Watson Season Two Review: A Sherlock Spinoff Full of Naughty Wit
Morris Chestnut stars as the doctor in Watson, a CBS/Paramount series that cleverly blends medical drama with Sherlock Holmes mythology. This show, now in its second season, feels like a cross between House and Elementary, offering a fresh take on Conan Doyle's iconic universe.
American Influence on Sherlock Holmes Revivals
While the BBC's Sherlock remains a famous Holmes revival, the United States has produced numerous adaptations, including Elementary, which reimagined Watson and Moriarty as female characters. Watson continues this trend, setting itself apart by focusing on Dr. John Watson as an American war veteran practicing medicine in modern-day Pittsburgh.
Showrunner Craig Sweeny, a veteran of Elementary, infuses the series with a team of junior doctors who trail behind Watson, reminiscent of House's medical squad. The first season delighted fans with appearances by Irene Adler, Inspector Lestrade, and Mycroft Holmes, along with a hallucination of Sherlock voiced by Matt Berry.
Season Two's Medical Mysteries and Emotional Depth
In the new season, Watson works as a solid weekly procedural, with Chestnut's charismatic performance anchoring the show. He portrays a flawless detective-doctor, often seen in expensive attire, solving baffling medical cases. An early episode involves saving his ex-mother-in-law from cyanide poisoning and memory loss, leading to an emotionally charged storyline that evokes tears akin to Long Lost Family.
The junior doctors add soapy personal dramas, while Ritchie Coster's Shinwell Johnson provides gritty support. The show occasionally flashes naughty wit, such as a scene filmed with Shinwell in front of medical busts, adding levity to expositional moments.
Sherlock's Surprise Return and Future Prospects
Just as viewers settle into the medical drama, Robert Carlyle appears as Sherlock Holmes in a cliffhanger ending, revealing that Moriarty's survival from the Reichenbach Falls sets the stage for continued Holmes worship. This twist ensures the uneasy mix of medical mystery and detective lore persists, potentially expanding the series beyond fan service.
Watson airs on Sky Witness and is available on NOW, offering a unique blend of House-style cases and Sherlockian references that appeal to both medical drama enthusiasts and Holmes aficionados.
