Critic Reviews
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“The Irrational” works because it has a likable cast and reasonably tight plotting, even if every episode so far seems to rush to its conclusion.
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While the true culprits of the crimes are usually glaringly obvious, a few stunners here and there make “The Irrational” enjoyable primetime viewing. It’s a classic drama that viewers can dive in and out of without missing a beat.
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Overall, "The Irrational" is decently acted, competently written, and adequately directed.
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The Irrational works mainly because of Martin and the backstory he has with Hill’s character and the bombing case. The mysteries themselves are pretty bad, but that will matter less if the continuing story is good.
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A charismatic star (Law & Order veteran Jesse L. Martin) and an intriguing premise. The puzzles are also unusually perplexing. .... And yet Martin never sheds his cool-cat persona. [25 Sep - 15 Oct 2023, p.14]
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It’s possible the show will have surer footing in the weeks to come, but as of now, The Irrational commits the cardinal sin of any expertise-driven procedural—the audience feels a step or two ahead of the writing. We can see the moves it’s trying to make a mile off.
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Martin is good enough company to carry his part of the bargain, but only those really hungry for another variation on “The Mentalist” or “Castle,” “Psych” or “Numb3rs” – or maybe just something to watch after “The Voice” – will find much to latch onto here.
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The show’s vibe is easy and familiar, and in its own way comforting — in the three episodes sent to critics, justice comes as reliably as the turning of the hour. Yet despite a likable lead turn by Martin, it’s difficult not to notice how un-special this story of a supposedly special detective feels.
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Martin’s presence can only elevate “The Irrational” so much. It’s a generic exercise, neither good nor bad but simply there. Maybe, amid a sea of reruns and reality shows, that is enough to satisfy audiences.
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The Irrational is a pretty average network procedural. The NBC series, which premieres September 25, has all the necessary elements of a cop show, even if it’s not a traditional crime drama like one of the network’s biggest hits, Law & Order: SVU. It still sticks to a well-established genre formula, though.
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It’s as pedestrian a procedural as NBC’s “Found” but with a less heightened twist.
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NBC’s The Irrational puts a fun spin on the procedural formula, but it’s dragged down by clichés and convenient plot twists.
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The first three episodes divulge just enough information to keep the viewer guessing and keep audiences interested in Alec's arc, and Martin is doing good enough work to lend the storyline some real emotion. Sadly, this is the only real redeeming quality of an otherwise lackluster, familiar procedural from NBC.
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Martin –– ever-charismatic and always watchable –– makes a gallant try at keeping this enterprise afloat. He’s working hard, and deserves a vehicle worthy of those efforts. The fact that he’s trapped in this one is simply irrational.