CBS received a strong positive reaction this year when they decided to reveal a different perspective of a well-known hero. Thus, Watson, a famous character from the Sherlock Holmes series, will be the lead in a new medical drama.
And this is not just a hospital show, people. Certainly not Sherlock. So what distinguishes Watson from other series? Well, let’s dive into that.
Watson Without Sherlock
The plot happens one year after Sherlock has died, as a result, he has been rumored to be killed by Moriarty. Being in lacking of his companion, the eminent character Dr. John Watson — who was played by Morris Chestnut — looked back to his basic profession as a doctor in the end.
He starts the Holmes Clinic in Pittsburgh, where he takes care of patients with weird and hard to diagnose conditions. However, all the cases have one interesting point — each case is a mystery and Watson is the one who solves the murder.
The series is a blend of medical suspense and detective drama. The illnesses, family secrets, and little known details in every episode keep the viewers on the edge of their seats.
A Strong Supporting Cast
Watson is not hatting the hustle alone. A group of specialists is in the team accompanying him. They possess the following background:
- Eve Harlow plays a talented neurologist Ingrid Derian who has a past that she is not proud of.
- Inga Schlingmann makes Sasha Lubbock a sassy immunologist who is attractive and brings strength and bond to the group.
- Peter Mark Kendall is Adam and Stephens Croft, twin doctors, who are knowledgeable in the field of infectious diseases.
- Shinwell Johnson (Ritchie Coster) is a former criminal who now assists Watson in the clinic.
- Mary Morstan (Rochelle Aytes) who is Watson’s ex-wife, as well as the clinic’s medical director.
They both do chess cases that plain hospitals haven’t managed to solve.
A Surprising Guest Star
Amongst the many surprises that got fans of the show talking was the appearance of Randall Park as Professor Moriarty, Sherlock’s old enemy. Even though he’s only there for a little portion, his part gives more complexity to the story − and lets the audience wonder what’s next.
Is Moriarty really gone? Could he still be part of Watson’s future? These are questions the show teases but doesn’t answer just yet.
What Are Critics Saying
Feedback on Watson among critics is mixed, however, the audience is intrigued. As per Rotten Tomatoes, the show got 56% positive reviews. The reviewers’ opinion is that the execution of putting the Sherlock Holmes storyline among the rules of a medical drama is a brave move – but it is not always effective.
On the other hand, many audiences agree on Morris Chestnut’s skillful work and see it as the best part of the series. He replaces a grieving doctor who is still looking for the meaning of the world with the traits of a brave, caring, and smart human being.
The rating on Metacritic of 55 out of 100 tells about the negative one. But the followers of character-depth narratives and crime might still be up for it.
Will There Be A Season Two
CBS has recently announced the end of several other procedure shows, however, Watson might be the exception. According to the industry news, the show is being discussed for a new season because of its original idea and a powerful lead actor.
The network is said to be trying to promote its lineup by including unique dramas such as Watson. If the viewers are still interested, a new season would be likely to come.
Morris Chestnut Talks Life And Loss
In a recent interview, Morris Chestnut uncovered his individual experience. He admitted that in 2019 the feeling of weeping had occurred last to him, when he lost his dad. Among other things, he shared that imagining himself in various roles on screen allows him to be present in the moment as well as allowing him to go through it easier and grow.
He disclosed he danced at the gym, ran his daily exercise routines, and subsequently spoke about his loved ones. The openness of him allowed fans to connect with him on a deeper level because they did not just love his talent but also his personality.
Watson is not your typical clinic drama series. It’s cunning, sensitive, and curious puzzle sculpted by the mix of the old-style detective work and the most innovative medicine of the day. Though the series will not be liked by absolutely everyone, it is safe to say that it is the one for those who want to be excited about it whenever the new series are out.
The network may not have hit in any other way in that year, yet in this case, they steered their ship in the right direction with a cast of talented actors, adventurous plotlines, and a new spin on an old character.