Portraying an skilled in behavioral science wasn’t a lot of a stretch for The Irrational’s Jesse L. Martin.
In an unique interview with Us Weekly, the actor, 55, defined why taking on the function of Alec Mercer — a professor who lends his information of behavioral psychology to assist resolve vital instances — was an ideal match for him. “I’m brand new to the guy, so I know I have a whole lot to learn,” Martin admitted. “But what I have learned so far, is that we all have a little bit of a behavioral expert in us, [because] you observe everything from the moment you’re born.”
Being an actor — which might require replicating human habits — additionally gave Martin a leg up on understanding the complicated character. “I didn’t know the scientific terms for it [or] that there were certain psychoses that were based around it, but I learned that I’ve been watching things just like Alec does for a really long time,” he defined. “He’s got a lot more experience than I do, but I’ve been doing it all my life, so in a way I feel quite suited to get into these shoes.”
For Martin, whose profession started on Broadway, the NBC collection resonated with him as a result of the fabric revolved round “behavior and decisions that are fueled by emotion,” he shared. “Emotion means drama, [and] drama is really, really exciting, particularly, to play as an actor.”
Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer on ‘The Irrational.’ Sergei Bachlakov/NBC
Another attractive element to getting into Alec’s sneakers? “I absolutely love that he has access to his emotions in a way that I hadn’t necessarily been able to play so much before, particularly when it comes to playing a detective or being someone who’s into investigation,” the Law & Order alum stated. “He gets to use a little bit more of the emotional spectrum than your typical police officer or FBI agent.”
Though Alec has been concerned in some compelling situations all through season 1, Martin instructed Us one in every of his favourite moments so far involved a “profound” scene that included Alex’s scholar Phoebe (Molly Kunz). “She was having a difficult moment, and I got to sit and have a very simple conversation with her,” he recalled. “It was one of the first times I realized as an actor, and I think maybe she did too, where [it was like], ‘Oh, we have this kind of relationship where we can sit down and simply talk about what’s going on with us.’”
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The Irrational was renewed for a second season in November 2023, however don’t ask Martin what followers can anticipate within the collection’ subsequent installment. “I don’t know anything about it, and that’s on purpose — I don’t ask too much. I just trust that [the writers] are going to put us out there in the world in the best shape and form we could possibly be in,” he added. “I’m just super grateful that we’re going to be there for season 2.”
The midseason premiere of The Irrational airs on NBC Monday, January 29, at 10 p.m. ET.
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