New images from cast of Watson includes a multitude of memorable characters, from Morris Chestnut's titular clinical geneticist, to his team of doctors. This includes Ingrid Derian (Eve Harlow), Stephens and Adam Croft (Peter Mark Kendall), Shinwell Johnson (Ritchie Coster), and Mary Morstan (Rochelle Aytes). Mary in particular is the main character's estranged wife, who he still has some feelings for, but that hasn't resulted in anything permanent.

Now, TVLine has released images of John's new love interest in the final episodes of Watson, revealing she'll be portrayed by Tika Sumpter. The actor will be playing Laila, a caring oncologist who isn't afraid to speak her mind when disagreements with the main character arise. She will appear in both episodes of the two-part season finale, airing Sunday, May 4 and Sunday, May 11. The episode itself will see the team get sick due to "a sinister plot," while John works on a new project. Check out the new images below:

Randall Park will also be returning as Moriarty in the two-part finale.

What Tika Sumpter's Casting Means For Watson's Season 1 Finale

A Strong Addition For The Season's Final Stretch

Tika Sumpter as Cherise in The Underdoggs.

Sumpter is best known for her role as Candace Young in Tyler Perry's crime drama soap opera The Haves and the Have Nots. She later went on to star in comedies like the Ride Along movies, but also won the NAA Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for playing Michelle Obama in the biopic Southside with You. Some of her later roles include starring as Alicia Johnson in the Black-ish spinoff Mixed-ish, and portraying Maddie Wachowski in the Sonic the Hedgehog movies. This many strong roles makes her a fitting addition to Watson.

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As for her role in the episode, it sounds like Laila's skills as a doctor could prove important as the team falls ill. The way her character is described as interacting with John means they'll likely meet on a professional level, prior to hitting it off as a romantic couple. It's also unknown if this will be her only appearance on the show, especially since Watson season 2 has been confirmed. Depending on how the episode plays out, it will determine the potential of her character to have an overarching storyline with the protagonist.

Our Take On Tika Sumpter's Role In Watson

She Could Be A New, Recurring Face

Depending on how well Laila and John hit it off, Sumpter could be flexing her acting abilities across more than just the show's two-part season finale. While it's unclear if she really will come back for Watson season 2, the possibility is open for now, given how attached she's going to become to the main character. Regardless of the longevity of her role, her talent means she'll no doubt deliver a memorable performance that aids in elevating the show's harrowing final storyline.

New episodes of Watson air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.

Source: TVLine

Watson - Poster

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Watson
Release Date
January 26, 2025
Network
CBS
Showrunner
Craig Sweeny
  • Headshot Of Morris Chestnut
    Morris Chestnut
    Dr. John Watson
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Tommy O'Brien
    Zach

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Directors
Larry Teng
Writers
Craig Sweeny
Creator(s)
Craig Sweeny