For over a century, the iconic detective duo of Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, have been staples in literature and various media, such as television. The BBC’s “Sherlock” and CBS’s “Elementary” recently brought fresh interpretations to these beloved characters. Now, Craig Sweeny, a writer and producer from “Elementary,” is introducing a new version of Dr. John Watson, titled simply “Watson.” Unlike Lucy Liu’s portrayal in “Elementary,” Morris Chestnut stars as the main character in this series. Set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the show unfolds six months after the death of Dr. Watson’s best friend, Sherlock Holmes, at the hands of the villainous Professor James Moriarty (played by a surprising guest star). Although Chestnut is well-equipped for the role, the confusing pilot and obligatory references to Sherlock lore create an unstable start.
The story “Watson” commences following the demise of Sherlock Holmes. In an agonizing bid to rescue his comrade, Dr. Watson emerges from a coma, grappling with the aftermath of a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). As per the instructions in Holmes’ last will, Watson relocates back to Pittsburgh to launch the Holmes Clinic within the city’s most prominent hospital. Alongside a group of budding physicians, he delves into intriguing and singular cases, which grants him the opportunity to don his detective cap. Unfazed by his troubling TBI manifestations, Watson and his associates assume an increasing list of patients, compelling them to scrutinize beneath the surface.
The story starts after Sherlock Holmes dies, and Dr. Watson wakes up from a coma due to a brain injury. According to Holmes’ will, Watson moves back to Pittsburgh to start the Holmes Clinic in a big hospital. With a team of young doctors, he works on special cases that let him think like a detective. Despite his TBI symptoms, he and his colleagues take care of more patients who need them to look deeper into their conditions.
As a devoted admirer, let me share my insights about the Holmes Clinic team, beyond the esteemed Dr. Watson. The squad comprises Dr. Stephens Croft and his twin brother Dr. Adam Croft (Peter Mark Kendall), who share DNA but not necessarily similar personalities – Stephens is reserved and formal, while Adam exudes an extroverted charm, but harbors a questionable past. Joining the Croft twins is Dr. Sasha Lubbock (Inga Schlingmann), a rheumatology and immunology expert from the deep South, whose charming drawl belies her unfulfilling love life. However, it’s the captivating Dr. Ingrid Derian (Eve Harlow) who truly piques my interest. She serves as Dr. Watson’s personal neurologist and is both chilly and calculating, giving rise to speculations that she may be a sociopath.
Even though Ingrid is notable in the clinic setting, Watson and his estranged spouse, Dr. Mary Morstan (portrayed by Rochelle Aytes), are key figures in the series. Mary holds the position of hospital director, with the Holmes Clinic being situated within it. Despite their contrasting methods in patient care, Watson and Mary share a compelling dynamic with each other, as portrayed by Chestnut and Aytes. Moreover, the complex history between the two, with Mary wishing to close that chapter and Watson yearning to keep it ongoing, adds depth and tension to this first season’s narrative.
The main problem with “Watson” is that it’s being overly tied to the Sherlock Holmes franchise. In the first episode itself, Chestnut unnecessarily uses the term “Eureka!” and Watson’s driver, Shinwell Johnson (Ritchie Coster), who is frequently connected to Scotland Yard but is actually based in Pittsburgh, seems to transition into a fixer and Watson’s confidant. This sudden change feels odd and confusing, causing viewers to exert extra effort to understand the narrative better.
Watson” might have been more suitable as a straightforward medical mystery series, rather than attempting to fit a round concept into a square mold. The show’s initial scene immerses viewers in a Sherlock Holmes-like adventure, but quickly shifts the setting to Pittsburgh. A simple name change for the characters could have streamlined the narrative without awkwardly combining these two distinct worlds.
Despite numerous medical dramas on TV like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “The Pitt,” “Watson” stands out by offering a unique perspective on common medical crises. In the fifth episode, which critics found particularly strong, Dr. Watson deals with a young woman facing a worsening sickle cell crisis. The series goes beyond just medicine to explore ethical dilemmas in our healthcare system, such as why certain treatments and cures are not available unless paid for. In Episode 4, “Watson” also delves into the ethical implications of genetic markers for cancer.
The puzzling start and overt Sherlock Holmes resemblances create an unstable beginning, particularly in the early episodes. Yet, with a captivating Chestnut at the helm, the introduction of pertinent backstories, and a concentration on medical enigmas and those affected by them, “Watson” eventually establishes firmer footing. However, amidst numerous other procedurals, viewers might abandon ship before it becomes stable.
“Watson” premieres Jan. 26 on CBS, with new episodes dropping weekly on Sundays.
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2025-01-26 19:17