Scorpion’s Genius Reminiscent of Holmes

Scorpion, the hit show on CBS, has claimed the spot as the season’s 2nd best new series, with the average of 15.7 million viewers each week since its premiere on September 22, according to CBS News. The show has succeeded in becoming Monday’s most-watched drama, increasing CBS viewers by 74% and proving valuable to the network’s turnaround.

Scorpion is based on the life experience of an eccentric genius who forms a network with  like-minded intellects. These clever characters act as the last defense against various threats.  As Homeland Security’s brain, the team encounters devious masterminds while simultaneously dealing with “the real world” and the emotions that come with being human.

With the help of a “normal” named Paige, played by Katherine McPhee, Walter O’Brien stands in the lime-light as the leader of the team of geniuses. Played by Elyes Gabel, Walter exhibits peculiar qualities reminiscent Sherlock Holmes from BBC’s hit show Sherlock.

In the premiere, Walter breaks up with a girl at Paige’s previous job. Walter lives in world of science wherein “love” is just a bunch of hormones. Walter shows quirks similar to Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory, who, for so long, had such a poor conception of love.

The love story between Paige and Walter is similar to that of an adorable elementary school relationship, where at least one kid is too shy to do anything but stand aside with strange feelings tumbling inside. Does Paige cause butterflies in Walter’s stomach?

As sappy as their relationship may seem, the connection is almost unreal for Walter, who has long been emotionally isolated. The most logical explanation is that Paige is the only person who understands the intellect and behavior of Walter, as her own son is just as gifted.

The program also stars Elyes Gabel, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Robert Patrick, Jaydn Wong, and Ari Stidham.

McPhee portrays Paige as a delicate, sweet person, which isn’t all that bad; but in a crime show, Paige needs to stop shadowing the team and instead face a villain head on.

Additionally, Paige is still tied to her ex-husband, making Walter jealous. Her unwillingness to commit is annoying. Maybe an upcoming episode involving Paige directly saving or assisting Walter will satisfy viewers’ desire for a change in her character.

While the show is still a work in progress, it has its moments.  As Paige said in an early episode, “Sure, they have their issues, but they are also brilliant and brave and special.”