The American series Irrationnal is arriving on M6, with the ambition of imitating the success of The Mentalist.
Irrationala series created by Arika Lisanne Mittman, was programmed on M6 from November 30. Each 45-minute episode will follow the adventures of Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin), a professor of behavioral psychology who assists the Washington police on complex cases. The first episode, directed by David Frankel, will see Alec investigate the murder of an influencer with his ex-wife and teammate Marisa (Maahra Hill).
On paper, it’s impossible not to think about Mentalistwhere a former medium with unusual observational gifts supports the CBI. Irrational more or less takes the formula of a brilliant consultant helping the police, but replaces the intuitive approach of Patrick Jane with the more scientific and psychological approach of Alec Mercer.
Alas, where the Mentalist stood out for its charismatic main character and unpredictable plots, Irrational seems content to apply well-known recipes from detective series, without adding much new. In the United States, where it has already been broadcast for several months on NBC, the series has been described at best as a “classic drama” which is “pleasant to watch” (Variety), at worst as a television turnip seen and re-watched. . No, the title of this article is not an error: it is probably better to stick to the performance of good old Simon Baker…
Severe American criticism
Critics mainly blame Irrational its inability to stand out, remaining very predictable, lacking surprises and originality in the investigations as in the relationships between the protagonists, as summarized by AV Club magazine. The only interest of the series for many critics: the presence of Jesse L. Martin, seen in many standards of the genre, in the skin of this very sympathetic consultant.
“Martin, always charismatic and always easy on the eyes, is making a valiant effort to keep this business afloat […]. The fact that he is stuck in this affair is simply irrational,” wrote the San Francisco Chronicle, dubiously. For the Chicago Tribune, however, “Martin’s presence can only enhance “The Irrational” to a certain extent. It’s a generic exercise, neither good nor bad. Perhaps, amidst a sea of reruns and reality shows, this is enough to satisfy the public.”
Same observation for CNN, particularly harsh towards the series (admittedly broadcast on a competing channel): “only those who are really hungry for another variation of “The Mentalist” or “Castle”, “Psych” or “Numb3rs” – or maybe just something to watch after ‘The Voice’ – will find something to hold on to here.” Everything is said.