Entertainment This Week

September 23 - 29, 2023 3 coverstory BY SARAH PASSINGHAM New clues: 'The Irrational' takes an unexpected approach to investigating crime Some investigators just have the knack when it comes to seeing the missing piece in confounding investigations. In "The Irrational," a brand- new crime procedural premiering Monday, Sept. 25, on NBC, Prof. Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin, "The Flash") is pulled from the world of academia to lend his highly sought-after expertise to virtually unsolvable cases. "The Irrational" is based on the popular book "Predictably Irrational" by author Dan Ariely, about the theories behind deci- sion-making and rational thought. The series drops Mercer into active investigations in dire need of a fresh perspective. With law enforcement and investigators at a loss for tying suspects and motives to shocking crimes, the professor joins the team to lead them down his unique path of discovery. In its series description, NBC notes that Mercer's "insight and unconventional approach to un- derstanding human behavior lead him and the team on a series of intense, unexpected journeys to solve illogical puzzles and perplex- ing mysteries." In the official trailer for the series, Mercer is seen very much at home at the front of a lecture hall, teaching one of his psychology in- tro courses before he meets a little bit of resistance when he encoun- ters law enforcement. An investi- gator asks him if he's the "science guy," leading Mercer to quip, "That's Bill Nye. I'm actually the behavioral sciences guy." His sense of humor shows itself again when his theoretical approaches are gen- tly questioned before he remarks, "Gravity was just a theory at one point." What are the methods behind Mercer's breakthrough analysis of these high-profile, dead-end cases? Well, the trailer gives a glimpse into the theories he uses to shed light on where investigative trails have gone cold. Mercer shoots off a few choice $10 phrases like "predictable irrationality," "para- doxical persuasion," "attentional blindness" and "bereavement sex" as some of the things knocking around his head as he takes a new look at tough cases. While Mercer is increasingly pulled away from his academic work as he successfully aids federal investigations, he does make sure to keep two of his best and bright- est graduate students in the loop. Molly Kunz ("Chicago Fire") stars as Phoebe, a protégé of Mercer's who enthusiastically follows in her professor's footsteps, both literally and figuratively. Arash DeMaxi ("Partner Track") is Owen, anoth- er one of Mercer's students who gets pulled into his new side gig. The new series also stars Maah- ra Hill ("Delilah") as FBI agent Marisa, Mercer's main contact and partner in these investigations. Travina Springer ("Ms. Marvel") is Kylie, Mercer's sister and current roommate. While the pair are close siblings, Kylie is more of a free spirit than Mercer, who uses his own creativity to shake up bu- reaucracies. Soma Chhaya ("The Breadwinner," 2017) stars as Jasmine and Ella Cannon ("iZom- bie") is Lila. "The Irrational" debuts follow- ing the singing competition series "The Voice" on NBC and joins the new series "Found," the net- work's second new original series premiering this fall. Another pro- cedural, "Found" follows a crisis management team that focuses on finding missing people. With most networks relying on non-scripted series amid the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, NBC's new scripted dramas will be some of the fall's lone non-competition or reality offerings. 2 x 2" ad Tee Times 2 x 2" ad A&W Jesse L. Martin , Molly Kunz and Arash DeMaxi in "The Irrational" Open Wednesday - Sunday 11AM - 9PM Call to schedule an appointment Mon. and Tues. tee mesmankato.com 551 Belle Ave. Suite B Mankato 507-720-0968 Book Tee Times • Food & Drink League Informa on • Indoor Pu ng Green 507-779-7668 Located at the River Hills Mall Mon-Sat 11-8 Sunday 11-6 Falls favorite flavor is back for a limited time!

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