Watson season 1 episode 4 “Patient Question Mark” continued with the lessons that John is trying to teach his students. But this time around, it was Sasha’s past that led them down an unexpected road. While there, I gained a lot more understanding and sympathy for John. In the Watson pilot I wasn’t quite sure as to what he was trying to do with all of these doctors under his tutelage. But it’s become more clear with every episode that passes that he wants to nurture their minds. And by going back and trying to solve something in Sasha’s past, he’s nurturing her curiosity but also forming strong bonds with his students that will serve the show later on.
This being a Sasha-centric episode, we got to see a little hints of her past that really enriched her character. We already knew that she was a high strung kind of doctor. Everything is meticulously planned down to the possible venues for an engagement before she got engaged. Or kind of engaged. But there were moments where she needed to let go and relax. Hence the blonde hair and the art boyfriend/companion who became inspired by her and created a whole art show years later. Sasha has layers and it makes her more interesting to learn about and watch.
Shipping wise, I feel like Watson season 1 episode 4 “Patient Question Mark” was giving me even more moments between Sasha and Stephens. And it’s not even grandiose moments between them that are cluing in my shipper heart. It’s in the way that Stephens asks if she’s okay in the office or when he’s just talking to her and joking at the Amish countryside. Banter is something that you see between two people that have a connection. It doesn’t have to be romantic. But sometimes it is. And I feel like a romance between Sasha and Stephens could lead to some interesting dynamics because I think they complement each other while also being similar in the way that they walk through life.
Also, that hallway smile from Sasha after talking to Stephens. That wasn’t placating her. That was honesty.
Everything wasn’t about Sasha in “Patient Question Mark” though. There was this really interesting dynamic between Ingrid and Adams. I don’t see anything romantic between them at all. When I say they have an interesting dynamic I mean that Adams is someone who I think I have underestimated. Ingrid has also underestimated him. Like Sasha she likes control. But she becomes absolutely terrified when anybody sees past her walls. She’s the kind of woman who does not have long-term connections because of the fear of being known. And Adams, he watches more than people expect. And when he looks at Ingrid he sees someone who is smart, clever, but also unaware of her surroundings.
We also got some great moments in this episode between John and Mary. She knows him like the back of her hand. And she uses that knowledge to bring him to her. In a way it’s this kind of cat and mouse game but it’s built on an intimacy that we have never seen before as the viewer. This makes me curious for what was, what changed, and who they will be moving forward. Because Mary is an iconic part of the Sherlock Holmes universe. I don’t think she’s going away. And like all the other dynamics on Watson, it’ll be interesting to see how these two people who were married, continue showing up for each other as they end their marriage.
Overall I feel like Watson has gotten stronger and stronger with each episode that drops. And “Patient Question Mark” sees these characters starting to get their groove in making me curious about these characters. I’m not sure if I’m totally invested and ride or die for them. But I’m curious and that’s more than other shows nowadays manage to do.
Watson airs on Sundays at 9/8c on CBS.
