This week “Elementary” attempts to replicate something that “Law & Order” became king of years ago: pop culture timeliness. In other words, an episode revolving around a case that has a distinct resemblance to an actual event.

In the case of “We Are Everyone,” the actual case more closely resembles a string of events that has even sparked a film starring Jonny Lee Miller’s BBC counterpart Benedict Cumberbatch. From Julian Assange to Edward Snowden and Bradley Manning, top-secret documents seem to be leaked regularly nowadays. So, creator Robert Doherty pushes Sherlock (Miller) into the foray with a leak, a collective of hackers and yes, murder.

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When Ezra Kleinfelter (Christian Campbell) releases a dossier of classified documents, he begins his life as a fugitive. A man named Elliot Honeycutt contacts Sherlock and Watson (Lucy Liu) with the intent to protect Kleinfelter at an embassy. However, his intentions are unearthed when the sleuths discover he works for Kleinfelter’s former employer. 

As usual, the beginning stages of the investigation prove to be relatively pointless. This mysterious man fails to be a factor in the hunt until the final stages. A journalist in whom Kleinfelter confided speaks with Sherlock and Watson, but only serves the purpose of accidentally introducing them to “Jamaica Quay,” a website for hackers or “cyber activists.” Sherlock berates the users on the site until he deciphers Kleinfelter’s location. Upon arriving at the apartment, Sherlock and Watson find Kleinfelter’s accomplice dead and, as they say, the game is afoot. 

Throughout the process of the investigation, Watson continues working on expanding her life outside detective work with Sherlock. She registers for a dating site at the behest of her friend and begins chatting with suitors. Meanwhile, she and Sherlock finally delve into his reaction to the Moriarty storyline from last season. He proclaims, “I am now and forever post-love…” displaying his contempt for the idea of love and romance. In essence, Sherlock’s view on love and intimacy has changed little since the show’s pilot. 

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While the Moriarty discussion was a feeble attempt at rekindling the sober companion relationship, it was long overdue and needed to be mentioned to strengthen their friendship. Towards the end of the episode, Watson states, “I shouldn’t be the only one who knows you.” His face remains with ambiguous stoicism. Does she really know him yet? Has he allowed her in to the point that he feels she knows him? Sherlock clearly still has many doors yet to be opened by Watson, but she seems to be unaware of this. 

As for the case, the search for Kleinfelter comes to a screeching halt when the hackers, known as “Everyone,” begin toying with Sherlock and Watson. Accounts are infiltrated and threats of presidential assassination are posted under Sherlock’s IP address. It just goes to show the danger of crossing a group of hackers. 

When Sherlock makes an attempt to make amends with “Everyone,” one name tells the collective to stop. These people don’t typically take orders. From the username, Sherlock figures out the leader is Darragh O’Connor, a billionaire that devotes his time to enhancing freedom of information. The next day, O’Connor is about to board a plane with Kleinfelter when Gregson (Aidan Quinn)—with his newly browned hair— and crew zoom in. 

Kleinfelter is released, however, when he threatens to expose 14 operatives currently undercover. The episode circles back as Sherlock requests Honeycutt provide the stolen names to the government so they can be saved. 

The episode comes to a close with Watson finishing a successful date. Her social life shows promise without much jealousy from Sherlock. He, on the other hand, continues to shelter himself from the outside world, preferring to believe his cases provide a higher meaning. Yet, we learn his willingness to explore the world is hindered greatly by letters of longing he receives from the imprisoned Moriarty. Thus raising the question of his ability to break free from her grasp. He may reach out and visit her at some point, but that will likely come when his façade begins to crack.

Read more by Michael at MHMovieReviews.com.

Contact Staff Reporter Michael Huard here.