Disney Home Entertainment
Release date: May 21st, 2013
Stars: Eric McCormack, Rachael Leigh Cook
The series stars Eric McCormack as Dr. Daniel Pierce. Pierce is a brilliant and popular college professor that is more than a little odd. He suffers from paranoid Schizophrenia. He has opted to refuse necessary meds that would lessen his symptoms as they limit his creativity and make him feel dumbed down. Because of this, he is never entirely sure who around him is real and who is not. In the series, part of his hallucinations are related to the case (“Ghosts” talking to him and helping him think things through), these are his subconscious mind working through things. He sees crimes as puzzles and challenges.
Agent Kate Moretti (Rachael Leigh Cook) is a former student and understands Pierce better than most and sees the rewards of using his brilliance as outweighing the risks that come with his behavior. But more than that, she likes and appreciates him.
My overall impression of PERCEPTOIN is that it features good actors doing well in interesting roles, but the stories lack depth and often emotional impact. It was only towards the end of season one, that lines between reality and fantasy are truly blurred. When that happens, the show becomes something special. Pierce comes to find that memories he treasures, memories from years gone by, are not real. Seeing the impact that has on him is quite powerful. But will it attempt to continue to bring that level of emotion into each episode?
My hope is that the show follows the road of THE CLOSER and develops the characters rather than RIZZOLI & ISLES, which often seems to be content coasting on the charm and talents of the staff. They have a fascinating premise that offers them a rich tapestry with which to work.
Jeremy Lynch
