Wondering if James Moriarty really died in the Watson Season 1 finale? After years of operating in the shadows, Moriarty finally comes face to face with John Watson in a tense showdown that tests the doctor’s morals, mission, and oath. As secrets unravel and personal stakes rise, Watson makes a choice that could define his legacy — and alter the course of the series.
Here’s what really happened to Moriarty — and how it sets the stage for Season 2.
Does Moriarty really die at the end of Watson’s finale?
Yes, Moriarty dies at the end of Watson Season 1.
Executive producer Craig Sweeny confirmed his death, stating, “We created this constellation of circumstances where no matter what happened…he still has this trove of DNA somewhere… So I believe that Watson really approached that from a perspective of doing the least harm” (via TV Insider).
In the finale, Watson uses Moriarty’s own DNA to infect him with a tailored virus. When Moriarty arrives at the Holmes Clinic blind, Watson extracts the cure for Stephens but lets Moriarty die.
Watson justifies his actions by stating, “You are the harm,” referencing Moriarty’s use of medical data to engineer fatal viruses. As Moriarty lies in a hospital bed, Watson stays with him and closes his eyes after death. While showrunner Craig Sweeny doesn’t rule out future appearances of Randall Park, he affirmed, “Yes,” when asked directly if Moriarty is dead.
Do the twins, Adam and Stephens die in Watson’s finale?
No, both Adam and Stephens Croft survive.
Due to a virus engineered by Moriarty, the team initially only had one cure, which led to a coin toss. Adam received the first dose. Watson later manipulates Moriarty into giving up the antiviral needed to save Stephens by using a virus keyed to Moriarty’s DNA. The infection causes temporary blindness, forcing Moriarty to return to the clinic for help.
In exchange for an antidote, Moriarty provides the cure for Stephens. Watson ultimately does not administer the promised treatment to Moriarty but uses the antiviral to save Stephens. Peter Mark Kendall plays both brothers, and despite early discussions of potentially writing one out, Sweeny confirmed, “It felt like it would’ve been a choice driven by the practical rather than the creative, and so we decided to keep them both” (via ScreenRant).
