Perception

:

Season 1
  • Network: TNT
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 9, 2012
Season #: 3, 2, 1
Metascore
52

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 21
  3. Negative: 3 out of 21
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Critic Reviews

  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Jul 9, 2012
    60
    The crimes of the first four episodes revel in plot twists and medical conditions so ludicrous that they eventually become endearing, as does, against all odds, McCormack's performance.
  2. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Jul 6, 2012
    58
    Perception is both clever and ridiculous.
  3. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Robert Bianco
    Jul 9, 2012
    50
    This reduction of a serious, debilitating illness to a personality quirk would be as unwatchable as it is insulting were it not for one thing: an appealingly disheveled star turn from Will & Grace's Eric McCormack as Daniel.
  5. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Mike Hale
    Jul 9, 2012
    50
    Across the four early episodes provided for review, Pierce's hallucinations are already beginning to feel like stunts covering up for a lack of ideas.
  6. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    Jul 9, 2012
    50
    An otherwise run-of-the-mill mystery with a big twist.
  7. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Dorothy Rabinowitz
    Jul 6, 2012
    50
    There are aspects of the series that are engaging--Daniel's intricately conceived sleuthing for the FBI, for instance--but, as the voices in your own head soon tell you, there's a lot more of it that's wearisome.
  8. Variety
    Reviewed by: Brian Lowry
    Jul 6, 2012
    50
    Perception feels like an entry-level course, and isn't nearly as cerebral as it pretends to be.
  9. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Jul 5, 2012
    50
    McCormack, in designer stubble, is no better than ordinary in the lead role. Nor are the cases at hand all that compelling.
  10. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    Jul 9, 2012
    42
    Perception is a head trip not worth the journey.
  11. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Jul 9, 2012
    40
    The cases themselves are weakly constructed, with more holes than a box of doughnuts.
  12. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: David Hinckley
    Jul 9, 2012
    40
    Maybe at a certain point it won't feel like all this is a little too gimmicky, or that the rules are being made up as we go along. Out of the box, it kind of does.
  13. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
    Reviewed by: Rob Owen
    Jul 9, 2012
    40
    The show is not so much awful as it is a colorless copy of better shows that have come before.

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Most Discussed TV Season of 2012
42
#42 Most Shared TV Season of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 59 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 59
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 59
  3. Negative: 6 out of 59
  1. JJohnson
    Aug 1, 2012
    10
    McCormack is brilliant. This is a mix of Monk, the Mentalist and A Beautiful Mind. In response to somebody's criticism that the disorders areMcCormack is brilliant. This is a mix of Monk, the Mentalist and A Beautiful Mind. In response to somebody's criticism that the disorders are too outlandish--you mean too interesting? Would it be that great of a show if the mental disorders were ordinary? It's quirky yet smart, the dialogue is poetic, and the problems are complex yet simple to follow in context. Cook is very likeable and contrary to the opinions of some critics, she is smart and confident in her role. It's a nice break to have youth and excitement along with experience in a head law enforcement role, instead of the stereotypical cold, sarcastic and/or angry narcissist with a control fetish. I hope for many more seasons, and that the pretentious critics don't spoil it for the rest of us.… Full Review »
  2. Rattazustra
    Jul 30, 2012
    3
    The first episode seemed interesting, but as soon as with the second episode it started to go downhill. The basic concept of the series is notThe first episode seemed interesting, but as soon as with the second episode it started to go downhill. The basic concept of the series is not bad, but the execution is. Most importantly, the foreshadowing technique that is used is essentially sloppy and not credible, the plots are clearly based on a very simple formula and so far there is no meta-plot visible. The main character is likable and quirky in a nice way, but unfortunately most of the other characters are not.… Full Review »
  3. MarcDoyle
    Jul 10, 2012
    6
    I've only seen the pilot, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. McCormack is excellent in his role, but they really need to give Rachel LeighI've only seen the pilot, but I was pleasantly surprised by it. McCormack is excellent in his role, but they really need to give Rachel Leigh Cook some backbone if I'm going to keep watching the show. TNT, USA, FX - they specialize in strong female leads. Even though Cook showed some gutsiness in tackling someone from a 2nd floor fire escape, she needs to be able to exude more confidence in her verbal exchanges to make it truly interesting.… Full Review »
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