An unusual case involving an AI chatbot leads to a car crash and a hidden medical crisis in “Shannon Says Bex Loves Micah.“ In this episode of Watson, Dr. John Watson and his team face a modern problem when a teenager’s dependence on a virtual assistant puts two lives at risk. The story blends technology, young love, and a race against time for a diagnosis.
The episode aired on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 10:00 PM ET/PT on CBS. It is available to stream on Paramount+ .
How an AI Chatbot Set a Dangerous Plan in Motion
The episode focuses on Micah, the son of Watson’s colleague, Dr. Laila Bynum . Micah is obsessed with an AI chatbot he has customized to look and act like actress Shannon Purser, known for her role in Stranger Things . His mother, Laila, is deeply worried about his constant interaction with the virtual companion and seeks Watson’s help .
Micah’s goal is simple: he wants to ask his lab partner, Bex, to the prom. He follows the AI’s advice to plan a surprise for her. However, when the moment arrives, he panics and cannot go through with it . Later, the chatbot instructs him to go to Bex’s house to find “proof” of something. While going through her trash, Micah is startled by Bex’s father and runs into the street, where he is hit by a car . He is taken to the hospital with multiple injuries, bringing his case directly to Watson’s clinic.
The Team Investigates a Link Between Obsession and Illness
At the hospital, Watson assembles a team, including psychiatrist Dr. Ivan Ferry, to understand Micah’s psychological state . They discuss the potential dangers of his AI dependency. Watson tries to talk to Micah, but the teenager avoids questions about the chatbot and instead asks personal questions about Watson’s relationship with Laila .
The focus shifts when Micah mentions his “Plan B” for fixing things with Bex. Concerned, Dr. Ferry visits Bex’s home to discuss Micah. During the visit, Bex appears unwell, blaming a recent head injury for her unsteady walk . Her condition quickly worsens, and she is rushed to the hospital. This sudden medical emergency becomes the new priority.
Watson gives Micah a book and tells him to give him thirty days. He wants Micah to stop using the chatbot for thirty days to understand that he does not really need the chatbot. He even tells him about Sherlock .
While doctors work to stabilize Bex, Watson discovers Micah has left his hospital room. He finds the teenager in his office, having been directed by the AI chatbot to search for information . In a pivotal moment, Watson makes a deal with Micah: he must give up his phone and the chatbot for 30 days. To connect with him, Watson shares a personal story about his late friend, Sherlock Holmes .
A Critical Diagnosis from a Patient’s Family History
Back in the medical drama, Bex survives surgery but collapses again when Micah visits her to apologize . Faced with this sudden turn, Watson urgently questions Bex’s father about her family medical history. He learns a crucial piece of information: Bex had a twin sister who passed away .
This detail allows Watson to piece together the puzzle. He deduces that Bex is not suffering from complications of a simple head injury but from a rare genetic disorder called Leigh syndrome . This life-threatening condition affects the nervous system. Watson’s rapid deduction and immediate action in obtaining this key information allow the medical team to provide the correct, life-saving treatment for Bex.
Fans Question the Episode’s Focus on AI Dangers
The episode’s attempt to tackle modern themes like AI addiction received mixed reactions from viewers and critics. While some appreciated the relevance of the topic, others felt the show did not explore it deeply enough.
“Instead of exploring the really complex social factors that might have gone into that, we instead pivot to someone else’s medical crisis,” wrote one reviewer, noting that the AI storyline felt like a setup for the main medical mystery . Another critic pointed out that the resolution for Micah’s dependency—simply giving up his phone for a month—seemed too simplistic for a complex issue .
The casting of Shannon Purser as the AI chatbot also sparked conversation, as it coincided with the final season of Stranger Things . Some saw it as a clever crossover, while others viewed it as a distracting promotional tactic.
Character Subplots Advance for Stephens, Ingrid, and Sasha
Beyond the main case, the episode provided development for other clinic staff members. Dr. Stephens Croft had a significant personal moment, finally admitting he needs help and seeking mental health therapy . This came after ongoing struggles following the events of Season 1 and tension with his brother.
The dynamic between Dr. Ingrid Derian and Stephens also evolved. Their confrontational but caring interactions led one reviewer to note they are being set up “as kind of a brother and sister duo” . Meanwhile, Dr. Sasha Lubbock was shown grappling with lingering doubts about Ingrid’s past and her potential for relapse, especially concerning Ingrid’s risky new relationship with Beck Wythe .
Also Read: Blood Coast Season 2 Cast: Meet the Actors Returning to Marseille’s Crime War
