The Irrational (TV Series 2023– ) Poster

(2023– )

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6/10
Less Law & Order, more The Flash
bigcatdaddio19 October 2023
The first few episodes made the show seem compelling, but by episode 4, the show started to become less adult focused and more cartoony. The characters seemed to be slowly becoming flat, yet stereotypical and the writing seems to increasingly insult my intelligence with each successive episode. Initially I expected this to be a bit more of an Americanized and more exciting, stylized version of a Professor T. Certainly, casting the charismatic Jesse Martin in this role could more than pull that off. However the supporting characters are exaggerated and the side story arcs feel like time fillers. This is really a shame - I was really excited for this series.
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6/10
I really tried...
mv17166131 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I thought this show was slow and a bit dull at first but I always like to give a new show time to develop characters . Episode 6 ended my patience. I was won dering when racial I justice would show up and it did. Cops bad. The segment where his sister gets pulled over was so disgusting in its bias. Cop made her fearful and she was crying and shaking. Too bad overall...could've been a decent show. The students characters don't mesh. His ex and her boyfriend seem unlikely. When Joy Reid made a cameo appearance I knew this show jumped the shark. Since I have to meet a character minimum I will just end saying don't waste your time.
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7/10
Entertaining And Educational
atlasmb6 October 2023
Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) teaches and does research in Behavioral Science at Wylton University. He is sometimes called in to consult with law enforcement when they need his professional talents.

This show has the bones of a police procedural, but it is more than that. Mercer can help solve cases because he is observant and he understands human psychology. But he also deals with criminals in hostage situations or any time the police think an understanding of human psychology might help in dealing with a crisis. Because local government officials know of him, he may also be used behind the scenes in delicate situations where public relations are top priority.

But one of the most interesting facets of this series is that Mercer explains the psychology behind his decisions, often citing well-known behavioral experiments. And he can use his academic resources to help conduct his own experiments to test theories.

Jesse L. Martin is perfecting suited to this role. And he is surrounded by a good cast. The first two episodes were about interesting cases, but viewers who like learning about human psychology may enjoy this series most.
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Promising
Plazeebo26 September 2023
Ever since Tim Roth stopped playing Cal Lightman in Lie to Me (2009) I've been craving a smart psychologist fighting crime.

Then came Perception (2012), but Erick. McCormacks character was just a tad too crazy.

I had big hopes for. Mind Games (2014), but Christian Slater played an extremely annoying role, so it was cancelled as no one could stand watching it.

Enter The Irrational (2023) where an expert in human behavior helps law enforcement. We are immediately exposed to his backstory, which I am sure we will further explore in forthcoming episodes.

The crime he solves in the pilot is okay. We are not as audience convinced that he's a genius (yet), but he does drop a few interesting tidbits from time to time.

My wish list for future episodes: Writes, take a look at "The Mentalist" and "Lie to Me" and see if you can add a bit of that magic to the show.

I will continue watching.

... and so I did. Just finished watching episode 10 of season 1, which is the weakest so far. Something has been bugging me and that's how the writers makes professionals do or say things that a real professional would never say or do. These kind of shows works because they have a foundation. There really is such a thing as behavioral science. But it''s not just the science - sometimes law enforcement agencies are involved, and there we see a multitude of small errors. Calling CIA officers for agents. Wrong use of weapons and tactics, etc.

Both Lie to Me and The Mentalist had real, bonafide professionals helping them with the science. That would be a great step going forward if this show should have a future.
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9/10
Come for The Procedural Stay for the Behavioral Science!
webmastersteff26 September 2023
Had to speak up after seeing the pro reviews that gave this new series a rotten rating elsewhere. Those critics seem to have gotten pretty jaded. Maybe watching one too many procedurals? None, repeat none, of these tried and true TV tropes have ever been perfect. But to damn "The Irrational" for being what it is, is, well, NOT rational. The show's an example of a pretty familiar but often successful format and its pilot masterfully established both its star and premise with panache and in record time. It set itself apart from other murder mysteries for me, as much for its arguably endearing and interesting star turn as the very real science the character's mini-storytelling makes accessible. I suspect that the more I watch this series the more I'm going to like it -and the more I'll learn about my OWN motives!
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6/10
Lacks the element of awe and surprise
psychhelp26 September 2023
Didn't feel like a good start. Supposedly it is about behavioral analysis and forensic intervention. All, I saw was trauma-centered analysis and a suspect who had the ingenuity to circumvent what he did with a certain mental strength quickly drew the gun when Mercer was just talking to him. It did not have any quirky moments or interesting plot movement mechanics, Mercer even doesn't appear to be a memorable character. There isn't even a light-hearted joke. I believe the series lacks a specialist in behavioral psychology. The best option is just to prop-up Mercer as a psychologist, this way you can touch-up on many things as you intend to do it. Try to show his coping skills, and maybe make it a bit funny. Even if you don't want to, try to do something funny, because the current formula for the series is dull and lethargic. Add a dollop of mysticism that could be seen in The Blacklist and a dollop scientific rigor shown in Bones.
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9/10
Excellent thought provoking
sherree-1550610 October 2023
Jessie Martin is on his game again. He has never disappointed. This is a completely different role for him including carrying a show as the lead actor.

This is a good show that demonstrates how the mind works and why we do some of the things we do as well as our actions.

I've watched 2 episodes and feel the acting is very good and the actors do a good job at developing their characters. The show also has a good sense of humor.

I think it's hard to judge a show from the pilot episode. Most shows need to deliver at least 5 to 6 episodes to in order to judge completely. Any new show takes time to find its true audience.
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6/10
Kinda Interesting but also Corny
TaxDayBaby5828 September 2023
I was excited to start watching this new show as the preview clips were pretty good. It started out fine but halfway through seemed to be very predictable as far as the plot goes. Was nice to see Lauren Holly in it but she obviously looks different with all the work she has had.

I was really liking it until the scene where killer and he were outside chatting at their vehicles. When the guy pulled out the gun - it was a bit strange because he hadn't yet been accused. Then they drive around and get in a car crash? I mean c'mon, that's the best the writers could do? I'll watch next episode and see.
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8/10
Episode 1 / pilot review
MiloSuperSpesh27 September 2023
It's a standard police procedural case of the week, thin season plot deal.

Jessie of flash fame, plays it straight, this role is a bit different from his joe cop / dad / humble guy.

It's ticking all the boxes of classic tropes and cliches, nothing really new or special but it's off to a good start for watchable police drama that isn't cringe or too dumb.

I would compare this show to will trent with out the darker tone, it's light enough not to be icky but tackles the psycological angle over the tried and tested police / law enforcement.

It's probably could be linked to the other / many non police consultant solves crime shows, but this is show isn't white washed it's taking the minority / black / coloured route.

Review stuff : well acted, well directed, writting is acceptable ( run of the mill ). Edited well, and smooth transitions.
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7/10
Educational
lakings9726 February 2024
The Irrational is a Peacock/Universal series that stars Jesse L Martin as Alec Mercer who is a world-renowned behavioral scientist. Mercer lends his expertise to local law enforcement, governments and businesses to solve cases. He leads and teaches a group of kids at the university about human behavior. Molly Kunz and Arash DeMaxi act as the top students and Mercer's assistants. Travina Springer is Mercer's bi sister who also helps with the cases with her advanced IT services. Maahra Hill acts as an FBI agent and she is also Mercer's ex wife. The series is educational and at times this crime drama gets in the way of the truth. The storyline is well written with good actors, the first season end up on a cliffhanger and hoping to see a second season this fall.
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5/10
Trite, hackneyed, warmed-over rehash of staid memes
SomeUselessGeek27 September 2023
Too many tropes in this show to enumerate. There's the brilliant college proffessor who does this crime-fighting thing as a sideline. Of course he has a dark past with some damage, in this rare case visible to the naked eye. He drives an oddball car that stands out. He is well respected by his (naturally) ex-wife and students, but not so much by other professionals in various disciplines. And on, and on, and on.

This thing is kinda predictable, like a not-well-written Columbo episode with the clowns all dropping their hints flat on the floor in front of the audience -- and the coppers. I don't think I'll have the patience to struggle through another episode of this show. The first one was enough to turn me away.

Conclusion: not terrible, but not good either. I just don't have the time in my limited entertainment budget to waste on bland pate like this.
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9/10
Thought-provoking so far
nitaroyal10 October 2023
After only a couple of episodes, I'll continue to tune in. The psychology is intriguing, and we'll have to see if the story lines hold up as the series progresses. It certainly provides a lot of food for thought, and a refreshing, original slant on mystery shows.

The first episodes may have stretched reality a bit, in terms of interactions and results, but they pulled it off. If you're into such shows as "The Mentalist", this may be a good choice for you.

I'll definitely continue watching and hope that they flesh out some of the support characters as the show develops. There's a lot of potential here.
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7/10
Too Rational
Film-Extra3 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
To predictable or in this case rational. From the moment I saw the AA group leader in 1st episode I just knew he was the killer and turns out he was. Then in episode 2 the moment I saw the assistant I just knew he was the killer. But trying to choose the most unlikely killer they made it easy to guess the actual killer. Cast is okay, I like the lead from the other CW show the Flash. It's an okay show to watch but so far the only mystery is who is the partner of the guy that burned the lead. Heck the show is not remember that after watching two episodes I don't even have all the names straight, in fact don't even recall any characters actual name which I usually have at least some by the second episode.
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5/10
Watch Numb3rs for better
cialuna132 January 2024
It is always great to see academics utilized for a television show, but this a shallow version compared to Numb3rs. That show had depth in storyline, characters, and overall purposes.. Numb3rs actually educated and presented storylines involving critical thought, philosophy, personal psychological and even spiritual growth. This show barely delivers anything on behavior psychology, the supporting characters drift by , and half way into the show I wasn't really sure what the episode was about.

Jessie Martin does a fine job with what he has to work with, but he is so much better than others that it is notable. Martin has no buddy smart guy to riff off of, and the others mumble their meaningless lines.
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Jesse L. Martin, as renowned behavioral scientist, helps solve crimes.
TxMike6 October 2023
My first encounter with the talented Jesse L. Martin was in the 2005 movie of the stage play "Rent." He is a very talented singer and has also proven to be an accomplished actor. I enjoyed him more recently in the weekly series "The Flash."

Here he is a producer of the new "The Irrational" weekly series and stars as Alec Mercer. My wife and I watch it streaming on Peacock a day or two after the episode airs, that fits our schedule better.

The concept of a weekly 30-minute or 60-minute TV series is as old as TV. Very few of them over the years have been outstanding but they are competent, they serve a purpose, as mostly light entertainment where we can enjoy the actors and an interesting story line.

Alec is a professor, his theories involve the fact that given certain circumstances people often do irrational things. He uses this when called upon to help solve a crime. In the second episode, which we watched last night, a well-know author comes to him asking help to solve a murder, her own. Seems she was poisoned with Polonium 210 and is dying. (In the story, I found out tobacco can contain small concentrations of Polonium 201, a deadly radioactive substance.)

Anyway, I see there are a few very negative reviews of this show, in my opinion each of them is off base. This is a pleasant show and pretty well stands up to the hundreds or thousands of weekly TV shows over the decades. No one needs to watch it but there is also no reason to bash it.
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9/10
a decent procedural
kymberly805 October 2023
Behavioral science has been a big interest of mine for a long time as has psychology in general so I have enjoyed the first couple of episodes. I really enjoy the brother sister dynamic of the main character and his sister. I've been able to figure out who the bad guy was fairly early on in each episode but that could just be because this type of show is my favorite and they all set it up the same way so it's easy for me to do. It doesn't take away from enjoying the show. All shows take a little while to ramp up into what they are going to be so hard to judge a show harshly off a couple of episodes.
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7/10
Youtube Ad Introduces me to this series
shalimarsubagja10 October 2023
Last time I watched a crime drama series with black actor as the lead was Rosewood. So when I watched the ad on Youtube, I'm kinda intrigued. What kind of new thing this male cast brings to the table. The answer is... quite a lot. His acting, top notch. I dig his easygoing vibe but not in such self-damaging way like in Lie To Me. I also learn a lot from the series, especially the term of psychology. It doesn't feel like out if touch like what I feel watching Perception. And the case is quite interesting too, I watched the first two episodes and enjoyed hoth of them. I'm so gonna watch this again every week. This is brilliant and worth to try~
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9/10
Was looking forward to this...glad I watched
Agatha_Fletcher28 September 2023
I was looking forward to this show and I am glad I tuned in. It reminds me of Professor T, the British version. (I haven't watched the original.) I like Alec's backstory and the inclusion of his family. There's more to it. I am looking forward to this series. Give it a chance. Don't let the bad reviews keep you from watching. It is quick paced. Moves rapidly from scene to scene. I am not sure if I like that but it is how they move the story along. I like shows that put science in the forefront. I am partial to psychology. I like Alec's interactions with the perpetrators. Has funny light moments and covers some dark topics. As others have said, it is like other procedural dramas. I will say I like his sister Kylie, played by Travania Springer. She brings a lot of the funny, lighthearted moments. Check it lut.
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7/10
Dan Ariely's Predictably Irrational book in a TV Show
captain_indifferent26 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The book is a great read with a look at irrational human behaviour. I also love the science that examines whether managers are overpaid etc. (I suspect the science indicates they are which is likely a surprise to nobody but managers themselves LOL) So now we have a show where a lead character with expertise in this field of knowledge assists law enforcement. Jesse L Martin is basically a fictional version of Dan including burns to 70% of his body, only this is the result of a church bombing rather than a graduation mishap. (It reminded me of an Israeli friend who mentioned messing with white phosphorus during national service despite the legal and moral concerns of it's use in warfare. Although I am not saying it was this chemical that caused burns to the character or their inspiration).

So can't fault the acting or the premise but I am already starting to feel the weight of the cliches ie. The ex-wife FBI agent he still holds a candle for that is now his ex because of his behavioural manipulative abilities or whatever. I can see how someone made the leap to create what they thought would be the next Lie to Me but time will tell.

The pilot held my interest but with the glutton of shows where law enforcement take on crime with the assistance of Mentalists, Chess Masters, Ex Criminals, Writers, Psychics real or fake, Billionaires, Statisticians Ghost Whisperer's, Various Professors of Whatever, Enhanced Individuals or people who through supernatural means receive tomorrows newspaper today I'm beginning to feel sorry for murderers and criminals :-) I also feel sorry for the lack of faith the mayor or the commissioner has in their own police force to solve crimes haha! Anyway if you go this route with the genre you better get a decent hook or something to assert it's individual flavour. Not sure it is there yet, I will continue to watch to see how the application of the books concepts are used in the show convincingly.
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8/10
An interesting and compelling look at analyzing human behavior.
stankactorman16 October 2023
THE IRRATIONAL (NBC) For one to follow a show week after week, it's of vital importance that the lead characters be likable, affable and have an interesting and appealing backstory and Jesse L. Martin, is immediately likable in this procedural crime drama as psych professor Alec Mercer, who is often called upon by the FBI and DC police to help them solve crimes. Here's a show for the logistical minded individuals, who take delight in solving riddles. Mercer often works with FBI agent Marisa Mercer who is Alec's ex who's 'seeing' a fellow agent. His face is badly scarred from burns received in some explosion that so far, remains a mystery. How's that for backstory? Mercer has a couple grad students who assist him while being mentored by him. Both actors in these roles are likable as well. Score: 8.5. Watch it.
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7/10
Interesting premise and subplot
katykw-226 October 2023
Jesse L. Martin is a very talented, multi-disciplined actor. I immediately "bonded" with his character. His professor is extremely intelligent but not an insufferable academic snob like so many are. And even though the underlying current is something traumatic that happened in his past he doesn't sit around brooding all the time. While he wants to know the truth of what happened he still goes on with his life. I love learning about the many facets of behavioral science. It is very interesting. The characters of Professor Mercer's sister and two assistants are very capably played. I think the role of his ex-wife is the weak link in the show. Her character is flat and totally unbelievable. No one would ever believe she is an FBI agent.
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5/10
Average. Dan Ariely review references don't help.
Xavier_Stone26 September 2023
It's predictable, simple and somewhat interesting. The expected jokes and one liners about cops and murder cases done in a light and cheery atmosphere perfectly suited for a television audience.

The characters and actors are generally competent in portraying the subject matter and the baddies are of the usual made for tv genre.

This is the show that could go on for 2-3 seasons, letting out tidbits every now and then in order to solve an underlying case involving the main character. Overall it's just an average show, with no shocking or big reveals.

It is not serious enough of a cop show to hold my interest and this reminds me of the series Unforgettable with a woman and a her photographic memory. The interesting bits just are not enough to carry the entire show.

5/10 as there is little else to go on besides the main character and his story. A one and done for me.

Please don't mention Dan Ariely in your reviews about subjects involving psychology. He is a confirmed fraud, multiple times, with none of his experiments being repeatable. I was a fan; but who knew that in order to have counterintuitive experiment results you had to fudge all the data????
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8/10
Shows a lot of promise
joylaufle11 February 2024
So far, I really like this show. It reminds me a bit of Perception, which we also just watched (loved that show and wish there were more seasons). I love the premise of a college professor helping solve crimes. It makes the show both educational and entertaining. I just wish I could remember all the stuff Alec Mercer talks about with regard to human behavior. I may need to re-watch all the episodes to date and take notes!

The characters are all engaging and the actors who portray them do a great job. I really enjoy the relationship between the main character and his sister - so much love, while being so different from one another. We'll keep watching!
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7/10
Character-driven fun
biancamcdancer8 March 2024
Found this to be a fun watch. The true standouts are the performances by Jesse L Martin and the scene-stealing Travina Singer who is absolutely delightful every single time she's on screen.

The murders are not overly hard to solve, but it's the charm of the ensemble that make it a fun watch. There is an overarching story beyond the weekly cases, so definitely should be watched in order. It has so much potential that I hope they are able to flex a bit more in the future.

I truly hope they get a season two, to really hone the characters, take them deeper than charicatures, and find out what this show can be.
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3/10
So disappointing
aac-753979 November 2023
Love Jessie L Martin, but this is such a major disappointment. I just do not buy him in this role. It is completely predictable and it comes across as lame. Acting is marginal at best. In a single episode he must say "studies show" a dozen times. Just overkill trying to sell the whole premise.

The back story is recycled and the whole ex-wife hanging around in his life is so overdone.

After watching 4 episodes, the killer or criminal is so easy to detect. Hard to believe a major network can not secure actors who can carry off the roles any better than this. The sad truth is that it is a waste of time to even watch.
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