Diving into the Complexities of Jesse L Martin's Captivating Performance as Alec Mercer

Warning: SPOILERS for season 1, episode 2 of The Irrational.

Summary

In the second episode of The Irrational, journalist C.J. Wright takes the spotlight as she discloses that she is being poisoned by polonium-210. She turns to Alec for assistance in identifying the person responsible for her condition. Jesse Warn, renowned for his contributions to DCTV shows, directs and acts as a co-executive producer for The Irrational, with Jesse L. Martin starring as Alec Mercer.

The episode showcases a challenging night shoot on a dock, calling for meticulous logistical planning. Phoebe and Owen's on-screen presence adds humor and innocence to the show.

On October 2nd, NBC aired the second episode of its new procedural series, The Irrational. The episode revolves around the murder of journalist C.J. Wright, but there's a twist—the victim is still alive. C.J. discloses that she has been poisoned with polonium-210 and seeks Alec's assistance in finding the culprit before her inevitable demise. As Alec immerses himself in the investigation with the aid of his research assistants, he also strives to reconnect C.J. with her estranged daughter.

The series, created by Arika Lisanne Mittman, is directed and co-executive produced by Jesse Warn. Warn is renowned for his work on popular DCTV shows like Arrow, The Flash, and Supergirl. In addition, he has directed episodes of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals. Chartering the role of Alec Mercer is Law & Order's Jesse L. Martin, accompanied by Maahra Hill, Travina Springer, Molly Kunz, and Arash DeMaxi, who complete the talented ensemble cast of The Irrational.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Jesse Warn discusses his collaboration with Jesse L. Martin on both The Flash and The Irrational, highlighting the essential duality that the actor brings to his portrayal of Alec Mercer. It is important to note that this piece was written amidst the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, emphasizing the crucial contribution of union actors in making the show possible.

Jesse Warn Talks The Irrational

Screen Rant: Did you have the opportunity to talk with Jesse L. Martin before working on The Irrational?

Jesse Warn: It was a wonderful convergence of worlds, having Jesse Martin previously involved in The Flash and both of us now coming together for this project. The answer is yes, I did get the chance to chat with Jesse before the show started. We have worked together in the past and had a fantastic rapport. I hold great admiration for him, not only for his acting abilities but also for who he is as a person. Working with him again was truly a delight for me.

In your work on these two series, what has been the greatest contrast?

Jesse Warn: The superhero universe is clearly very exaggerated. The content and the world building are all highly realistic and fantastical—supernatural powers and superheroes. While the actors are, of course, sometimes grounded, it's larger than life. On the other hand, a series like The Irrational is much more rooted in the real world. Our showrunner, Arika, really wanted to portray the world as it truly is. Naturally, there is a slightly heightened reality because it's television. However, it's a world that viewers readily acknowledge as our own. That was a fundamental distinction.

The shootout scene at the dock presented many challenges due to the complex night-time setup. Could you provide some insights into the behind-the-scenes of that sequence?

Jesse Warn: Despite the harsh weather conditions with cold temperatures and rain, we managed the logistical difficulties involved. Being on the narrow and slippery docks required careful planning and execution. Jesse Martin, being a seasoned professional, handled the situation with expertise. Our priority was to ensure his safety while creating an optimal working environment. To tackle the weight and space constraints of the docks, we opted for drone shots instead of using a crane, which is the usual choice. Additionally, we heavily relied on steadicam and handheld techniques. Finally, when Jesse jumps into the water, a double was utilized.

I really enjoy the significant screen time Phoebe and Owen had in this episode. The dynamic between the research assistants is something I truly appreciate. Phoebe and Rizwan have a certain innocence about them and provide a refreshing sense of humor. They serve as a perfect contrast to Alec, who is a knowledgeable and cerebral professor. Phoebe and Rizwan represent viewers like you and me, who may not be familiar with the intricacies of behavioral psychology. Through their perspective, we get to experience the fascination and enjoyment of being introduced to new intellectual concepts by Alec. Overall, I think they are fantastic characters.

The mother-daughter relationship, which is strained, connects with Phoebe's storyline and provides insight into her past. Could you discuss your collaboration with the actress in exploring this character?

Jesse Warn: The scene holds a lot of emotion, and I must say that Molly did an exceptional job. To be completely honest, she came prepared and fully committed to the scene. We had a brief conversation beforehand, but Molly had done extensive work and given much thought to the scene. There are moments when you simply have to step back and allow talented individuals to showcase their abilities. Jesse Martin, her scene partner, consistently brings depth and vibrancy to every scene.

When he's in front of the camera or working behind it with the actor in focus, he consistently delivers. Molly couldn't have asked for a better scene partner. Jesse is incredibly supportive and brings out the best in every scene and his fellow actors. In truth, this specific instance exemplifies the synergy of exceptional performers. You're firing on all cylinders.

The final scene between C.J. and her daughter was a deeply emotional moment for both characters. The challenge was to convey the intensity of these moments through physical performance and facial expressions, as there was limited dialogue. The visual connection between the actors played a crucial role in capturing the essence of the mother-daughter relationship. With the exceptional talent of the actors involved, they understood and discussed this moment, ensuring that the scene came together perfectly throughout the episode.

Alec endeavors to assure his sister that he and Marisa are in the best possible situation, but what is being expected from the actors during these intimate moments? Is it still desirable to have a certain level of tension between them, even in mundane instances like when Joe can't locate where Marisa has placed the coffee mugs?

Jesse Warn: Exactly. Our showrunner, Arika, had a strong desire to present the authentic world and genuine dynamics. I kept this in mind while working on scenes like this. In the real world, people can have separated or become exes, yet they still hold care for one another, which can make things complicated. People often feel torn, and this internal conflict can manifest in various ways, such as frustration or tension. Particularly in that scene, I aimed to convey this aspect.

Jesse L. Martin often finds himself playing a dual role within his character. Alec must convincingly understand and relate to the criminal he is dealing with. How do you and Jesse work together to strike the right balance in these scenes?

Jesse Warn: That's an excellent question. I believe this is something Jesse really enjoys about his role. On one hand, he can have a playful and authentic dynamic with Kylie, akin to a sibling relationship. On the other hand, he can adopt a completely different persona when he steps into a situation where he must pretend to be someone else entirely.

We didn't need to discuss it specifically. It's clearly identified in the script as we go along and talk about it. However, I must say that Jesse Martin really mastered it right from the beginning in the pilot—understanding the duality in his performance. My responsibility is to ensure those moments really stand out. We have the opportunity to discuss them together, but Jesse is a professional. He excels at this.

Will you be directing any other episodes this season?

Jesse Warn: Yes. I've got another one coming up in Episode 7.

About The Irrational

In "The Irrational", Professor Alec Mercer (played by Jesse L. Martin), a renowned expert in behavioral science, brings his unique knowledge to tackle an assortment of high-stakes cases involving governments, law enforcement, and corporations. With his unconventional approach to understanding human behavior, Mercer and his team embark on a series of intense and unexpected journeys, engaging in solving illogical puzzles and perplexing mysteries. This captivating show is inspired by the bestselling book "Predictably Irrational" by author Dan Ariely.

Don't miss our exclusive interviews with Eric Fraser, the production designer of The Irrational, and Todd A. Dos Reis, ASC, the cinematographer. Catch The Irrational every Monday at 10pm ET on NBC, and stream it on Peacock the following day.