"Elementary" season 4 episode 8 is titled "A Burden of Blood," and according to a report from Cartermatt, it may tackle more than just a murder case as the "burden" may also be a reference to Sherlock's (Jonny Lee Miller) suspicions as Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) and Detective Bell (Jon Michael Hill) start to get a little too close for comfort.
According to the report, Watson will be spending a little bit more time than usual with Bell and this will draw in Sherlock's attention. For one reason or another it will get him irritated or mad at the situation and perhaps even at Bell. He'll want to stop it for professional reasons or even something personal.
However, Sherlock's dilemma is that he can't confront them about his suspicions because he also acknowledges that there might not be anything between the two at all. A viable reason for Watson and Bell to spend time together is also indicated in the official synopsis posted by SpoilersGuide and it may be this factor that Sherlock is considering.
According to the synopsis, Sherlock and Watson will be tutoring junior detective Bell to help him pass a police sergeant's examination. If he does pass, he may be promoted and then moved to a differenct precinct. This may lead to Bell appearing less often on the show.
Cartermatt points out that the series will need to find a way to show Bell being appreciated or even promoted without having to move him out of the show entirely.
As Sherlock deals with his suspicions about Watson and Bell and with Bell's examination, the team will also be dealing with a very peculiar homicide case. The synopsis reveals that the victim was murdered in a way that is very similar to the cases of an infamous murderer that is already behind bars.
"Elementary" season 4 episode 8 airs this Jan. 14.
