(1118 votes)

    #19 - The Hound of the Cancer Cells

    S2:E18

    When a famous cancer researcher is found dead, Holmes and Watson must determine if the scientist’s untimely demise was tied to his latest cutting-edge invention. Meanwhile, Bell is finally cleared to re-enter the field.

    Director:Michael Slovis
    Writer:Bob Goodman

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  20. Elementary Season 3 Episode 5 - Rip Off
    7.5/10(1074 votes)

    #20 - Rip Off

    S3:E5

    Holmes and Kitty investigate the murder of a postal store owner whose death is connected to the illegal diamond trade. Meanwhile, Gregson's career is placed in jeopardy when he hits a fellow NYPD officer.

    Director:John Polson
    Writer:Jason Tracey

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  21. Elementary Season 3 Episode 6 - Terra Pericolosa
    7.5/10(1066 votes)

    #21 - Terra Pericolosa

    S3:E6

    Holmes and Watson search for a thief who committed murder to steal a rare map. Meanwhile, Watson becomes concerned with Sherlock’s escalating interference into Kitty’s burgeoning personal life.

    Director:Aaron Lipstadt
    Writer:Bob Goodman

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  22. Elementary Season 3 Episode 19 - One Watson, One Holmes
    7.5/10(971 votes)

    #22 - One Watson, One Holmes

    S3:E19

    Holmes and Watson find themselves in the middle of a civil war being fought on the Internet when a member of Everyone, the anonymous hacker group they periodically work with, is murdered.

    Director:John Polson
    Writer:Robert Hewitt Wolfe

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  23. Elementary Season 4 Episode 11 - Down Where the Dead Delight
    7.5/10(928 votes)

    #23 - Down Where the Dead Delight

    S4:E11

    Holmes and Watson must search for a killer without any physical evidence to aid them after a bomb is detonated in the New York City morgue. Also, Watson is suspicious when an NYPD detective she’s in a grudge match with asks her to consult on a case.

    Director:Jerry Levine
    Writer:Jeffrey Paul King

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  24. Elementary Season 5 Episode 2 - Worth Several Cities
    7.5/10(958 votes)

    #24 - Worth Several Cities

    S5:E2

    When the leader of a local street gang abducts Holmes to compel him to find the person responsible for a hit on his men, Holmes and Watson get caught in the middle of an international hunt to recover a centuries old, priceless artifact. Also, Watson debates whether a personal favor Shinwell asks of her is outside her comfort zone.

    Director:Guy Ferland
    Writer:Robert Hewitt Wolfe

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  25. Elementary Season 5 Episode 17 - The Ballad of Lady Frances
    7.5/10(871 votes)

    #25 - The Ballad of Lady Frances

    S5:E17

    The police call in Holmes and Watson to consult on a homicide “heard” by a cutting edge gunshot detection system when they can’t find any tangible evidence that a crime was committed. Also, Sherlock and Joan become suspicious of Shinwell when he’s the target of a drive-by shooting that reveals a connection between him and an unsolved murder.

    Director:Aaron Lipstadt
    Writers:Bob Goodman, Jordan Rosenberg

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Worst Episodes Summary

"High Heat" is the worst rated episode of "Elementary". It scored 7.1/10 based on 842 votes. Directed by Michael Hekmat and written by Kelly Wheeler, it aired on 4/16/2017. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Moving Targets".