Watsonwill see aWhat We Do in the Shadowsicon step into the role of Sherlock Holmes — with a twist. The CBS series sees Dr. John Watson (Morris Chestnut) attempting to move on as he heads his own clinic in the wake of Holmes' death, though his past soon comes to haunt him. Alongside Morris,theWatsoncastalso features Rochelle Aytes as Watson’s ex-wife Mary Morstan and Ritchie Coster as the knowledgeable and well-connected former criminal Shinwell Johnson, while Randall Park takes on the role of iconic villain Moriarty.
As reported byTV Insider,Matt Berry ofWhat We Do in the Shadowswill provide the voice of HolmesinWatson’s seventh episode. Showrunner Craig Sweeny teased the detective will haunt Watson through hallucinations, with Berry’s distinct voice being used to torment him in a highly vulnerable state. Sweeny explained:
Watson is not a reliable narrator in that moment and he’s experiencing something highly, highly subjective…
On the topic of whether Berry could someday play Holmes in the flesh, Sweeny was careful not to confirm anything, but added:
I couldn’t say that. I feel it might be violating the deal-making gods, if I said that.Certainly, he would be an amazing Sherlock. I don’t believe that we can guarantee that, but that would be our hope.
What Sweeny’s Comments Mean For Watson’s Holmes “Appearance”
Even With An Unreliable Narrator, Watson’s Hallucinations Could Establish Major Characteristics
Sweeney previously discussed how often familiar characters and elements ofSir Arthur Conan Doyle’s taleswill feature inWatson. While key Holmes acquaintances Inspector Lestrade and Irene Adler have been confirmed for future appearances,the showrunner has initially ruled out a physical appearance from the detective, even if Moriarty’s survival raises the possibility that Holmes may be alive. Rather than letting the detective pull the focus away from Watson and his team, the character will not appear in the immediate future.
Watson: What Is Moriarty’s Villainous Plan & How Holmes' Clinic Could Be The Key To It
Watson’s first episode contains a big Moriarty twist that implies Watson and his clinic are central to the archvillain’s nefarious plans.
However, given that Holmes will make an appearance of sorts inWatson’s episode 7 hallucination, it is clear that the showrunner has considered several aspects of the series' version of the detective. While the method of how he will feature leaves room for alterations if necessary,this episode could provide some insight into what Holmes and Watson’s dynamicwasin the lead-up to the fateful Reichenbach Falls encounter. As such, even though the detective may only appear in an unreliable form, the episode could lay the foundations for future encounters.
Our Take On Matt Berry’s Watson Casting
Berry Is Known For Leaving A Lasting Impression
While the how of Holmes’Watsonappearance may be ensnared in mystery,Berry’s involvementis sure to intrigue many. Even without Laszlo’s unique phrasings fromWhat We Do in the Shadows, the actor has a distinct and memorable voice that is instantly recognizable. As such, it is clear that his role will leave an impression. Furthermore, should Berry’s Holmes be well-received and the series earn a renewal, Sweeny is obviously impressed with Berry’s work.A future physical appearance from Berry could be on the cardsforWatson’s future, even if it is unclear whether the detective survived or not.
