[Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for Season 2 of Watson.]
Key Highlights
- In the Season 2 premiere of ‘Watson,’ Sherlock Holmes returns, reigniting the dynamic between him and Watson.
- Season 2 will elevate personal stakes, as John Watson must confront his true desires.
- Watson balances a new relationship with Laila and unresolved feelings for Mary, while Season 2 introduces humor and deeper character backgrounds.
The CBS series Watson is back for Season 2, presenting new medical mysteries that hit close to home when Mary’s (Rochelle Aytes) mother shows signs of rapidly progressing dementia. With Ingrid (Eve Harlow) trying to find herself and Shinwell (Ritchie Coster) moving past his issues with Moriarty, John Watson (Morris Chestnut) is focused on his work and relationship with Laila (Tika Sumpter). However, the unexpected return of Sherlock Holmes (Robert Carlyle) raises numerous questions that need answers.
In this one-on-one interview with Collider, Chestnut shared his thoughts on the dynamic between Sherlock Holmes and Watson, what to expect in the future, rebuilding his friendship with Shinwell, coping without Ingrid, solving a personal case, navigating his relationship with Laila, and what lies ahead in Season 2.
Morris Chestnut Is Excited to Have Robert Carlyle Join ‘Watson’ Season 2 as Sherlock Holmes
“We’ve had the best laughs of our lives.”
Collider: I want to start with the two most important words from the Season 2 premiere – Sherlock Holmes. We spent the first season with the presumption that he was dead while Moriarty was busy messing with everybody. After getting that out of the way, we’re now meeting Sherlock, who clearly is very much not dead. How do you feel about bringing Sherlock Holmes into things now?
MORRIS CHESTNUT: I love it. I love that we get Sherlock. Not only do I love Robert Carlyle as an actor, but the dynamic of the relationship between Sherlock and Watson is paramount; they’re longtime friends. We’ve had great times together and shared many laughs, but we’ve also faced serious situations requiring answers. Watson has a young team of brilliant minds that he mentors, but he also has someone from whom he can learn. I cherish those dynamics.
With the decision to bring Sherlock Holmes into Season 2, what were the biggest questions that you had about where he’s been and what’s been going on? What were the things you wanted to see between these two characters, especially with what we learned about them in the first season?
CHESTNUT: First and foremost, I love that these two characters are old friends. That’s something we didn’t explore in Season 1 since Watson was always dealing with serious medical cases and mentoring his team. Now he can relax and have fun with a friend. That’s what excites me.
Were there conversations about the best way to introduce him and even what to have him say? All we get are three words, “My dear Watson,” and so much of an impression has to be made with just three words.
CHESTNUT: I wasn’t part of those conversations. I didn’t even ask Craig Sweeny, the showrunner. I prefer to read the script without prior knowledge of what will happen; I like to experience it as the audience does. When I read it, I thought, “Oh wow, this is great.” Craig has everything planned out in his mind.
Where are things between Watson and Shinwell this season? Watson chose not to let him go for what he did; how did Watson make peace with Shinwell’s actions? Will Shinwell still feel guilt about everything that happened?
CHESTNUT: At the end of Season 1, Watson realized that collecting DNA could have caused tremendous devastation if it fell into the wrong hands. His goal is to contribute positively through science and healing; it’s not about himself but helping others. He’s willing to overlook some things if he sees good in someone who can help others. That’s how he views Shinwell; he sees potential for good in him.
The team is down to Adam and Stephens along with Sasha. How difficult is it for Watson and the team to be without Ingrid? Do they miss her even if they don’t want to admit it?
CHESTNUT: Yes. Watson assembled a complete team; when one member is missing, it disrupts everything. We will explore how they can complete their team again. Ingrid’s actions in Season 1 could have endangered two team members’ lives; we cannot forget that aspect as we try to move forward.
As an actor, how strange is it to spend a season together as a group and then have one member missing? Was it odd to have scenes without her?
CHESTNUT: Honestly, yes. It felt strange because we spent so many hours together on set. Being in an environment where she was absent was unusual; she would usually come for makeup tests or be present on set.
The Medical Cases Are Always Personal for Dr. John Watson
“He wanted to do what was best for Mary.”
It’s always intriguing when a procedural features a case personally connected to one of its characters. This first case involved Mary’s mother, allowing us deeper insight into her family background. What did you find most compelling about this first case?
CHESTNUT: What I loved about this first case was its personal nature—every case is personal for Watson. The episode illustrated that it’s not solely about John Watson but also about doing what’s best for Mary and her family. Bringing everyone together to solve this mystery was immensely satisfying for him.
Are there any other cases that you’ve found particularly intriguing this season?
CHESTNUT: There are some fascinating medical cases coming up this season. One involves a person who appears ten years younger than their actual age. Another case features individuals who no longer wish to live, prompting him to encourage them otherwise. He learns valuable lessons from all these cases.
This first case revealed that Mary has a brother she knew nothing about. The scene where John reveals this information made me laugh due to its setup. Why do you think he didn’t simply sit her down privately to break the news?
CHESTNUT: Once he figured it out, he went directly to ensure that guy was present before calling Mary there because he wanted her to understand everything clearly while she was already emotionally charged. He approached it in a way true to John Watson’s character.
The moment Miles learns about his mother visiting him every morning provides profound insight into why he would want to save her life. How satisfying was it for you to close this case beautifully for Mary?
CHESTNUT: It was immensely satisfying because that’s at the core of John Watson’s character—using science and medicine for good. He managed to unite that family while saving Mary’s life—a fulfilling outcome for him.
Even Though Watson Is With Laila in Season 2, There Are Still Unresolved Issues With Mary
“He’s still grappling with some of the discoveries of last season.”
A bit of time has passed at the beginning of this season, allowing us to see John and Laila together in a relationship. How do you view their relationship at this point?
CHESTNUT: At this stage, they are involved, and he cares deeply for Laila. However, he is still grappling with discoveries from last season—particularly concerning his marriage with Mary—which remain unresolved within him throughout this season.
What do you feel Tika Sumpter brings to the show?
CHESTNUT: Working with Tika is wonderful—she adds a significant element to the show as Laila is a pediatric oncologist. Her mature approach towards handling situations involving my ex-wife during intimate moments showcases her gracefulness.
Laila asks John what he wants—a question he rarely considers due to focusing on others’ needs instead of his own desires.
CHESTNUT: That’s very true.
If you had to guess what he truly wants for himself, what would it be?
CHESTNUT: In terms of relationships—especially considering a developing triangle—he struggles with various issues which prevent him from answering that question immediately. His dedication to helping others complicates understanding his own desires while he’s still working through personal matters.
Doe it seem like he has everything sorted out professionally while struggling personally?
CHESTNUT: He’s even adjusting professionally—the DNA database project could have led down a dangerous path if misused—but ultimately finds satisfaction in healing people and solving medical mysteries—that’s where his contributions lie.
The audience sees Ingrid participating in group therapy—what does this signify for her? Is this truly helpful? Will it be a long journey?
CHESTNUT: Therapy can benefit those who genuinely seek help—we’ll see how seriously Ingrid approaches it and what character development emerges from her therapy sessions.
The question arises regarding whether Ingrid possesses brilliance akin to Holmes or Moriarty—how challenging will it be discerning her honesty versus manipulation?
CHESTNUT: She remains quite mysterious and unpredictable.
More Will Continue to Be Revealed About John Watson in Season 2 of ‘Watson’
“You’ll see more levity.”
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