Despite a few disjointed aspects of the story, Watson proves it has legs. The only thing left to see now is whether or not it can get its stride.
As always, Morris Chestnut uses his charisma to steal every scene, but can he shoulder an entire show? The pieces are all there as this puzzle slowly reveals the mystery hidden under the facade of a medical procedural.
While the premise of Watson is captivating, audience enjoyment boils down to character development and how skillfully the series can weave medical mysteries that enthrall viewers more than confuse.
A cast of pretty people won’t matter much if the medical jargon coming from them leaves viewers scratching their heads.
Thankfully, the series respects audiences enough not to spoon-feed or breadcrumb the plot.
Watson draws in viewers with a sly wink and a telling smirk. But what hides behind the smile of Sherlock Holmes’s most trusted ally?
And who, if anyone, can he trust?
Watson’s Shinwell Johnson Is the Crux That Could Prove to Be the Show’s Biggest Asset or Its Undoing
Interestingly enough, Ritchie Coster’s (Tulsa King) Shinwell Johnson is at the center of what gives Watson’s plot so much potential.
Somehow, the character both helps and detracts from the main story of the series. Every time he enters a scene with the other doctors, he is a gentle reminder of the show’s unique premise.
However, that is not always a good thing when the series tries to focus on the case of the week.
Too much pivoting can leave some viewers lost as to which plot should be grabbing their attention.
Obviously, the character’s role as the administrative aide to the clinic is a cover for his real work with Watson and Sherlock Holmes, but he doesn’t exactly blend in or even give a particularly helpful vibe.
As I said, though, the character is also part of what can elevate the show by building on the premise and mystery.
His solitary interactions with Randall Park’s (Fresh Off the Boat) Moriarty and the professor’s associates raises the intrigue in an organic way that doesn’t feel forced.
Those are the moments that make Watson truly feel like a Sherlock Holmes story.
Even Watson’s Guest Characters Are Turning Up the Mystery with Incredible Acting
Speaking of Moriarty and his associates, I have a feeling we will be seeing that same pharma rep again down the road.
If you’re a TV Fanatic, there is a good chance you recognized the actress or even had that feeling of, “Why does she look so familiar?”
That would be because Kacey Rohl has been making the television rounds for quite some time.
For all the superhero enthusiasts who enjoyed The CW‘s Arrow-verse, those with an eagle eye likely remember her role as Alena, Felicity Smoak’s resistance aide on Arrow.
If mystery with a little fantasy is your thing, then you probably recognize her as Marina from The Magicians.
She tends to take on characters you might describe as say devious and it looks like her streak is going to continue.
I was rather impressed with how she was able to switch from Moriarty’s messenger to the unsuspecting pharma rep.
She is definitely one to keep an eye out for, but she isn’t the only one raising eyebrows on Watson.
Watson Wastes No Time Giving Its Main Characters Complex and Captivating Backgrounds and Personalities
One thing Watson Season 1 Episode 2 showed strength in was how it wasted no time with character development — specifically with Dr. Ingrid Derian.
No matter how unique a show’s premise is, it’s the characters that will keep viewers coming back every week for more. Luckily, Watson seems to understand the assignment.
With only two episodes aired, Watson has already grounded Eve Harlow’s (Star Trek: Discovery) Ingrid as a likable and fascinating character.
The acting alone was impeccable as it was truly a mystery when and if she was lying. Did she go to that restaurant or not?
Some of the best plotting is when things like a character’s motivations are left open for the audience’s interpretation.
As long as Watson stays on this track with the rest of the characters, the story will develop the kind of layers and complexity that a Sherlock Holmes story requires.
On top of that, the series is checking off all the boxes for amazing episodic cases that not only tease the brain but also pull at the heartstrings.
Watson’s Episodic Medical Mysteries Have Far More Depth Than Anyone Could Have Anticipated
Sure, having the patient seem like he was stuck in the role he played on stage was just about on par with some of the ridiculous medical cases that were seen on Scream Queens Season 2.
However, revealing that he was fully aware the entire time and was only pushing his family away because he wanted them to be taken cared of after his death had me, and probably many viewers, reaching for a tissue.
Having the character cry as he admitted to Watson that he wanted to live and take his life back was *chef’s kiss* perfect.
One thing I noticed and really liked was that the episode was dropping clues right from the start.
At the beginning of “Redcoats,” the patient is on the phone telling his understudy to be prepared in case he should have to go on stage for him.
Because it was right at the start, it basically fell on deaf ears since we didn’t know anything about the character yet.
Personally, I love it when shows like Watson drop hints here and there because it adds to the show’s rewatchability. That’s how a series goes from being a passing thought to must-see TV.
Although, Watson already has a lot going for it with Morris Chestnut at the helm as the titular character.
Even though we are only two episodes into Watson Season 1, I already have a firm belief that the character is far more in the know than the show is letting on.
There is no way someone as skilled and intelligent with a detective’s eye as Watson isn’t on to what Shinwell is doing in the background. I think Watson faked taking that pill at the end.
At the center of the series is the theme of “Trust no one, and question everything.” I doubt anything is as it seems — certainly not in the world of Sherlock Holmes.
Do you think Sherlock Holmes is actually dead?
Do you think Dr. Ingrid will be a problem for Morris Chestnut’s Watson down the road?
Drop a comment below to let me know what you thought of this episode, and join me again when I review another episode of Watson!
Watch Watson Online
