Elementary, the American take on Sherlock (AKA OHGAWDWHY)

Earlier this month, fans of Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective Sherlock Holmes were apprehensive when they learned that former “Eli Stone” star Jonny Lee Miller had been cast as the lead in “Elementary,” CBS’ upcoming drama pilot that will take place in modern day New York City. And if fans had misgivings about “Elementary” before, those doubts are about to double.

TVLine is reporting that Lucy Liu has joined “Elementary” as Dr. Joan Watson, a female version of Holmes’ constant companion, John Watson. CBS also leaked additional information that suggests that Holmes himself will still be British, but the new series will follow Holmes in New York as he exits rehab for his various addictions.

Liu’s Watson will be a former surgeon who lost her license after the death of one of her patients. Watson moves in with Holmes in Brooklyn as they consult with the New York Police Department.

Back in the ’90s, Liu first rose to prominence as a costar of “Ally McBeal” before appearing in films like “Charlie’s Angels,” “Kill Bill,” “Shanghai Noon,” “Rise: Blood Hunter,” “Domino,” “Chicago” and “Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever.” More recently, Liu has co-starred in the TNT series, “Southland.”

“Elementary” is written by Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly, with Michael Cuesta set to direct the pilot episode. Many observers have noted that aside from the New York setting and the female Dr. Watson, the premise for “Elementary” is almost the same as BBC’s hit “Sherlock” series; which stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.