Editor’s Note: The recap below includes spoilers for Watson Episode 9.

Following a previous misstep in the storyline where iconic Sherlock Holmes characters were introduced, which interrupted the series’ momentum, Watson returns to its peak form with Episode 9 titled “Take a Family History.” This captivating episode dives deep into Dr. Derian’s (Eve Harlow) complex and often harsh personality, unraveling the layers of her character. The story kicks off with a poignant flashback set in 2009, depicting a young Ingrid desperately racing to UHOP to find her sister after their father took her to the ER following a harrowing two-story fall from a balcony. Earlier in the series, Watson hinted at Derian’s sister being the catalyst for her obsessive drive to join the Spinal Signal Program, and this episode skillfully fills in the missing pieces concerning the tragic events that led to Gigi’s paralysis. The prognosis is grim, as the surgical options available seem dire, with the attending physician showing little interest in considering alternatives, much to Derian’s distress.

Fast forward to the present day, the tension escalates when Gigi (Kiera Allen) frantically contacts Derian, revealing her alarming condition. She is losing mobility in her limbs, experiencing intense pain, and feeling completely helpless. Derian rushes home only to find the fire alarm blaring because Gigi is unable to turn off the stovetop due to her hands being immobilized. Gigi insists on being taken to UHOP, recognized as the premier hospital, but Derian hesitates due to the potential fallout of their familial connection being exposed. The fear of personal bias affecting her sister’s treatment looms large, yet in the end, Derian reluctantly agrees to her sister’s request under the pretense of being strangers, aided by Gigi’s legal name change which creates a necessary buffer between them.

While Derian’s tragic backstory and her sister’s medical emergency dominate the episode’s storyline, Watson also carves out time to delve into its engaging character dynamics—particularly between Watson (Morris Chestnut) and Mary (Rochelle Aytes), as well as Lubbock (Inga Schlingmann) and Stephens (Peter Mark Kendall). Early in the episode, it’s established that Valentine’s Day is upon them. Lubbock and Adam take it upon themselves to assist Stephens in creating a dating profile, especially after his previous camgirl venture fell through. They cleverly use adorable dogs in the profile to attract the right matches. One dog belongs to Adam, while the other is Lubbock’s foster dog, whom Stephens instantly bonds with. Despite Lubbock rekindling her romance with an artistic ex, her undeniable chemistry with Stephens flares up, culminating in a playful flirtation that seals their budding relationship. By the episode’s conclusion, Stephens opts to adopt the foster dog, a charming three-legged mutt, and leaves the clinic with Lubbock, marking a seemingly mundane yet significant moment that echoes the beginnings of many beloved couples in procedural dramas. Notably, Lubbock and Stephens are not the only ones experiencing the romance of the day.

In previous episodes, Watson hinted at the nature of Mary’s relationship with “Gummi” (the woman from HR), leading to uncertainty about whether they were genuinely a couple or if it was merely a figment of Watson’s TBI. Episode 9 finally clarifies their relationship status, confirming they were indeed dating, and that HR had betrayed Mary. Before their breakup, Mary had thoughtfully organized a romantic dinner for two, but when an official Valentine’s Day date fell through, she invites Watson to join her instead. While the dinner doesn’t lead to any significant developments, it does deepen the connection between Watson and Mary. He opens up about the emotional complexities surrounding the miscarriage that occurred during his absence, demonstrating a surprising level of emotional maturity. Their heartfelt conversation is interrupted when Watson receives a distress call from Derian regarding a patient, prompting Mary to accompany him on this medical mystery—a first for her, adding a layer of excitement. Mary’s presence at the clinic triggers a ripple effect for Derian, and the flashbacks serve to clarify the deep-seated animosity Derian harbors towards both Mary and, at times, Watson.

Experience the Thrill of Valentine’s Day in ‘Watson’ Episode 9

In the subsequent flashbacks, Watson reveals that Ingrid sought assistance from a promising young attending surgeon—Mary. Initially, Mary hesitates to challenge Dr. Moynihan’s decision regarding Gigi’s medical condition and prognosis. However, after Ingrid emotionally manipulates her into considering alternative treatment options, Mary ultimately decides that the best course of action is to remove Gigi’s spleen, subsequently proceeding with spinal surgery. While Ingrid’s manipulation may seem dubious, it highlights the abusive dynamics they suffered at the hands of their father. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that their father was not only physically abusive but also directly responsible for Gigi’s fall from the balcony, adding a tragic layer to their family history.

As Mary prepares to scrub in for the surgery, Dr. Moynihan arrives to halt the procedure, chastising Mary for undermining his authority regarding her patient. Ingrid witnesses the entire confrontation, filled with despair over losing the only opportunity for her sister to regain mobility, while also harboring anger towards Mary for failing to counter Dr. Moynihan’s oppressive actions. Despite her experience, Mary struggles to assert herself, and this unresolved tension plays into Derian’s ongoing resentment towards Mary regarding Gigi’s condition.

In the present timeline, Derian finds herself shutting down every suggestion made by Watson, the Crofts, Lubbock, or Mary regarding Gigi’s deteriorating health. Her responses reflect a troubling level of knowledge about Gigi’s condition that few healthcare professionals should possess. Watson, connecting the dots, confronts Derian about her sister’s identity, expressing his disappointment over her dishonesty not just towards him but also towards the medical board that approved her entry into the spinal program. Derian, however, stands by her decisions, inadvertently revealing Mary’s involvement in Gigi’s paralysis. Although Mary maintains that she did everything possible amid the risks to her surgical career, the haunting memories of Gigi’s case linger. Ultimately, Watson uncovers the underlying issue impacting Gigi’s health after Derian mentions her major depressive disorder, which she had failed to disclose to the spinal program. The medication that Derian prescribed to mitigate the effects of the spinal procedures turns out to be causing Malignant Hypothermia, a condition that can be reversed.

‘Watson’ Episode 9 Foreshadows Future Developments

As the episode reaches its climax, Mary delivers a crucial message to Derian, indicating that she does not plan to terminate her employment—at least not immediately. She grants Derian a two-month grace period to secure a new position, or else she will face termination. This development leaves Derian visibly crushed, her frustration deepening when Watson sides with Mary, making it clear that he will not interfere with any consequences she faces for her actions. This revelation is a hard blow for Derian, particularly given her history of enduring significant consequences in her life. This situation raises the question of whether this might push her towards aligning with Moriarty (Randall Park), as her narrative arc seems poised for a dramatic turn. Throughout the series, Derian has been observed taking meticulous notes about Watson’s unethical practices, and Moriarty possesses knowledge of the dark past involving Derian and her father.

The final flashback reveals a chilling moment where Derian takes her father to the water’s edge—where she once celebrated her birthday—and murders him with a syringe of fentanyl pilfered from the hospital, burying him in a shallow grave. This complex moral situation challenges the audience’s perspective, as Watson portrays Derian’s past actions as “bad,” despite many viewing the act of killing an abuser as justifiable, even if premeditated. Even after the revelations in this episode, Derian continues to be portrayed as a complex, if unlikable, character, and the series seems resolute in not attempting to win over new fans for her as it approaches the final four episodes.

Don’t miss new episodes of Watson airing every Sunday on CBS at 9 PM ET/PT, and catch them on the Paramount+ app the following day.