Watson Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Giant Steps
On Watson Season 2 Episode 7, “Giant Steps,” we meet Annabelle, a 22-year-old saxophonist Hamish Watson is sure is about to be discovered—if her dizzy spells don’t get in the way.
When these are diagnosed as mini strokes, the need for answers is paramount. An MRI disproves MS and even a secret stash of cocaine in Annabelle’s apartment is ruled out as a cause. Finally, another test finds that Annabella has Moyamoya disease.
The condition is complicated but exacerbated by the strain of intense playing to her breath and brain. Brain surgery will help, but without assurance her talent won’t be damaged, neither Annabelle nor Hamish will consent to the procedure.
It takes her having a real stroke to change their minds. After some emotional motivation from Hamish, Annabelle has the surgery. It goes remarkably well. With her dreams still within reach, father and son have a bonding moment of their own.
Meanwhile, the rest of the characters face tension and awkwardness in their personal lives. Most prominently, Sasha takes Stephens to meet her family only for it to blow up later. Her “uncle” has lied about his connection to her all along.
In TV drama, it’d be easier to make a list of characters who don’t have a complicated relationship with their parents. It’s nice to see that still be true for John and Hamish and yet have genuine love and understanding at the center.
I’ll give a pass to the fact that we probably should have heard before now about out main character having a father whose status as a jazz musician is enough to grant him his own Wikipedia page (one his son is now mentioned on.)
I’m glad we get to meet Hamish now. Despite his sometimes-dangerous stubbornness, he’s warm, funny, and likeable. I just hope this show is above introducing him only to make it more painful when something happens to him to hurt John.
Annabelle is also someone we immediately root for, though I’m less hopeful we’ll get to see her dreams play out. Her reluctance towards the procedure that could save her life is frustrating but understandable, especially as she’s so young.
I’m not sure how significant the risks of the procedure actually are or how realistic is that it goes so well. Still, if anyone can be trusted to perform miracles, it’s the Holmes Clinic. I’m also anxiously aware that such a streak can’t last forever.
It’s great to spend this much time getting to know this part of Watson’s personal life, but it does mean the glimpses of the same for others are hard to follow. The main sentiment is that a lot is about to change, and not always for the better.
Everything between Sasha and the man who now may or may not be related to her is especially abrupt. She introduces Stephens to him, is warm to him, and accuses him in a matter of two scenes. It’s a lot to take in and leaves us worried for her.
With likely just a couple episodes to go before a midseason break, I’m expecting some of these relations to hit the fan significantly. Between them and what we know about a certain consulting detective, interesting times could be ahead.
What did you think of this episode of Watson? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!
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Watson airs Mondays at 10/9c on CBS
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Caitlin Wyneken
Caitlin is an elder millennial with an only slightly unhealthy dedication to a random selection of TV shows, from PBS Masterpiece dramas to some of the less popular series on popular networks. Outside of screen time, she's dedicated to the public sector and worthy nonprofits, working to make a difference in the world outside of media.