Although HBO's Watchmen [1] is a sequel to the graphic novel of the same name, one of its major characters has yet to make an appearance on the show: the formidable Doctor Manhattan. Practically omnipresent, Manhattan's presence would signify a major shift in the power dynamics of the story thanks to his superpowers [2]. Creator Damon Lindelof — no doubt aware of how Manhattan would throw the characters into upheaval — is keeping the character's fate close to his chest, but a recent comment on his Instagram hints we'll definitely see the blue man again [3]. Until then, we can only speculate where the uncaring god has been hiding.

He’s the Absent Creator

The simplest answer to Dr. Manhattan's whereabouts can be found at the end of the graphic novel. Disillusioned with humanity, he decides to leave Earth, explore the galaxy, and perhaps create life. If the live feed from Mars we see in episode one is to be believed, he has settled on Mars and abandoned the human race for good. Another hint pointing to this is Adrian Veidt's comment to the clones in his bizarre prison world. Veidt claims their creator has left them behind, indicating Dr. Manhattan might've experimented with lifeforms, just as he said he would in the graphic novel. For some reason, things didn't go as planned, and he gave up on them.

He’s Lady Trieu’s Unseen Partner

Another possibility involves Lady Trieu — after all, the show has more than hinted at a connection between them. Trieu is the one who created and controls the satellite booths that link Earth to Mars, and she's also behind the technology the Seventh Kalvary is using for teleportation. We know she bought a blue comet [4], and Manhattan is the only player we know who is capable of travelling through space. Are they working together somehow? Perhaps Dr. Manhattan changed his mind, imprisoned Veidt in space, and is helping Trieu's plan on Earth.

He’s Hiding in Plain Sight

This theory is really out there. According to Reddit user ksendor, Dr. Manhattan could be on Earth, masquerading himself as Angela's husband, Cal [5]. Perhaps longing for connection again, Manhattan transformed himself into another person, capable of emotion and love without the burdens of his powers. To support his theory, ksendor cites Cal's quick dismissal of Manhattan's supposed ability to change appearance, Laurie's apparent fascination and attraction to Cal, and, believe or not, the knuckles of actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (who plays Cal). When comparing to a screenshot of what appears to be Manhattan's hand and Yahya's fingers, kdsendor found striking similarities. [6]