NBC’s The Irrational returns with “Another Man’s Treasure,” an episode that tackles the thorny intersection of art, ethics, and good old-fashioned thievery. When a museum heist rocks the city, behavioral science professor Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) and his team find themselves grappling with not only who pulled off the job, but also with the larger question of what constitutes “ownership” when it comes to cultural artifacts.
The case centers on a museum curator and his son, both of whom become prime suspects in the theft. As Alec and Marisa delve into the complicated world of art acquisition and repatriation, they uncover a web of shady dealings and conflicting claims, sparking a debate about the ethics of buying and selling cultural treasures.
For Marisa, the investigation hits a little too close to home, stirring up old memories and forcing her to confront some unresolved issues from her past. While the heist itself provides plenty of procedural intrigue, it’s the ethical questions raised by the case that give “Another Man’s Treasure” its weight.
The Irrational airs Tuesdays at 10:00 PM Eastern Time on NBC.