Watson

Morris Chestnut takes on the role of a suave, modern-day version of John Watson in this medical mystery drama. The series boasts a glossy, high-production aesthetic that makes for visually engaging viewing. While it sets itself up as a blend of House and Elementary, it doesn't quite hit a home run.

One of the show's biggest challenges is its supporting cast. While there is noticeable chemistry among Dr. Watson's team members, the series heavily centers around him, leaving the rest of the characters feeling more like background players. In this episode, we don't get enough depth from them to feel truly invested in their presence-or absence-in future episodes. However, two characters stand out: Watson's assistant and the medical director, both of whom add some intrigue and dynamic energy to the story.

The cinematography is a highlight, with many beautifully shot scenes that give the show a prestigious feel. Towards the end of the episode, a larger conspiracy or mystery is introduced, hinting at more complexity to come. While the series has potential, it leaves much to be desired in its character development and narrative depth.

I am a big fan of Morris Chestnut. This series feels very formulaic. Like any person only ever has one case to follow up on. Realistic please! I am not a doctor or detective but in my real life - I have several items open and being pursued at once allllll the time. The acting is a little stilted from the supporting characters. I will be hanging on for a few episodes to see how this develops. I usually give at least five episodes to a new show to see character and deeper storyline develop. Some mystery around how Moriarity is involved and how deeply with Watson. Did Sherlock really die? Or will he reappear?

So So.

I want to see if the show gets its legs. The set was sophisticated. The question of whether they meant that John Watson is answered early enough to not be distracting the whole time.

I want to like it. The reason I will come back for more is Morris Chestnut can develop a range even if all the director wants to do is make him as sexy as possible, forget the plot. It can be terrible for a super tight script.

Slow start. What's the deal with the separated partner? Why these residents or new doctors? What makes the patient cases compelling enough to get free care?

Will Holmes or Moriarty join the cast this season?

It's enough of a hook to return.

We were really looking forward to Watson. We were also extremely underwhelmed. My biggest issue, which may or may not have contributed to low rating is the way Morris Chestnut talks. Because his voice is so low along with how fast he talks I could barely understand him. His lines were a mumbled jumble of words which I could not understand. Along with subject matter of the Pilot, I didn't get it. I also thought that the writers could have dumbed it down a little for we the audience to understand. I finally put it all together and understood what was going on. I also thought the Pilot was flat, nothing that drew me in to pay attention.

I will give it another chance or two and see if it gets better.

The pilot kicks off CBS's new medical drama with decidedly mixed results. The episode introduces us to Dr. John Watson (Morris Chestnut) as he takes charge of his new department, but the dynamics feel as artificial as a plastic skeleton in a med school classroom.

The resident doctors working under Watson seem to have graduated from the School of TV Medical Clichés rather than actual medical school. There's the overly confident one who makes rookie mistakes, the timid one who actually knows their stuff but can't speak up, and the competitive one who's trying too hard to impress. Their interactions with Watson lack any natural rapport, making their teaching moments feel more like awkward job interviews than mentorship.

However, the episode does have two saving graces. The first is the wonderful Rochelle Aytes, whose presence lights up every scene she's in. She brings a grounding element to the show that makes you wish she had more screen time.

The second highlight is the genuinely surprising twist ending. Without spoiling too much, it cleverly ties back to Watson's past with Sherlock Holmes in a way that promises more intriguing developments. It's the kind of reveal that makes you reconsider earlier scenes and wonder how it will affect future episodes.

The medical case of the week is serviceable, though it suffers from the supporting cast's lack of chemistry. Watching Watson's team stumble through differentials feels less like brilliant minds at work and more like a group project where nobody did the reading. Even their celebratory moment after solving the case has all the warmth of a hospital waiting room.

The production values deserve credit - the hospital setting looks appropriately high-end, and the medical procedures are well-staged. The directors clearly know how to shoot medical drama, even if the material they're working with needs a stronger prescription.

Despite its flaws, the episode ends on such an intriguing note that it earns its five stars almost entirely on the strength of its final five minutes and Aytes' magnetic performance. Whether the show can maintain interest beyond this hook remains to be seen, but for now, it's just enough to make you curious about episode two.

Bottom Line: A rocky start saved by Rochelle Aytes' stellar presence and a twist ending that actually surprises. The show needs urgent care when it comes to its supporting cast chemistry, but there might be enough here to keep viewers coming back for a few more appointments.