Monday night's episode of NBC's The Irrational tackles no-knock warrants and excessive force from a scientific perspective. Executive Producer and writer Arika Lisanne Mittman (LA Brea, Dexter, Timeless) breaks down their unique approach to the serious subject matter.
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Professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) helps out his sister's friend as an expert witness in the latest The Irrational episode, "Point and Shoot," airing Monday night. Alec applies his behavioral science expertise in a wrongful death case involving a police shooting in a no-knock warrant situation.
The Irrational isn't the first project to tackle a real-life tragedy but it tackles it from a scientific perspective when on the stand, Alec breaks down police mentality and behavior in a high-stressful situation. Alec's scientific perspective is eye-opening and educational.
When Mittman signed onto the NBC series. she set out to bring audiences more than just an entertaining show.
"One of my goals with this show was like I want it to be a show that first and foremost is entertained by... beyond that I felt like it's a show that people could a little something, not just about behavioral scientist but about themselves," she tells CineMovie. "I've been told by a lot of people that, 'I watch your show and I feel a little smarter.' You don't get to say that about television shows."
Written by Kirk Moore and directed by Ernest R. Dickerson, "Point and Shoot" also puts audiences in the driver's seat when Alec and his sister Kylie are pulled over by police. It's not your standard stop, and Kylie fears for her life. Mittman explains why they wanted the scene to impact the viewer.
"We wanted the audience to be emotionally affected by it, to feel uncomfortable. To feel that because to see a character like Alec who is so respected and so on top of his game in his world, to see that happen to him really let's you know it can happen to anyone."
The writer's room is diverse from a racial standpoint but she also hires staff of different ages and work experience. The "Point and Shoot" episode was spearheaded by a black writer and director.
After a long hiatus due to the writer's strike, The Irrational Writers are hard at work with three additional new episodes, but no new shows can be taped until the SAG/AFTRA comes to an end. Mittman reveals they are awaiting news of a mid-season pickup.
The Irrational airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET/PT. and on the Peacock app.
