Kokomo Tribune Entertainment NOW
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Entertainment Now | September 23 - 29, 2023 By Sarah Passingham TV Media S ome 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 Mon- day, 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 Irratio- nal" by author Dan Ariely, about the theories behind decision-mak- ing and rational thought. The series drops Mercer into active investiga- tions in dire need of a fresh per- spective. 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 in- tense, unexpected journeys to solve illogical puzzles and perplex- ing mysteries." In the official trailer for the se- ries, 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 gently questioned before he re- marks, "Gravity was just a theory at one point." What are the methods behind Mercer's breakthrough analysis of these high-profile, dead-end cas- es? 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 "pre- dictable irrationality," "paradoxi- cal persuasion," "attentional blindness" and "bereavement sex" as some of the things knock- ing 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 fed- eral investigations, he does make sure to keep two of his best and brightest graduate students in the loop. Molly Kunz ("Chicago Fire") stars as Phoebe, a protégé of Mercer's who enthusiastically follows in her professor's foot- steps, both literally and figura- tively. Arash DeMaxi ("Partner Track") is Owen, another one of Mercer's students who gets pulled into his new side gig. "The Irrational" also stars Maahra Hill ("Delilah") as FBI agent Marisa, Mercer's main con- tact and partner in these investi- gations. 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 bureaucracies. Soma Chhaya ("The Breadwinner," 2017) stars as Jasmine and Ella Cannon ("iZombie") is Lila. This isn't Martin's first rodeo when it comes to the world of TV crime procedurals. He is probably best known for his eight-season run as Det. Ed Green on "Law & Order," of course popping up in the main series' many spinoffs over the years. "Law & Order" is notorious for its cases being ripped from the headlines, and perhaps the close relationship the series had with true crime was part of what motivated Martin's move years after he wrapped on the prolific crime drama. In 2022, Martin began hosting the seventh season of "How It Re- ally Happened," an HLN series that delves into horrific murders and their investigations. Martin told People last August, "I never thought of myself as a host, really, of anything. I rather enjoy being able to hide myself in a character. But this was such a cool project." He added, "It's amazing to be part of something where you're literally on the pulse of what's actually happening. These mysteries aren't solved, so they're continuously be- ing investigated." "The Irrational" writer/producer Arika Lisanne Mittman has some serious hits on her resume with one especially notable title. Mitt- man currently executive produces NBC's science-fiction drama "La Brea," which has been renewed and is expected to premiere its third season sometime next year. The cult hit time-traveling drama "Timeless" came from the mind of Mittman, arguably cut short after two seasons. The most direct throughline from "The Irrational" to projects in Mittman's past is the Sherlock Holmes-centric procedur- al hit "Elementary." What is it that we love so much about smart-al- eck criminal investigation consul- tants with all the answers? "The Irrational" debuts imme- diately following the singing competition series "The Voice" on NBC and joins the new series "Found," the network's second new original series premiering this fall. Another procedural, "Found" follows a crisis manage- ment team that focuses on find- ing 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-com- petition or reality offerings. Don't miss the series premiere of NBC's brand-new crime drama, "The Irrational," debuting Mon- day, Sept. 25. Jesse L. Martin , Molly Kunz and Arash DeMaxi in "The Irrational" New clues: 'The Irrational' takes an unexpected approach to investigating crime 2 | Cover story Grindstone Charlie's 1 x 4" Moore's Home Health 5 x 2"