Watson Finale’s Shocking Death & What It Means For Season 2

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Warning: Season 1 finale of Watson spoilers ahead! The season finale shockingly kills off a significant character, but not who you might expect. In the first half of the two-part finale, both Stephens and Adam faced grave danger. Since Moriarty was blackmailing them, only one could be saved by the cure. After flipping a coin, Adam received the treatment, leaving the team scrambling to find another solution for saving Stephens in episode 13 of season 1. Given that both characters are portrayed by the same actor, Peter Mark Kendall, it seemed plausible that one of the twins might be written off the show.

In “Your Life’s Work, Part 2,” the final scene shows the demise of the primary antagonist following his confrontation with the protagonist. With Ingrid’s assistance, Watson infects Moriarty with a custom-made disease. Despite promising to cure Stephenson, Moriarty chooses not to uphold his part of the deal and instead watches as Moriarty succumbs to the ailment. Many questions about the villain’s intentions remain unanswered, as he demands that his secrets be buried with him.

I had a conversation with the showrunner Craig Sweeny regarding Moriarty’s surprising demise, the romantic scene between Stephen and Sasha, Ingrid’s choice, and anticipating what will transpire in season 2 of Watson.

Sweeny Wanted Watson To Become His Own Man Outside Of Sherlock

“He comes into his own confidence by defeating the nemesis that had bedeviled him and Sherlock.”

ScreenRant: Why did you decide to eliminate Moriarty, the main antagonist of Sherlock, at the end of Season 1? What served as your inspiration for this move?

Craig Sweeny: I find it amusing. As a writer, when I hear the phrase “Eliminate them,” I understand its origin, but it’s not my method because it seems flippant. For us, it was a result of much deliberation, and one could argue that it was the most suitable or even the sole appropriate response to the distinct predicament he had created, given his vast library of DNA.

He had the ability to utilize it for murdering virtually anyone worldwide, leaving no evidence of him stealing Watson’s patient secrets. This wasn’t an act of vengeance by Watson, but rather a precautionary measure to avoid any potential harm he could cause in the future with all that DNA. As for the timing, I have a fondness for television, and I’ve always crafted TV stories and reacted to TV that is structured in chapters and concludes those stories decisively when it’s appropriate to do so.

In my opinion, it was quite appealing, from a storytelling perspective, that season 1 portrayed Watson finding his own identity beyond Sherlock Holmes’ influence by taking on and vanquishing Holmes’ adversary. This narrative choice seemed logical for emphasizing Watson’s importance as a character worthy of the limelight.

As a devoted fan, I must express my delight in your insightful remark. It occurred to me too that Moriarty has always been Sherlock’s adversary, rather than Watson’s. Your thoughts perfectly align with mine!

In a series named Watson, there’s often the query, “Why should we root for that character?” This question lingers. One approach could be to cast Morris Chestnut, but it’s more than just his presence. From the character’s perspective, he gains self-assurance by overcoming the adversary who had been a constant thorn in his and Sherlock’s side.

Is there a chance that the upcoming second season will reveal more about Moriarty, or were his mysteries intended to remain unsolved even after his death?

Craig Sweeny: The mysteries surrounding Moriarty continue to intrigue us narratively, and while we’re not intending to create a season solely focused on the past, the main storyline for season 2 may provide additional insights into the character of that man.

Sweeny Debated Whether Both Twins Would Survive The Watson Finale

“It felt like it would’ve been a choice driven by the practical rather than the creative.”

In the process of designing the storyline for the season, was there a point where you had considered that Adam or Stephen might not survive, but ultimately decided they both would?

Craig Sweeny: Indeed, it’s an intriguing query. To answer, yes, the concept of a single actor portraying twins has been explored previously. However, this show aims to push boundaries by executing this idea consistently over weekly episodes within a network procedural setting. In other words, each week, you’ll see one twin being acted out, adding an innovative twist to the familiar format.

In a remarkable display of versatility, Peter Kendall has played his roles so convincingly that some viewers don’t even suspect they’re watching the same actor. The question then arises: Would managing multiple such characters put too much strain on our resources, leading us to consider having only one character in future productions?

As our team penned the script for the season and expanded our filming capabilities to portray Peter in dual roles, I couldn’t help but feel that our journey with these characters was far from over. In fact, it seemed like we were just scratching the surface of their complexities. It struck me as a decision motivated more by practicality than creativity, so we decided to continue exploring both roles, delving deeper into who they truly are.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the intense moment between Stephen and Sasha – their heartfelt confession, followed by a tender kiss that seemed to hang in the balance of life and death. With season 2 approaching, I find myself pondering about where their relationship might be headed. Will we witness them attempting to navigate through the complexities of romance? Only time will tell!

It seems reasonable to assume that the storyline will undeniably progress in an unexpected manner into Season 2, given their shared ordeal of a significant trauma. They discover a connection between them that catches them off guard, which they both embrace deeply.

Moriarty May Have Been Able To Sway Ingrid In A Different Timeline

“She connected more and more over the course of the season to both Watson and to Sasha, in particular.”

As for me, Ingrid stands out among all characters due to her unforeseeable nature. I found myself wondering if her temptation by Moriarty went deeper than just blackmail, didn’t you?

Craig Sweeny: Yes, if we had performed our duties optimally, I believe that if he had encountered her under a slightly altered sequence of events, he might have experienced a distinctly different outcome. As the season progressed, she grew increasingly bonded with both Watson and Sasha, as well as the clinic in general.

Indeed, I believe Moriarty may not have fully grasped the kind of bond he was dealing with when he made his move. Ingrid, as first introduced at the start of the season, left us guessing about her allegiances. However, through our writing during the series, we managed to convince her to make the final choice we had intended for her character.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I ponder if there are others similar to Moriarty who possess the knowledge of her actions towards her father. For the moment, does it seem like this mystery has reached its end, or could there be more revelations to come?

Craig Sweeny: It’s best not to declare a case closed because it limits possibilities. Instead, I’ll share that for the second season, we intend to introduce an engaging narrative with Ingrid, focusing on the question of whether this character can alter her fundamental nature. Can she change, not just her actions, but her core identity? We’ll be exploring new territories while still leaving room to revisit her past actions.

When Stephen said, “I can longer collaborate with you,” Ingrid understood it deeply. This indicates that Ingrid tends to pay attention to what Stephen has to say, contrary to her usual disregard for other people’s preferences.

Craig Sweeny: It seems we placed her in a situation that forced her to ponder the repercussions of her actions or risk becoming indifferent to all outcomes. She wasn’t entirely aware of her actions, but by those actions, she came extremely close to causing harm to Stephens. Extremely close indeed.

There could be long-term effects on him that we’re not yet aware of. He’s improved, but it’s not as simple as saying he’s just better and everything is resolved. His experiences have been tough, and his brain has been injured. The situation was so severe that it was like a sudden plunge into cold water for Ingrid, forcing her to reflect deeply on her actions.

Season 2 Will Explore The Complexities Of Watson And Mary’s Relationship

“I don’t think either of them knows quite who they are as it relates to each other yet.”

There’s another topic we need to discuss – Shinwell. Despite his act of betrayal, I can’t help but feel sympathy towards him. Could there possibly be a chance for him and Watson to regain their old bond?

According to Shinwell’s actions following the incident, it seems the relationship might be more salvageable than one might initially assume, given the severity of the deception. Shinwell demonstrates deep empathy, and he is currently facing a difficult predicament. Despite this, he stepped forward and significantly altered the trajectory of the storyline. Without Shinwell’s involvement, they would not have achieved the outcome they did. Hence, yes, I believe that this relationship can persist in some capacity.

In the given scene, Mary swiftly assisted in concealing Moriarty’s predicament, and she also granted Watson permission to advance, all within the same moment. I find their relationship intriguing as it hints at a possible romantic reunion or simply underscores that deep affection can persist even after separation. What do you think is more likely?

Craig Sweeny: I won’t find it enjoyable to disclose that information. However, I can hint at it by stating that they both discovered in season 1 that there might be affection between them, whether it’s the deep friendship kind or something more profound—neither of them seems to fully grasp this yet, and we’ll watch as they struggle with figuring it out.

They aren’t keeping secrets, but I’m not sure if they’ve figured out their dynamic yet as partners. This uncertainty also raises questions about their current romantic entanglements. It’s quite intriguing to have such a strong connection with an ex-spouse.

Instead of simply stating, “I was married,” it adds intrigue when you say, “I was married, and now we work together, entangled in a murder mystery. Our relationship is complex, filled with love and danger.” This setup promises an engaging narrative, rich with suspense and emotional depth, making for an exciting exploration for both the characters and the audience alike.

As a cinephile reflecting on the upcoming episodes, I wonder if we’ll encounter additional nefarious masterminds akin to those that challenge the wits of the great Sherlock Holmes in season 2. Alternatively, could it be possible that fresh characters will grace our screens, adding intrigue and unpredictability to the narrative?

Craig Sweeny: The world of Sherlock Holmes is here to stay, and it’s going to be reinvented in a fresh manner for season 2. It’s not just about rehashing old stories by saying, “Now we’re doing Gruner, but this time he’s stealing sticky notes instead of genetic material.”

In the upcoming Season 2, I eagerly anticipate that we’ll breathe fresh life into the tales in a delightfully unexpected manner for our viewers. Rest assured, it’s not just about hinting at the essence of these stories, but rather integrating authentic events and characters from the narratives themselves into the fabric of Season 2.

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About Watson Season 1 On CBS

A Medical Show With A Strong Investigative Spine

Six months after the tragic demise of his friend and partner Sherlock Holmes at the hands of Moriarty, Dr. John Watson embarks on a new journey, returning to his medical career as the director of a specialized clinic dealing with unusual illnesses. However, Watson’s previous life doesn’t seem ready to let go – Moriarty and Watson are about to pen an original chapter in a story that has captivated audiences for over a century.

Check out our other Watson interviews:

  • Eve Harlow
  • Rochelle Aytes

Watson season 1 is currently available to stream on Paramount+.

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2025-05-12 10:44