Watson Season 1 Episode 3 recap: Watson’s hallucinations disrupt a crucial case

Putting a spin on the Sherlock Holmes universe, CBS's Watson is a medical drama that focuses on the legendary detective's longtime companion, Dr. John Watson. The story starts six months after Sherlock’s presumed death, caused by his infamous rival Moriarty.

With Holmes gone, John is no longer just a sidekick and after getting back to medicine, he uses his investigative skills in the medical world. The doctor's clinic is known for treating mysterious and rare conditions. However, it's not just about routine healthcare.

Watson delves into unusual, complex, and often life-threatening medical mysteries, like the cases he used to crack with Holmes. The medical drama features a case per episode but also carries a continuous storyline due to Moriarty’s lingering presence.

In the latest episode 3, the titular doctor's media and psychological vulnerabilities take center stage while revealing truths about his team. One of the biggest revelations in the episode was about a trusted associate, Shinwell Johnson, who has been secretly operating for Moriarty.

Continue reading for a detailed recap!

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Watson Episode 3 recap: Moriarty’s deadly game

In Episode 3 "Wait for the Punchline" we see how the doctor's decision to self-prescribe his medication backfired horribly. While John trusts Shinwell Johnson, his right-hand man has been switching his meds to ensure Watson’s traumatic brain injury symptoms worsen.

He's actually on Moriarty's side, and John's intense migraines, nightmares, and even a blackout during a patient examination are a result of their deadly game. This plan puts the titular doctor's life at risk and affects his ability to diagnose Molly Jones.

She's a stand-up comic with a mysterious condition and the doctor eventually learns that Molly's illness is linked to a genetic heart defect. This condition has caused the deaths of his siblings who were believed to have been murdered.

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Ingrid suspects Watson is hiding something

Soon after Ingrid noticed John's sudden collapse, she understood he was hiding the truth. The doctor gives excuses for his condition and even convinces Molly to support his story. However, Ingrid and Mary remain doubtful.

At the same time, Moriarty’s real intentions are unclear. While he has been trying to cause John constant trouble, the episode doesn't reveal if he wants to test the doctor's control or open wounds using Sherlock Holmes' death. Even though he's operating off-screen, Moriarty's influence keeps growing.

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Secrets and betrayal in Watson Episode 3

While the latest episode focused on John battling his own demons and deteriorating health, it also delves into the hidden tensions among his team members. At first, it looked like the twin doctors, Stephens and Adams, were involved in a sibling rivalry, but it's darker than we saw.

Turns out Adams was dating Stephens’ ex-fiancée resulting in disappointment and resentment. However, this isn't the only drama among the team as Sasha has been wearing the ring she found in her boyfriend’s drawer. This means that she didn't even let him propose and wore the ring.

As the episode ends, Dr. Watson is constantly manipulated while his team members are entangled in their own conflicts. The mastermind Moriarty's plan is gradually unfolding and if the doctor doesn’t regain control soon, his rival's next move could be deadlier.

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