Watson Creator Discusses Possibility of Sherlock Holmes Joining CBS Medical Drama

Watson, a contemporary reinterpretation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective stories, made its debut on CBS with an episode centered around one of the most significant moments in Sherlock Holmes lore. Series creator Craig Sweeny shared insights about the possibility of Sherlock Holmes making an appearance in the show. In this modern adaptation, Morris Chestnut takes on the role of Watson, who assembles a group of aspiring doctors to tackle complex mysteries. The captivating pilot, which premiered on January 26, introduced characters portrayed by Ritchie Coster and Rochelle Aytes, alongside Chestnut’s Watson.

The series opens with an adaptation of Holmes’ climactic showdown with James Moriarty, portrayed by Randall Park, during their infamous encounter at Reichenbach Falls from “The Final Problem.”In a discussion with Deadline, Sweeny contemplated the idea of Holmes surviving that fateful day and potentially appearing in future episodes, especially after Moriarty’s unexpected survival. Sweeny believes beginning with Holmes’ demise allows the character of Watson to take center stage without the shadow of the legendary detective looming overhead. Even so, he recognized Sherlock’s eventual returns in Doyle’s narrative:

If you have Watson front and center, to allow that character to shine, you definitely don’t want him competing with the most famous character in all of literature, so a very natural construction for me was to begin with the death of Holmes at Reichenbach Falls. Now, of course, even in Conan Doyle’s stories, Sherlock is not truly dead.

While Sweeny confirmed that Holmes is currently absent from the series, he did not completely dismiss the idea of a future appearance. However, he noted that Sherlock would likely not play a recurring role if he did return:

My belief is that Holmes is gone. I don’t want to be held to that if there’s some great story that presents itself, but I don’t believe that we’re ever going to feature Sherlock as an ongoing character in the show Watson at this time.

Insights from Sweeny’s Response on Watson’s Possible Sherlock Holmes Appearance

Possible Returns for Holmes

Given the circumstances surrounding Park’s Moriarty, who seems to have survived the Reichenbach events, it raises the question of whether Holmes could also still be alive. While Watson awakens to learn he is the only survivor from the incident, the six months following the event hint at Moriarty’s continued machinations alongside Shinwell Johnson. This leaves space for potential narratives featuring Holmes, especially considering the absence of both bodies at the scene.

Holmes, known for his remarkable disguise skills, could be operating incognito, creating another layer of intrigue. This essential aspect of his character might find its way into the plot of Watson, allowing the detective to maneuver in the background just as Moriarty does.

Reflections on Watson’s Possible Sherlock Holmes Comeback

A Focus on Watson’s Evolution

The pilot episode of Watson establishes a firm narrative direction centered on the character’s growth beyond his association with Sherlock Holmes. While the impact of his time with Holmes strained his relationship with Mary, it ultimately enhanced his skills as a doctor.

With Sweeny’s emphasis on focusing on Watson’s development, viewers can anticipate a storyline that prioritizes his journey, rather than one reliant on the iconic detective’s presence. Consequently, it’s clear that audiences should not expect a continuous reunion between Watson and Holmes, as Watson is set to forge a new path in his life.

Source: Deadline

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