Elementary backdrop
Drama•Mystery•Crime

The Worst Episodes of Elementary

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

Binge this in 4d 13h•Peaking at 9.2/10

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

Airs on
CBS
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons7

All1234567

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    Elementary Season 5 Episode 19 - High Heat
    7.1/10(851 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Elementary Season 5 Episode 22 - Moving Targets
    7.1/10(854 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Elementary Season 2 Episode 14 - Dead Clade Walking
    7.3/10(1182 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Elementary Season 3 Episode 17 - T-Bone and the Iceman
    7.3/10(997 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Elementary Season 5 Episode 14 - Rekt in Real Life
    7.3/10(911 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Elementary Season 5 Episode 20 - The Art of Sleights and Deception
    7.3/10(866 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Elementary

    READ
  7. Elementary Season 7 Episode 7 - From Russia with Drugs
    7.3/10(709 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Elementary Season 3 Episode 2 - The Five Orange Pipz
    7.4/10(1131 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Elementary Season 5 Episode 18 - Dead Man's Tale
    7.4/10(874 votes)

    #9 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Elementary Season 6 Episode 3 - Pushing Buttons
    7.4/10(775 votes)

    #10 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Elementary Season 1 Episode 11 - Dirty Laundry
    7.5/10(1589 votes)

    #11 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Elementary Season 1 Episode 13 - The Red Team
    7.5/10(1550 votes)

    #12 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Elementary Season 2 Episode 3 - We Are Everyone
    7.5/10(1341 votes)

    #13 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Elementary Season 2 Episode 5 - Ancient History
    7.5/10(1259 votes)

    #14 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Elementary Season 2 Episode 16 - The One Percent Solution
    7.5/10(1156 votes)

    #15 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Elementary Season 2 Episode 17 - Ears to You
    7.5/10(1144 votes)

    #16 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Elementary Season 2 Episode 18 - The Hound of the Cancer Cells
    7.5/10(1126 votes)

    #17 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Elementary Season 3 Episode 5 - Rip Off
    7.5/10(1081 votes)

    #18 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Elementary Season 3 Episode 6 - Terra Pericolosa
    7.5/10(1073 votes)

    #19 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Elementary Season 3 Episode 19 - One Watson, One Holmes
    7.5/10(977 votes)

    #20 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Elementary Season 4 Episode 11 - Down Where the Dead Delight
    7.5/10(936 votes)

    #21 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Elementary Season 4 Episode 14 - Who Is That Masked Man?
    7.5/10(912 votes)

    #22 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Elementary Season 5 Episode 2 - Worth Several Cities
    7.5/10(968 votes)

    #23 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Elementary Season 5 Episode 17 - The Ballad of Lady Frances
    7.5/10(880 votes)

    #24 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Elementary Season 6 Episode 2 - Once You've Ruled Out God
    7.5/10(789 votes)

    #25 - Once You've Ruled Out God

    S6:E2

    Watson and her half sister, Lin, have conflicting reactions when their estranged biological father dies. Also, Holmes and Watson find themselves on the hunt for a stolen plutonium shipment they fear will be used to make a dirty bomb after a department of energy inspector is killed with a lightning gun.

    Director:Guy Ferland
    Writer:Robert Hewitt Wolfe

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"High Heat" is the worst rated episode of "Elementary". It scored 7.1/10 based on 851 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".