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Critic’s Rating: 3.5 / 5.0
3.5
When it comes to exploring the complexities of psychopathy, The Irrational attempts to carve out a thoughtful narrative.
The term “psychopath” has become overused in the realm of television, often perpetuating misunderstandings about mental health and violence.
In Season 2, Episode 15, The Irrational aimed to challenge some of these misconceptions, yet the execution felt disjointed and left questions about its effectiveness.
(Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)
The Irrational Season 2 Episode 15 Started Out With An Interesting Case
The episode opened with a captivating premise.
Kylie believed there was something sinister behind a series of deaths linked to extreme sports organized by Ben’s company, a notion many around her dismissed as paranoia.
As Marisa dove into the investigation, a warning from Ben’s associate hinted at potential danger if they continued to pursue the truth.
The setup held promise, yet the narrative veered off course.
Rather than integrating the case with the neuroscientific themes Alec was illustrating, the episode diverged into a detached discussion on psychopathy.
The focus shifted to Alec’s students evaluating Ben against psychopathic criteria, rather than prioritizing the resolution of the case.
(Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)
In a surprising development, Ben confessed to being a psychopath and solicited Alec’s help to clear his name — a twist that raised eyebrows about the believability of Alec’s interactions.
At First, The Irrational Season 2 Episode 15 Helped Dismantle Stereotypes
Initial moments of the episode offered a nuanced look at psychopathy through Ben’s candid admission of his condition.
The portrayal of psychopathy often leans toward caricatured representations of violent individuals, but The Irrational suggested a more complex understanding.
Only a few shows, such as New Amsterdam, have navigated this topic with sensitivity, exploring the journey of a child receiving treatment for an empathy deficit.
(Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)
The early narrative was promising.
Alec categorized Ben as a “pro-social psychopath.”
This terminology exists despite skepticism; it refers to individuals who, while lacking empathy, engage in socially constructive behavior.
Such individuals often act not out of altruism, but for personal gains, raising questions about the motivations behind seemingly good deeds.
This complexity of character challenges the binary view often perpetuated in media, yet The Irrational ultimately undercut its progression by reverting to stereotypes.
(Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)
Alec Should Have Realized Ben Was A Killer On The Irrational Season 2 Episode 15
In a narrative twist typical of dramas, the potential for Ben being a dangerous psychopath should have given Alec pause.
While the plot benefited from dramatic tension, it stretched the believability of Alec’s inability to see through Ben’s façade.
Alec, a distinguished neuroscientist, should possess a deeper awareness of the complexities of psychopathy and how predators often disguise their true nature.
However, being human, he is not immune to the cognitive biases and errors that can distort judgment.
(Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)
Yet, this plot device seemed overly conspicuous, detracting from the meaningful discussions about psychopathy introduced earlier.
It raises concerns about whether the creators truly believe in the existence of pro-social psychopaths, leading to an unsatisfying resolution.
(Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)
Simon’s Dilemma Was The Most Interesting Part Of The Story
Throughout “Conversation Games,” Simon grappled with the fear that he might also be a psychopath, reflecting on traits he believed he exhibited.
This subplot, even if it did not elevate Simon’s character much in general, provided a thought-provoking angle.
The resolution to his dilemma felt predictable — those who worry about their moral compass are usually more empathetic than they give themselves credit for.
A true psychopath would likely not be concerned about harming others, implicating Simon’s self-reflection as a sign of cognitive empathy.
(Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)
For a show addressing mental health, it was reassuring to see some myths debunked, particularly frivolous notions like physical traits indicating psychopathy.
However, the inconsistency with Alec warning Simon against joining him on a potentially dangerous mission felt hypocritical.
Alec himself has engaged in risky behavior in previous episodes, making his caution toward Simon seem inconsistent and absurd.
( NBC/Screenshot)
Now, we turn to the audience, fans of The Irrational.
What were your thoughts on Season 2, Episode 15?
Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section.
For those who want to express their ratings, a poll is available to contribute your score below.
The Irrational airs on NBC on Tuesdays at 10/9c and streams on Peacock on Wednesdays.
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