I’m as big a fan of Alec Mercer’s (Jesse L. Martin) unorthodox methods as the next viewer, but even I raised an eyebrow at his latest stunt: playing chicken with a speeding locomotive. This week’s “The Irrational” veered sharply from its usual murder-of-the-week formula, swapping corpses for code and offering a data-driven disaster movie in miniature. A company specializing in predicting future calamities—they liken their work to time travel, naturally—foresees a train derailment, and Alec’s the only one who can stop it.
The shift in focus allows for a deeper exploration of Alec’s increasingly reckless behavior. He’s practically radiating a death wish, seemingly more comfortable facing down a multi-ton train than confronting his personal demons. His supposed brilliance starts to feel a bit like plot armor, as he pulls off improbable feats of derring-do with minimal consequence. The train’s engineer, apparently blind to the figure standing directly on the tracks, doesn’t apply the brakes until the last possible second. It’s a dramatic, albeit questionable, climax.
Meanwhile, the FBI subplot involving a hacked safety system felt tacked-on and underdeveloped. Marisa (Maahra Hill) and Kylie (Travina Springer), sidelined for much of the episode, pop in occasionally to remind us that, yes, there’s a federal investigation happening somewhere. Their concern for Alec’s safety rings a little hollow given their limited screen time and the show’s tendency to prioritize Alec’s impulsive actions over reasoned investigation.
Back at Rational headquarters, Phoebe’s (Molly Kunz) return throws the research team into disarray. The dynamic has shifted during her absence; Rizwan’s (Arash DeMaxi) grown more assertive, and newbie Simon’s trying to find his footing. Phoebe, sensing her diminished role, proposes a team-building experiment. Whether this will actually address the underlying tensions or simply add more awkwardness is anyone’s guess.
Ultimately, “The Wrong Side of Maybe” offers an intriguing, if uneven, detour from “The Irrational’s” established path. While the train scenario stretched the bounds of plausibility, it provided a compelling showcase for Alec’s recklessness and the show’s exploration of how predictions can be both helpful and paralyzing. The episode reminds us that even data-driven forecasts are just tools; they shouldn’t dictate our actions or make us feel helpless in the face of the seemingly inevitable.
“The Irrational” airs Tuesday nights on NBC.
