From scientist to performer? That may be the case during Season 2 of NBC’s “The Irrational,” which kicked off on Oct. 8.
According to Jesse L. Martin, who plays behavioral scientist professor turned FBI consultant at night Alec Mercer, he may be using his singing chops in an upcoming episode.
“Obviously, people are well aware of my time and love for Broadway, and I’ve certainly had a chance to do, you know, a musical or two, one of them being quite iconic,” he explains. Perhaps Martin’s most famous role was as Tom Collins on Broadway’s production of “Rent,” where he was able to show off his incredible vocals.
“There is a backstory with Alec, where in college he was part of a singing group, but I think the scientist and the grown man in Alec doesn’t see himself in, you know, that capacity, at least not for public consumption,” Martin teases. “That being said, I can tease that for all of you who are quite interested in seeing or hearing a little singing — you may get your wish, but you will get your wish from a scientist. I don’t know what it means when scientists sing, but that’s what you’re going to find out.”
Alec’s personal life will also continue to overlap with his job, with multiple important women in his life both at home and at the office.
“Alec already puts himself in dangerous positions just doing the work that he’s done, before ever even meeting Rose. The scope of dangerous potential that Rose has doing her work, and then coupling together romantically and work-wise, leads to some fantastically complex and very interesting stories, I must say,” he says of Rose (Karen David). As for his relationship with his ex, Marisa (Maahra Hill), Martin says there won’t be a love triangle, but their stories will continue to “blend together.”
Additionally, Phoebe (Molly Kunz) remains an important part of Alec’s life.
“Phoebe’s not going anywhere. I won’t give away where she ends up or what she ends up doing, but she’s an absolutely valuable character and a fantastic actor in Molly, so I don’t think anybody wants her to go anywhere,” Martin tells Variety. “She is such a goldmine when it comes to telling these stories, and she lives so deeply emotionally in these stories that we need her there. Alec certainly needs her.”
“The Irrational,” produced by Universal TV, airs on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET. on NBC.