If you like Monk, Numb3rs, Columbo, Quincy M.E., Matlock, Body of Proof, Castle, and other shows similar to those, then you're sure to enjoy TNT's Perception.
Eric McCormack stars as Dr. Daniel Pierce, a neuro-science professor, well liked by students and faculty. LaVar Burton co-stars as his friend and dean Paul Haley. One thing that sets Dr.Pierce apart from his colleagues and charges: he's schizophrenic. Teacher's assistant Max Lewicki played by Arjay Smith helps keep the doc on an even keel, but sometimes, despite Lewicki's best efforts, things go awry.
But this is not always a bad thing as the doctor's hallucinatory episodes tend to help him help a former student, now an FBI agent, played by Rachael Leigh Cook, solve crimes. One of the doc's quirks is a love of crossword puzzles and anagrams and his ability to quickly solve them is a useful tool in the solving of crimes.
For you FallingSkies fans Colin Cunningham is in Perception's pilot episode. 180 degrees different from Pope but no less entertaining.
The doctor eschews pharmacological treatment and has for the most part successfully managed his illness, primarily through maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and a consistency of routine. However, as the good doctor instructs during a lecture, the brain's synapses during a dream state i.e. hallucinatory, are virtually indistinguishable from those when one is wide awake and not hallucinating. So when he is having a schizophrenic episode, his perception is, sometimes frighteningly so, that he is not hallucinating.
Bravo to Perception's writers, directors and producers [one of whom is McCormack]. They do an excellent job of allowing the viewer to experience things through the doctor's mind. There were only two moments in the pilot ep, when i knew the doc was NOT hallucinating, and even then, i had to convince myself he wasn't before it was proven to him that he was not.
Perception premieres Monday July 9th at 10:00pm on TNT Please check your local listings.
Press Release: TNT Introduces Unusual Crime Solver in the New Summer Drama Series Perception, Starring Eric McCormack. This summer, it’s mind-over-murder as TNT introduces a unique view of crime-solving when Emmy® and Screen Actors Guild Award® winner Eric McCormack (Will & Grace, Who Is Clark Rockefeller?) stars in the all-new drama series Perception. This fascinating series also stars Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That), Arjay Smith (The Day After Tomorrow) and Kelly Rowan (The O.C.).
Perception is slated to premiere Monday, July 9, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT), exclusively on TNT. Viewers can keep up to date on all the news about the series by following @PerceptionTNT or searching for hashtag #PerceptionTNT on Twitter.
In Perception, McCormack plays Dr. Daniel Pierce, an eccentric neuroscience professor with paranoid schizophrenia who is recruited by the FBI to help solve complex cases. Pierce has an intimate knowledge of human behavior and a masterful understanding of the way the mind works. He also has an uncanny ability to see patterns and look past people's conscious emotions to see what lies beneath.
Pierce's mind may be brilliant, but it's also damaged. He struggles with hallucinations and paranoid delusions brought on by his schizophrenia. Oddly, Daniel considers some of his hallucinations to be a gift. They occasionally allow him to make connections that his conscious mind can’t yet process. At other times, the hallucinations become Daniel's greatest curse, leading him to behave in irrational, potentially dangerous ways.
Daniel's mental condition and offbeat manner make it difficult for him to achieve the close friendships and intimate relationships he craves. He’s in his element when solving an intricate puzzle or a coded message. But in unfamiliar situations, he can quickly become overwhelmed, and only his favorite music and a crossword puzzle have the power to make things right again.
Cook co-stars as FBI agent Kate Moretti, Pierce’s former student who asks him to consult on certain cases. Unlike her colleagues, Kate is willing to look past Daniel's peculiarities. Also in Daniel's life is Max Lewicki (Smith), who serves as his teaching assistant. His primary job is to keep Pierce in line and on task, whether that means grading midterms or laying out Pierce's wardrobe for the day. And Natalie Vincent (Rowan) is Daniel's best friend and every bit his intellectual equal. In addition, award-winning actor LeVar Burton (Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation) will play a recurring role as Paul Haley, a dean at the university and Pierce’s friend.
Perception, which comes to TNT from ABC Studios, was created by executive producer Ken Biller (Star Trek: Voyager, Smallville) and co-executive producer Mike Sussman (Star Trek: Enterprise), with McCormack serving as producer. Alan Poul (Six Feet Under) directed and served as executive producer for the pilot.
About ABC Studios
ABC Studios, part of ABC Entertainment Group, develops and produces compelling programming for both broadcast network and cable television as well as digital platforms. ABC Studios has delivered some of the most successful, talked-about and evolutionary series on television such as Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Criminal Minds, Army Wives and Brothers & Sisters.
About TNT
TNT, one of cable’s top-rated networks, is television’s destination for drama. Seen in 99 million households, the network is home to such original series as The Closer, starring Emmy® winner Kyra Sedgwick; Rizzoli & Isles, starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander; Falling Skies, starring Noah Wyle; Franklin & Bash, with Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer; Leverage, starring Timothy Hutton; and Southland, from Emmy-winning producer John Wells, as well as the upcoming series Major Crimes, Dallas, Perception and The Great Escape. TNT also is the cable home to powerful dramas like The Mentalist, Bones, Supernatural, Las Vegas, Law & Order, CSI: NY, Cold Case and, starting this year, Castle; primetime specials, such as the Screen Actors Guild Awards®; blockbuster movies; and championship sports coverage, including NASCAR, the NBA and the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. TNT is available in high-definition.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world. CONTACTS: Carmen Davenporte-McNeal, Atlanta, 404/575-9709, carmen.davenporte-mcneal@turner.com Barrie Gruner, Los Angeles, 818/729-7312, barrie.gruner@turner.com
Visit our press site at http://tntnewsroom.com Follow TNT on Twitter @TNTweknowdrama and @TNTPR.
2 comments:
My new favorite TV show. Perception is GREAT!
Wow! I didn’t know McCormack played a hand in producing “Perception”. I just thought he played the main character, and he does a wonderful job at that. I like the show so far for its suspenseful storylines, and it doesn’t hurt that McCormack is quite the looker. It’s already gotten my Dish coworker gals and me talking about whether Rachael Leigh Cook and him are going to become an item. They are really cute together! My only problem with “Perception” so far is that seeing McCormack makes me want to watch Will and Grace so bad! I used to love that show back in the day, so I couldn’t help but dig up a few seasons. Luckily, a bunch of seasons are available from my Blockbuster@Home service that I get through my Dish account, so the DVDs are already en route to my home mailbox! Next Monday after we watch “Perception”, my girls and I are going to have a little Will and Grace marathon. Don’t judge us! It’s still a cool show to watch! LOL!
Post a Comment
Please feel free to tell me what you think ;-)