Viewers of Elementary have been treated this season to the added role of Morland Holmes, Sherlock’s (Jonny Lee Miller) father, to the cast.  Holmes is played by John Noble, who viewers may remember from television roles in Fringe and Sleepy Hollow, among many others, and from such iconic films as The Lord of the Rings:  The Return of the King and The Lord of the Rings:  The Two Towers.

Former Teases

References to the elder Holmes have been threaded throughout previous episodes of the series, and prior to his appearance, it was revealed that Morland hired Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) as a sober companion for his son.  References also suggest that father and son have a strained relationship at best.

A Natural Choice

Robert Doherty, creator/executive producer, recently spoke via press conference about the addition of Noble to the cast, “We could not be more delighted to have John Noble taking on such an important role.  We’ve enjoyed his work for many years now.  I appreciate John as an actor, and once the show had wrapped last season, and we realized what we were going to do with Sherlock’s dad, John’s name appeared.  Then, John and I met in early summer, and we seemed to be on the same page.”

As for Morland joining his son in the investigative business, it’s not likely to happen.  Doherty confirmed that “Morland tends to work in the shadows and keep a low profile.”

A Complicated Situation

There has been some discussion about Sherlock’s mother and why she is not featured on the show alongside Morland.  It would add another layer of complication to the already strained relationship Morland shares with his son.  Doherty said, “I think Mom is a big reason Sherlock and Mr. Holmes struggle in their relationship.”  It’s not out of the question that she will make a later appearance.  But, for now, viewers will have to settle for half of Sherlock’s parents.  Says Doherty, “Once we decided to add another character, this seemed like the natural next step.”  (As a side note, viewers may remember meeting Watson’s mother in Season One.

The question remains as to whether or not the presence of Sherlock’s father is a help or hindrance to his ability to stay sober.

Elementary, now in its fourth season, airs on Thursdays at 10 P.M. on CBS.