Craig Sweeny Talks About the ‘Watson’ Finale, Looking Back on Two Seasons and What Season 3 Could Have Brought for John and Sherlock
CBS’s Watson Season 2 Finale: A Conclusive Twist Amid Cancellation
In a poignant conclusion, the Season 2 finale of CBS’s Watson intertwined the fates of John Watson and Sherlock Holmes, marking the end of the series following its cancellation. The episode sees Watson, portrayed by Morris Chestnut, traveling to Baltimore with Mary (Rochelle Aytes) for critical surgery related to his glioblastoma, which has plagued him throughout the season. Meanwhile, a disoriented Sherlock is admitted to the Holmes Clinic in Pittsburgh, prompting Watson to abandon his surgical plans and rush to support his friend. This decision results in Watson suffering a significant seizure, overshadowing the urgency of his own medical needs.
Upon awakening, Watson expresses his love for Mary, who reciprocates his feelings. The finale culminates with Watson in the operating room, envisioning a future with Mary at 221B Baker Street in London, reflecting their earlier heartfelt conversation.
“The season finale was tricky to write in that, even while we were filming it, we didn’t know if the show was coming back or not,” said series creator Sweeny. CBS’s decision to cancel Watson was announced shortly after the completion of Season 2’s production, which left the team grappling with the finale’s implications.
Sweeny explained that they treated the episode primarily as a season finale, with a “coda” hinting at the potential future for Watson and Mary. “The coda, set at Baker Street, has several possible interpretations — among other things, it could be a fantasia Watson is seeing as he’s on the operating table in what may be his dying moments,” he noted, encouraging viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Sweeny also revealed that, had a third season occurred, it would have included Watson serving as Sherlock’s doctor, addressing complications from the ailment that plagued Holmes at the end of Season 2. Originally intended as a psychological exploration with Holmes existing solely as a delusion in Watson’s mind, the storyline evolved after they witnessed Robert Carlyle’s compelling portrayal of Sherlock.
The finale leaves several storylines unresolved, particularly concerning the younger doctors and ongoing investigations within the series. Sweeny reflected on the show’s two-season run, expressing bittersweet gratitude, noting, “We had a lot more to say with the show… I love to write procedurals with cases that are set at the edge of what humans know, and Watson gave me and our team the chance to do that every week.”
Having previously worked on CBS’s Elementary, Sweeny acknowledged the contributions of executive producer Dr. Shäron Moalem, who provided crucial insights into crafting scientifically intriguing cases.
As the curtain falls on Watson, Sweeny expressed appreciation for the collaborative spirit among the cast and crew. He stated, “Making Watson for two seasons was a rewarding experience… I’ve never known anything quite like the warm and collegial vibe that prevailed on Watson.”
In his closing remarks, he thanked the dedicated team behind the series, emphasizing both the loss of the show and the gratitude for the opportunity to produce 33 episodes.
