In the unlikely event that you were still in need of proof that Watson thrives as a pure medical drama, devoid of any Sherlock Holmes ties, look no further than "Giant Steps," which, by my reckoning, stands as the inaugural and thus far sole genuinely outstanding episode of Season 2. And here, Sherlock is a non-factor. Moriarty, who had just started to prickle the senses with his unwelcome presence, is absent too. It's all about Watson, and it takes Episode 7 for him to confront his deeply ingrained issues head-on – an obstacle he finds himself unable to easily overcome for once.
Watson's mention of his father has been sparse, often overshadowed by his Sherlock-centric ramblings. So, the introduction of Hamish, Watson's father, offers a fresh perspective on the character. I'm pleased the show resisted the urge to make them openly adversarial; instead, their relationship is more nuanced – cordial and friendly. However, Hamish, a legendary jazz musician, is overjoyed to boast about Watson's geneticist achievements while never quite letting go of his disappointment over his musical failures. Watson respects his father but always felt the sting of that disappointment, a dynamic exacerbated by Hamish's focus on his protégé, Annabelle.
Annabelle becomes the patient in "Giant Steps," but it's Hamish's presence that makes it intriguing. Annabelle's condition, predictably, is tied to her music, forcing her to choose between risking her life or her career. This is a Brilliant Minds-esque situation, usually not a favorable comparison for Watson but here, it seems warranted. Annabelle's music is deeply intertwined with her relationship with Hamish, who has always treated her like a surrogate daughter due to her talent. So, the exploration of their dynamic inherently involves a delve into Hamish and Watson's own relationship.
This also sheds light on the peculiar state of Watson and Mary's partnership. Hamish treats Mary as if she were still his daughter-in-law, making Watson feel a twinge of longing. Laila is mentioned a couple of times here, but her continued absence remains awkward. We're supposed to believe that Watson and Mary are just a respectful platonic working partnership, but their relationship never really feels that way to me. It remains one of the weaker aspects of Watson's writing, comparable to the seemingly random lottery of supporting character subplots.
However, the dynamic between Watson and Hamish truly shines in Season 2, Episode 7. In seeing Watson in his element, Hamish is finally able to understand him and reconcile the idea that he steered away from music because he was meant for something else. In witnessing Hamish's relationship with Annabelle, Watson can see the impact Hamish's career has had and the sacrifices he made for Watson's sake. The payoff is predictable but effective and builds to a few unexpected moments of emotion – something this show isn't typically adept at achieving.
As we delve into the intricate narrative, "Giant Steps" brings us back to the captivating subplot of Sasha's adoption, which suddenly surfaced earlier in the season like a revelation from a different world. Remember, Sasha received a chilling call from a person claiming to be her biological uncle, compelling her to meet him despite his potential lunacy, to explore the unknown corners of her identity. Prior to this encounter, Stephens and Ingrid engage in a fascinating conversation about Sasha's predicament, highlighting their starkly contrasting approaches to safeguarding her. Ingrid, ever cautious, is eager to quash the idea entirely, while Stephens adopts a more nuanced stance, content to let Sasha make her own choices while providing unwavering support. This support takes a humorous turn when he urges her to indulge in exquisitely spicy food at dinner.
But Sasha's "uncle" is not just a fan of fiery cuisine; he also possesses a photograph of Sasha's biological mother, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Sasha. At first glance, he seems genuine, until a slip of the tongue arouses Sasha's suspicion. She confronts him later, and he confesses that he isn't her uncle after all. However, the fact that he possesses that photograph indicates he may indeed hold the key to Sasha's mother's whereabouts. Will Sasha be able to overlook his deception—he claims to be a lonely soul who seized the chance to forge a connection—and continue her quest? We shall wait with bated breath, but an instinct tells us that she might just do it.
