Watson just found its Sherlock Holmes with a terrific choice to play the iconic detective on the CBS drama. Isn't Sherlock Holmes dead in the series, though?
It’s possible no literary character has been portrayed on screen as much as Sherlock Holmes. The famed detective has seen numerous iterations from Basil Rathbone in the 1940s to today. That includes television with Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock), Johnny Lee Miller (Elementary), and most recently David Thewlis (Sherlock & Daughter) all putting their own stamps on the role.
That’s why it was daring for CBS series Watson to open with Holmes dying in a fight with arch-rival Moriarty. That left his aide, Doctor John Watson (Morris Chestnut), inheriting Holmes’s fortune and creating a clinic where he uses his skills to solve medical mysteries.
The first season featured Watson clashing with Moriarty (Randall Park) and a great finale, suggesting the show was fine without Holmes. But now he’s coming and in great form!
Who’s playing Holmes in Watson?
Deadline broke the news that Robert Carlyle has been cast as Sherlock Holmes for season 2. As Holmes aficionados know, Holmes survived his seemingly fatal fall fighting Moriarty and returned. Per Deadline, Holmes pops up in season 2 to surprise Watson and open up a new mystery.
Craig Sweeney, the show’s EP and showrunner shared a statement praising the casting.
“We are thrilled to have the mighty Robert Carlyle join the cast of Watson in Season 2. The man has played iconic roles in projects like Trainspotting, The Full Monty and 28 Weeks Later, and now he steps into the shoes of the most iconic detective of all, Sherlock Holmes. When Watson’s best friend and former partner makes a shocking reappearance in his life, Watson is forced to confront their shared past — and a secret that may lie buried within Watson’s own body.”
The appearance of Holmes is a surprise, as Sweeney had said there weren’t plans to have the character come in. It was assumed that if Holmes were to appear, it would be in flashbacks, not returning from the dead.
With Watson being moved from midseason to now airing on Mondays this fall, the producers likely think they need something to get more eyes on the show. In that case, actually having Sherlock Holmes in a story involving his partner is a great way to bring viewers in.
Carlyle is a fantastic choice for the role. The veteran actor has ample TV experience, most notably playing Mr. Gold/Rumplestiltskin on Once Upon a Time. He has the gravitas and eccentric manner to play a different Holmes and should get along well with Chestnut.
There can be drama with Watson upset Holmes let him think he was dead and the question of what brings Sherlock back. While Moriarty is gone, it's possible another threat from Sherlock's past may be endangering Watson.
The role is said to only be recurring, yet having Carlyle as Holmes makes season 2 of Watson even more exciting for fans and boosts it well.
Watson season 2 premieres on Monday, Oct. 13 at 10/9c on CBS.
Stay tuned to Precinct TV for news and updates.