This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
NBC’s new drama, The Irrational, will introduce viewers to professor of Behavioral Science and part-time law enforcement consultant Alec Mercer on its premiere episode, The Irrational Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot.”
The series, which stars Jesse L. Martin (The Flash and Law & Order), is based on Dan Ariely’s 2008 book Perfectly Irrational. It follows the charismatic Alec Mercer, a world-renowned behavioral scientist who uses his unique insight into human behavior to solve confounding and illogical mysteries involving governments, law enforcement, and corporations.
THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)
On the premiere, Alec is asked to look into a case involving a murdered influencer and ex-boyfriend, who is a decorated soldier suspected of the murder. Alec believes that the ex is innocent. There’s only one problem. The soldier has confessed to the murder.
Of course, along with the first case of the week, like any good pilot, the episode will tease Alec’s backstory and introduce us to the supporting characters that make up Alec’s team, family, and friends.
In addition to Martin, the cast also includes Maahra Hill as “Marisa,” Travina Springer as “Kylie,” Molly Kunz as “Phoebe,” and Arash DeMaxi as “Rizwan.”
Check out the photos and promo video below for a preview!
Episode description: Professor of Behavioral Science Alec Mercer is called upon to investigate the murder of a fashion influencer whose boyfriend, a decorated soldier and son of a senator, has confessed to the crime. Mercer suspects there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
Written by: Arika Lisanne Mittman Directed by: David Frankel
Photos from The Irrational Season 1 Episode 1:
THE IRRATIONAL — “Dead Woman Walking” Episode 102 — Pictured: (l-r) Jessie L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Travina Springer as Kylie — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: (l-r) Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Maahra Hill as Marisa — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: (l-r) Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Maahra Hill as Marisa — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: (l-r) Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Maahra Hill as Marisa — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Maahra Hill as Marisa — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: (l-r) Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Maahra Hill as Marisa — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode “Pilot” — Pictured: (l-r) Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Maahra Hill as Marisa — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: (l-r) Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Maahra Hill as Marisa — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: (l-r) Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Maahra Hill as Marisa — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode “Pilot” — Pictured: (l-r) Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: (l-r) Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Molly Kunz as Phoebe, Arash DeMaxi as Rizwan — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode “Pilot” — Pictured: (l-r) Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer, Molly Kunz as Phoebe, Arash DeMaxi as Owen — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: — Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)THE IRRATIONAL — Episode 101 Pilot — Pictured: Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer — (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)
Promo video:
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What are your hopes for this episode of The Irrational? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Sarah is an obsessive geek who likes to get into the weeds and over think things. She is passionate about Sci-Fi and comics and is a giant classic film nerd. Sarah cares deeply about media representation and the power of telling diverse stories. When she's not writing or watching her favorite shows she spends her days working in the non-profit world trying to make life a little better for those that need some extra help.