Long before James Bond, literary iconSherlock Holmeswas a character who has been played by a variety of different actors across decades. Now, the detective has his newest face, with an acclaimed actor chosen to take on the iconic role in CBS and Paramount+’s modern-day reboot.
The CBS seriesWatsonis a modern retelling of the famous detective, putting a twist on the works of Arthur Conan Doyle and focusing on Dr. John Watson (played byMorris Chestnut) rather than Holmes himself. Picking up after the apparent death of Sherlock Holmes, the series finds Watson returning to his work as a medical practitioner, using his newfound detective skills to solve clinical mysteries rather than murders.
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The first season ofWatsonwrapped up back in May, with Season 2 now all set to addTrainspotting, Once Upon a Time,and28 Weeks LaterstarRobert Carlyleas Sherlock Holmes. Carlyle “will appear in a recurring guest role,” according to Deadline, with the outlet also revealing how Holmes’ unexpected return will affect the series going forward.
“With his eyes fixed on the future, Watson faces an unexpected twist when Sherlock Holmes, who was presumed dead, resurfaces, forcing him to confront a buried secret from his past — one that lies hidden within his own body.”
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WhileWatsoncreator Craig Sweeny had previously stated that he was in no rush to add Sherlock Holmesto the world ofWatson, something has clearly changed. Watson has already proven to be a big hit for CBS, with the doctor/detective show becoming “broadcast TV’s top new entertainment shows, averaging more than 10 million multiplatform viewers in L35s for the season,” according to Deadline. While Holmes’ resurrection comes as a surprise, Sweeny is ecstatic to have an actor of Carlyle’s calibre on board to play the iconic investigator.
“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.”
So far, the series has proven to be deeply divisive among critics and was outright panned by fans. On the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a score of 50% from the former, alongside 35% from the latter. “Transplanting Sherlock Holmes lore into a medical procedural,Watsonconceit proves an awkward fit but gets a boost from the ever-watchable Morris Chestnut,” the consensus reads. Robert Carlylejoins a star-studded listthat includes Robert Downey Jr., Benedict Cumberbatch, Henry Cavill, Jonny Lee Miller, Ian McKellen, Peter Cushing, Basil Rathbone, and many more, as the latest iteration of Sherlock. And here’s hoping that the arrival of the super sleuth can elevateWatsonin the estimations of both critics and audiences alike.
Watsonalso stars Eve Harlow, Peter Mark Kendall, Ritchie Coster, Inga Schlingmann, Rochelle Aytes, andRandall Park as Professor James Moriarty, with Season 2 all set to premiere at 10 p.m. Monday, October 13, on CBS, as well as streaming on Paramount+.
Source:Deadline
