Warning: Spoilers for the first episode of CBS’s “Watson” below!

Even the famously sharp detective Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t have anticipated this take on Professor Moriarty.

In the premiere episode of CBS’s “Watson,” a surprising version of the notorious villain is unveiled at the end, played by Randall Park, who sports a polyester polo shirt in a casual fashion. This series reinterprets the classic Sherlock Holmes narrative through the eyes of Dr. John Watson, portrayed by Morris Chestnut.

The decision to cast Park, known for his roles as the affable dad in “Fresh Off the Boat” and a laid-back video-store manager in “Blockbuster,” in such a casual outfit as the iconic criminal mastermind was a shock for Park himself. At 50, he admits it was a delightful surprise to take on a villainous character. “I typically play friendly, likable roles, so getting this call was unexpected but exciting,” Park shared with YSL News about his new role. “The notion of being a villain excites me.”

Although Park has tackled antagonistic roles previously, such as his portrayal of Kim Jong-un in “The Interview,” that was more of a dark comedy. Even his character from Marvel’s “WandaVision,” FBI Agent Jimmy Woo, is infused with humor. In contrast, Moriarty is a serious character.

“They were looking for someone who could seem like an average individual,” explains Park. “But what if this ordinary person is actually a menacing, psychopathic supervillain?”

How Randall Park’s Moriarty is Revealed in ‘Watson’

In “Watson,” both Moriarty and Holmes were thought to be dead following a dramatic opening scene involving a struggle that ended with a gunshot and a fall into a frigid Swiss waterfall. While Watson plunges in to rescue his friend, he suffers a significant head injury. Post-recovery, he starts running Pittsburgh’s Holmes Clinic, which focuses on treating rare medical conditions, thanks to a generous bequest from his fallen companion.

However, Moriarty is still alive, making a subtle appearance at the end of the pilot while riding the Duquesne Incline cable car in Pittsburgh. Watson’s assistant, Shinwell Johnson (Ritchie Coster), is surprised to find the seemingly inconspicuous villain in a white polo adorned with the enigmatic logo “Always & Everywhere.”

“I expected someone entirely different,” remarks Shinwell as he hands over a case of DNA samples from the clinic. Moriarty then delivers a monologue about a germ that “might even write its name in history” before leaving with a wicked grin.

“This seemingly approachable demeanor hides something far more sinister,” states Craig Sweeny, the executive producer and writer of “Watson.” “He’s the sort of person who could repair your washing machine or computer. While many great actors showed interest in this role, Randall offered something uniquely appealing.”

Who is Moriarty in the Context of Sherlock Holmes?

Professor James Moriarty is Sherlock Holmes’ arch-nemesis in the classic detective stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, often described as moving “in a strangely reptilian manner.” Sir Laurence Olivier portrayed him in the 1976 film “The Seven-Per-Cent Solution,” while Andrew Scott garnered acclaim for his portrayal in the BBC series “Sherlock” alongside Benedict Cumberbatch.

Sweeny kept Moriarty’s identity mostly secret, referring to him only as “Pittsburgh Dad” during the scriptwriting process and even on the sign beside Park’s trailer while filming in Vancouver.

“It wasn’t the kind of high-level secrecy you’d see in Marvel productions with NDAs,” says Park. Despite this, the secrecy helped him immerse himself in the character daily. “Every time I scanned the call sheet and spotted ‘Pittsburgh Dad,’ it reminded me of the task at hand,” he explains.

Throughout the season, Moriarty will continue to appear in various office-appropriate outfits. “Fashion isn’t really his strong suit,” Park states. He guarantees that there will be a confrontation between Watson and Moriarty by the season’s conclusion. Even in episodes without Moriarty on screen, his influence looms large through his subordinates who carry out his orders. “Just like the shirt implies, he’s always present, always observing,” Park remarks.

Chestnut expressed excitement about having Park as his rival in “Watson.”

“In the final scene, just a hint of a smirk and a hint of deviousness from Mr. Park sets up what’s to come,” Chestnut notes.