The new CBS showWatsonrecently introduced Randall Park’s version of the iconic villain, Professor James Moriarty. The archenemy of Sherlock Holmes has been memorably depicted in numerous films and TV series, including Jared Harris’ portrayal in Guy Ritchie’sSherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows, Andrew Scott’s inBBC’sSherlock, and Natalie Dormer’s inCBS’s spiritual prequelElementary. However, this interpretation of Moriarty is slightly distinct because, rather than going up against Holmes, his mischievous schemes are set on Dr. John Watson.
Watson’s Moriarty is differentand more mysterious than that of his predecessors because he is a recurring character whose schemes slowly reveal themselves over time.Park’s portrayal of the villainous mastermind also appears subtle in contrast to the dark and arrogant versions of Moriarty.This makes him a dangerous master of chaos who seeks to ruin the title character’s efforts as a detective and humanitarian.
Watson’s Moriarty Is More Unassuming As A Character
Park Can Bring The Element Of Surprise As Moriarty
Randall Park’s Moriarty sneakily makes his first appearance at the end ofWatson’s pilot episode as he collects DNA samples from his and Watson’s mutual friend, Shinwell Johnson. This sets up the antagonist as a surprising figure who intends to interfere with Dr. Watson’s clinic for enigmatic reasons. Despite a brief appearance thus far in thisSherlock Holmesadaptation,Park’s iteration of Moriarty is unassuming because he appears to have a nice-guy personawith his big smile and casual wardrobe. But all this can be a disguise to fool everyone around him.
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After all, Moriarty is always regarded as a villain capable of frightening anyone with his surprise tactics involving murder and hostile takeovers. Whether Park’s version of Moriarty will be as dark and malicious as other portrayals of the character remains a key question as the series unfolds. However, the introduction of the antagonist suggests that he will eventually face off against John inMoriarty’s villainous plan to go after Watson’s clinic. If done right, his villainous reveal can be all the more impactful depending on how long he plays up the unassuming, affable front.
Randall Park Is Perfect Casting To Play Watson’s Version Of Moriarty
Park Can Bring Humor And Darkness To This Iconic Villain Role
Actor Randall Park is known to be a funny guydue to his comedic roles in TV shows likeFresh Off the BoatandYoung Rock. He also brought humor to the MCU featureAnt-Man and the Waspas an FBI agent who’s always one step behind in his attempts to catch the titular superhero in a trap. His expertise in comedy is why his new role as the primary villain inWatsonis surprising and refreshing. Park’s version of Moriarty is the type of villain heroic protagonists don’t see coming, providing shock value and elevated interest in the show.
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Park briefly entered villainy territory in theAquamanfilms as Dr. Stephen Shin, the marine biologist who aided Black Manta in his efforts to defeat the Atlantean superhero. However, his role as Moriarty is new ground for the comedic actor because he’s now front and center as the big baddie taking on an intelligent doctor inWatson. Park turns out to be the perfect casting for Moriarty because he can bring an unexpected combination of drama and comedy to the part. He can also allow spectators to appreciate him in a darker role that’s opposite to his usual work.
New episodes ofWatsonwill return on Sunday, February 16th at 9 pm on CBS.
