Watson Season 2 Episode 14 Review: Wrongful Life
When we first meet Kyren on Watson Season 2 Episode 14, “Wrongful Life,” he’s excitedly learning that his treatment is over and he’ll be able to go to college. Then he sneezes.
The force moves a rod in his back so it almost cuts back through his skin. Horrifying as it is, it’s just one of many lifelong treatments he’s had. Watson has been his doctor since before he was born and noticed a potentially troubling condition back then.
When Kyren learns John encouraged his mother to continue her pregnancy, he takes it as an unwanted life sentence and takes his anger and grief out on the clinic through legal action. If successful, his suit could shut the clinic down.
Thankfully, when Watson identifies an infection at the root of Kyren’s new issues, he’s able to proceed with treatment. Kyren still resists, but when his doctor truly listens to him, he finally allows another surgery and another chance at life.
Flashbacks to Kyren’s treatment also introduce us to Paola, a previously unknown fifth fellow who first put the rods in. Ingrid “helped” her get moved to a new job, where she is now able to offer some extremely helpful advice.
Even given his threat to the livelihoods of all our characters, Kyren may be one of the most heartbreakingly sympathetic characters we’ve had yet. It’s profound to see such hopelessness in someone so young.
It’s as close as we’ve ever come to doubting John’s judgement, both in encouraging Kyren’s mother to continue her pregnancy and in not identifying the latest threat to Kyren’s health before telling him he could finally have a future.
The team sees it too, questioning him as he continues to try and direct Kyren’s care. Really, we’re seeing that Watson is almost too good at what he does. It’s not that he doesn’t put in enough care. It’s that he caress too much.
Ultimately, he’s able to make his case, finally understanding his own faults enough to give Kyren the genuine apology that seems to be the main factor in changing his mind and giving the young man at least a bit of new hope.
It’s both frustrating and poignant that the episode ends as the new surgery begins 3 months in the future. We don’t know whether or not it will actually work. For now, both we and Kyren just have to have faith.
The case takes almost the entire hour, leaving very little time to further the personal developments of the season. Paola is the exception, given her role in Kyren’s previous care. But it’s her ties to Ingrid that leave us with the most questions.
While every relationship Ingrid has is complicated, I can’t quite discern the sentiment between her and Paola now. We may need a third season if we hope to unpack it, though There are a lot of other plotlines left to return to first.
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!
Critic Rating:
Audience Rating:
Watson airs Sundays at 10/9C on CBS.
Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.