It isn’t irrational for Jesse L. Martin (“Law & Order”) to be pleased about getting a second season for his latest series. However, he continues to deal with cases that defy conventional logic as an internationally prominent behavioral psychology authority who assists law officers as “The Irrational” begins its sophomore round Tuesday, Oct. 8, on NBC. Each new episode will also stream on Peacock, starting the day after its NBC debut.
Washington, D.C.,-based
Prof. Alec Mercer (Martin) knows criminal behavior from a close proximity, having suffered injuries in a church bombing many years ago. Martin says he relates very personally to his “Irrational” alter ego, reasoning that as an actor, “If you’re worth your salt in any way, shape or form, your whole job is to look at human behavior and reflect it, whether it be
Jesse L. Martin stars in “The Irrational”
Cover Story
on stage or on film or small screen. On television, I’ve been doing that all my life. Kids do it with their imaginations every single day; they figure out how to behave like a monster or a police officer, and I do that as a career. I just didn’t have scientific terms for it coming up. Now I do.
“I can see it sort of from a scientific angle, but growing up as an actor training, it was always from sort of an emotional place: ‘It gets people to feel this way or feel that way, and what does that look like in the body?’ Now it’s sort of like I’ve got terms to describe it, so I feel a little bit smarter.”
Mercer’s work with the FBI has another element, since one of the agents is his ex-wife Marisa (played by Maahra Hill, “Delilah”), but his sister Kylie (Travina Springer, “Strange Angel”) and his university research assistants, played by “Partner Track’s” Arash DeMaxi and Molly Kunz (“Widows,” 2018), help to keep him on track.
The show is making room for Mercer to take a somewhat fresh approach in Season 2, since the lingering bombing mystery reached something of a resolution at the end of the first season.
“I find that it’s really satisfying for an audience to wonder, but to also get those answers,” maintains “The Irrational” creator and executive producer Arika Lisanne Mittman, who cut her producer’s teeth on the Showtime fan-favorite “Dexter.” “I never wanted that storyline to be something that spanned five years of a series. I wanted it to have a satisfying ending to Season [1], and to open up the second season for new questions, new mysteries and new stories.”
However, Martin notes, “What it led to was more questions for my character. Often when people go through a traumatic experience, it — for lack of a better way to put it — becomes part of their identity. If the story is
Start making sense: Jesse L. Martin delves back into ‘The Irrational’
“Law & Order” alum Jesse L. Martin returns in Season 2 of the NBC mystery-drama series “The Irrational,” starting Tuesday, Oct. 8.
solved, or the mystery of it is solved, there’s something that happens to their identity in it. That bleeds probably for the eternity of the series, which I think is really fascinating.”
Mittman insists that the crime-solving aspect of “The Irrational” isn’t meant to override the psychological one. “We do always look at every episode [in terms of], ‘How is this about psychology? What is the psychology in this episode?’ We don’t ever want to tell just a traditional by-thebook kind of case. Dan Ariely, who wrote the book that this is based on [‘Predictably Irrational’], consults for us. He helps us with some of these psychological terms, and we have to do a lot of reading.
“We and the writers have to do a lot of research and a lot of writing for characters who are smarter than me,” Mittman allows. “It’s a challenge. It’s always hard, but I love it, because it helps make me smarter. And makes the audience smarter, I hope.”
What’s Available NOW On
“La Maquina” (Oct. 9)
This Spanish language sports drama follows an aging boxer (Gael Garcia Bernal) whose crafty manager (Diego Luna) secures one last shot at a title. But, if they want to make it to fight night, they must navigate a mysterious underworld force and the boxer’s own ailing mind.
“Mr. Crocket” (Oct. 11)
In 1993, a mysterious children’s show host, Mr. Crocket, magically emerges from television sets to kidnap young children, brutally slaying their parents in the process. After Mr. Crocket snatches her son, one determined mother embarks on a perilous quest to track down the demonic entertainer and rescue her boy. Jerrika Hinton, Elvis Nolasco, Ayden Gavin, Kristolyn Lloyd and Alex Akpobome star.
“What You Wish For” (Available Now) Ryan (Nick Stahl) is a talented, down-on-his-luck chef with crushing gambling problems. Leaving town in a hurry and hoping to find a sanctuary in South America. When a twist of fate allows him to assume his friend Jack’s (Brian Groh) identity and take on his extravagant lifestyle, Ryan quickly discovers just what his friend needed to do to stay at the top.
“Bluey Minisodes” - New Episodes (Oct. 7)
Bringing more tail-wagging fun and heartwarming stories to families, a new slate of “Bluey Minisodes” make their debut. Further exploring the beloved world of “Bluey,” the smash-hit Australian children’s series about the adventures of blue heeler pup Bluey and her family, these new shorts, running one to three minutes each, highlight funny and sweet moments.
“Big City Greens” - Season 4 Halloween Specials (Oct. 9)
This family animated series presents two new special Halloween episodes. First, Cricket (Chris Houghton) tries to avoid a fortune teller’s ominous prediction that he’s going to get a stinky slap. Then, in an inescapable escape room, Cricket must decide: family or freedom.
“Killer Cakes”Season 1 (Oct. 8) From horror visionaries Blumhouse Television and Cake Boss creators High Noon Entertainment, this new series is a one-of-a-kind competition show where bakers with terrifying skills attempt to win some of the most frightening challenges ever produced for television. Contestants will work with the best horror special effects artists in Hollywood to unleash their twisted imaginations.
“ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series Halloween Special” (Oct. 9)
This two-part Halloween special visits an alternate universe where humans, zombies and werewolves square off in an epic dance battle on the night of Halloween!
“The Simpsons: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” (Oct. 11)
Sideshow Bob teams up with the most infamous villains of Disney+ to share the true meaning of the Halloween season.
Filled with music, mayhem, and madness, this short from
“The Simpsons” is simply to die for.
“Citadel: Diana”Season 1 (Oct. 10) Milan, 2030: Eight years ago, the independent global spy agency Citadel was destroyed by the powerful enemy syndicate, Manticore. Since then, Diana Cavalieri (Matilda De Angelis), an undercover Citadel agent, is alone, trapped behind enemy lines as a mole in Manticore. When she finally sees a way out and the chance to disappear forever, the only way to do so is trusting the most unexpected ally, Edo Zani (Lorenzo Cervasio).
“Previously Saved Version” (Available Now) Set in the year 2200 A.D., this Japanese film is set in a future where human migration to space and advanced technology enable memory manipulation. Naoki and Mayumi, who live in a luxury floating residence in space, seem to be the perfect couple — but everything is not as is seems on the surface.
“Starting 5” (Oct. 9)
This new, 10-part Netflix sports series provides an intense, behind-the-scenes look at the 2023-24 NBA season through the eyes of five of the league’s biggest players - Jimmy Butler (Miami Heat), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).
“Outer Banks”Season 4 (Oct. 10)
After finding the gold at El Dorado, the Pogues return to the OBX and commit to having a “normal” life. They’ve built themselves a new safe haven, officially dubbed “Poguelandia 2.0,” where they live together and run a fairly successful bait,
tackle, and charter tour shop.
“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” (Available Now) Set five years after
for
Working
“Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft” (Oct. 10)
This new animated series picks up after the events of the highly successful Tomb Raider
game Survivor trilogy, charting the
betrotting heroine’s next chapter. More than 25 years after her first appearance, Lara Croft (voiced by Hayley Atwell) continues to explore ancient mysteries and uncover lost truths across breathtaking and dangerous destinations.
“Lonely Planet” (Oct. 11)
A reclusive novelist (Laura Dern) arrives at a writer’s retreat in Morocco, hoping the remote setting will unlock her writer’s block. While there, she meets a young man (Liam Hemsworth), and what starts as an acquaintanceship evolves into an intoxicating, life-altering love affair.
video
glo-
the the first movie, this musical sequel finds a pregnant Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) preparing
her next chapter in life.
towards the grand reopening of the Hotel Bella Donna, Sophie dives into her mothers’ (Meryl Streep, played in young adulthood by Lily James) storied past.
Sports Zone
10 p.m. TNT NHL Hockey Colorado Avalanche at Vegas Golden Knights. From T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. (Live) 10:30 p.m. ESPN NBA Basketball Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings. From Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. (Live)
11 p.m. GOLF LPGA Tour Golf Buick LPGA Shanghai, First Round. From Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai. (Live) thurSday
7:30 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf FedEx Open de France, First Round. From Le Golf National in Paris, France. (Live)
5 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Black Desert Championship, First Round. From Black Desert Golf Course in Ivins, Utah. (Live)
7 p.m. ATTPT NHL Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins at Detroit Red Wings. From Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich. (Live) WNYO-49 High School Football Grand Island at Williamsville South. Action from high school football. (Live)
7:30 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Coastal Carolina at James Madison. From Bridgeforth Stadium in Harrisonburg, Va. (Live)
8 p.m. ESPN 2024 WNBA Finals Game 1: Teams TBA. Women’s basketball action from the 2024 WNBA Finals. (Live) TBS MLB Baseball All the latest action from Major League Baseball. (Live) TRUTV MLB Baseball League Division Series: Teams TBA. All the latest action from Major League Baseball. (Live)
9 p.m. FS1 Women’s College Volleyball Baylor at BYU. From Smith Fieldhouse in Provo, Utah. (Live) Friday
7:30 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf FedEx Open de France, Second Round. From Le Golf National in Paris, France. (Live)
2 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Champions Golf SAS Championship, First Round. From Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, N.C. (Live)
3 p.m. ESPN2 Golf PGA Jr. League Championship, First Round. Action from golf tournaments around the world. (Live)
5 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf Black Desert Championship, Second Round. From Black Desert Golf Course in Ivins, Utah. (Live)
6 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Harvard at Cornell. From Schoellkopf Field in Ithaca, N.Y. (Live)
7 p.m. ESPN College Football Memphis at South Florida. From Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (Live)
8 p.m. WNYW-5 WUTV-29 College Football Northwestern at Maryland. From Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium in College Park, Md. (Live)
9:15 p.m. ESPN2 College Football Prairie View A&M at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. From Simmons Bank Field in Pine Bluff, Ark. (Live)
10:30 p.m. ESPN College Football Utah at Arizona State. From Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (Live)
11 p.m. GOLF LPGA Tour Golf Buick LPGA Shanghai, Third Round.
From Qizhong Garden Golf Club in Shanghai. (Live) Saturday
7 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf FedEx Open de France, Third Round. From Le Golf National in Paris, France. (Live)
10 a.m. USA NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series Drive for the Cure 250 Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Qualifying. From Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. (Live)
11:50 a.m. FS1 UEFA Nations League Soccer Croatia vs. Scotland. League A, Group 1. (Live)
12 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 WKBW-7 WNYW-5 WPIX-11 WUTV-29 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live) WGRZ-2 WICU-12 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship MOTUL Petit Le Mans. From Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga. (Live)
12:30 p.m. USA NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400, Qualifying. From Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. (Live)
2 p.m. FS1 Horse Racing America’s Day at the Races. The best racehorses square off in the premiere races from across the country. (Live) GOLF PGA Tour Champions Golf SAS Championship, Second Round. From Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, N.C. (Live) 3:30 p.m. ESPN ESPN2 FS1 WIVB-4 WKBW-7 WSEE-35 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live) TRUTV College Football San Jose State at Colorado State. From Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colo. (Live)
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 College Football Stanford at Notre Dame. From Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind. (Live)
4 p.m. WNYW-5 WUTV-29 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live) WPIX-11 NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series Drive for the Cure 250 Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. From Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. (Live)
5 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf Black Desert Championship, Third Round. From Black Desert Golf Course in Ivins, Utah. (Live)
7 p.m. ATTPT NHL Hockey Pittsburgh Penguins at Toronto Maple Leafs. From Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. (Live) ESPN ESPN2 FS1 College Football Teams TBA. All the action from NCAA college football. (Live)
In Focus
“Shrinking” - Season 2 (Apple TV+ — Oct. 16, Season Premiere) Returning
BY JAY BOBBIN
John Wayne shows ‘True Grit’ in his Oscar-winning role
it came when the movie industry was making a major thematic shift. Tales of the Old West were being phased out for more modern stories, in both plotting and execution, and “True Grit” turned out to be a sort of victory lap for an actor and a category that had served audiences well for decades. In the Henry Hathaway-directed adaptation of Charles Portis’ novel, eyepatched lawman Rooster Cogburn (Wayne) is enlisted by spirited young Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) to help find her father’s killer. The film is also notable for the presence of music star Glen Campbell, who had acted a couple of times previously, but this was his first major screen credit; he plays La Boeuf, a Texas Ranger with his own reasons for wanting to apprehend the murderer. Logically, Campbell also is given a chance to sing, though that happens offscreen as he croons the Oscar-nominated title tune.
“The Enforcer” (BBC America, Sunday, Oct. 6): The third of Clint Eastwood’s “Dirty Harry” adventures, this 1976 entry is particularly enjoyable for the star’s teamwork with a pre-”Cagney & Lacey” Tyne Daly, who plays a novice police inspector teamed with rule-busting Harry to seek a selfstyled terrorist group wreaking havoc throughout San Francisco. Harry Guardino and Bradford Dillman are enjoyable as superior officers who have little use for the maverick antics of Eastwood’s Harry.
John Wayne in “True Grit”
classiccorner
es 15. Córdoba cry
16. Jack Lemmon’s “Days of Wine and Roses” (1962) co-star
18. 2023 Rachel Weisz miniseries
20. Stretched
21. Horse-and-buggy ___
37. Slap on 38. With 22-Down, Fred Armisen comedy 42. “I’ll Be There for You” for “Friends,” e.g. 44. Ornamental fish 45. Certain something 46. “If all ___ fails ...”
3. George Peppard TV series
4. Carroll’s “The ___ and the Carpenter” 5. Nail down the deal
6. Secluded valley 7. Power glitch
8. Unjust verdict
9. “Exodus” author
25. “Doctor Who” actor who wore the scarf
26. Yeanling producer
27. ___ Moines
31. Bouquets
32. Kindly
33. “___, Will Robinson!” 34. “Get ___” (2017 horror film)
Sunday
90 Day Fiancé:
Before the 90 Days
TLC 8 p.m.
Love is a many splendored thing — especially early on. And yet, as soon as couples start making plans, things can get dicey. Adnan’s rules leave Tigerlily upset. Loren already worries it’s over with Faith. And, Rayne wants Chidi to visit her.
Queens Court
BRAVO 9 p.m.
When queens need a king, you can bet that Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, Rodney Peete, are ready, willing and able to help guide them through the process of love. But can the queens overcome their past dis -
and “Game of
12. Cry at a circus 13. Legal rights org. 14. Some address-
appointments and find happiness?
Monday
Rescue: HI-Surf
WNYW-5 WUTV-29 9 p.m.
Emily (Arielle Kebbel), Will (Adam Demos) and the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu’s Seven Mile Miracle struggle with their personal and professional lives while saving people in life-threatening situations. What Would You Do?
WKBW-7 10 p.m.
Host John Quiñones returns in this Season 17 premiere, using hidden cameras to examine people’s reactions to various abnormal dilemmas while they’re out and about. Will they take action and speak up in the moment or stay silent and let the scene play out?
Tuesday
Accused
WNYW-5 WUTV-29 8 p.m.
The Season 2 premiere of this anthology series follows people caught up in the world of crime and punishment — but from the defendant’s point of view. This season features the likes of Debra Winger, Mercedes Ruehl, William H. Macy and Michael Chiklis.
22. Required things 24. ___ out (declined) 28. __ _ whim
The Bradford Era 814-368-3173 www.bradfordera.com Olean Times Herald 716-372-3121 www.oleantimesherald.com
The Irrational
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 10 p.m.
Behavioral science expert Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) is back in this Season 2 premiere as he uses his impressive talents to understand human behavior, while helping law enforcement and anyone else in his life who needs some logic-based assistance.
Wednesday
Court Cam
A&E 9:30 p.m.
If you ever find yourself in a position to do something that could land you in front of a court, choose not to do it. Because based on the videos showcased in this series, courtrooms can be some of the craziest, chaotic and emotional places.
Scamanda
WKBW-7 10 p.m.
Based on the podcast of the same name, this docuseries examines the story of Amanda Riley, a wife, mother, blogger and Christian, who bravely tells of her cancer diagnosis. As she tries to live life to the fullest, she has a secret she’s trying to keep.
Thursday 9-1-1
WKBW-7 8 p.m.
The crew of the 118 are still learning how to work together under the new leadership of Gerrard
(Brian Thompson). Meanwhile, Maddie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Chimney (Kenneth Choi) are settling in. And, Buck (Oliver Stark) bends the rules. Trivial Pursuit
WPIX-11 9 p.m.
LeVar Burton hosts this all-new game show based on the classic trivia broad game. During each episode, contestants step up to compete in three rounds of trivia, where they choose questions from the six iconic categories, for a chance at $20,000.
Friday
Bad Behaviour
PARSHO 8 p.m.
When Lucy (Jennifer Connelly) decides to attend a spiritual retreat in hopes of finding enlightenment, she finds the other attendees to be more of a mess than she is. Later, her daughter, Dylan (Alice Englert), reconciles her mother’s weirdness.
10. “My Big Fat Fabulous Life” channel
11. “That wasn’t nice!”
17. Architect Saarinen
19. “American ___!”
22. Without delay
23. Brian of Roxy Music
36. Inspirations
37. Crowded
38. Actress Laura of “Big Little Lies”
39. Double agent
40. Family name on “Schitt’s Creek” 41. Barks
42. Water source
43. Shade
Social Studies
FX 10 p.m.
High schoolers in Los Angeles discuss how growing up in the digital era has reshaped childhood, including how social media and porn has shaped their view towards sex education and relationships and formed their behavior with devastating consequences.
Saturday
The Kitchen
FOOD 11 a.m.
Enjoy the finest dishes of the season as co-hosts Jeff Mauro, Katie Lee Biegel, Sunny Anderson and Geoffrey Zakarian make cozy fall meals, such as beet crostata with agrodolce, acorn squash soup and pork tenderloin with caramelized fennel and apple.
Saturday Night Live
WGRZ-2 WICU-12
11:30 p.m.
Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night! This
award-winning
been entertaining audi-
since 1976. Current cast members include Michael Che and Colin Jost. Ariana Grande hosts this episode. Stevie Nicks performs.
ensemble sketch comedy series has
ences
Adnan and Tigerlily
James Austin Johnson in “Saturday Night Live”
Crossword
Across 1. Like roses
4. Be sore
8. Swindle, slangily
11. Back then 12. Baseball feature 13. Comedian Philips
14. 1986 #1 hit for Whitney Houston
17. It’s full of periods 18. Informal wear
19. Saintly sign
21. Brooklyn five
24. Part of “be”
25. It’s said with a wave
26. “You Belong With ___” (Taylor Swift)
27. By or near
28. Winter ground cover
30. Shares
32. Actor Kilmer
34. Says yes to
35. Wings it
41. Texas tea
42. Arthur of
tennis
43. “See ya!”
44. Tubes
45. He and she 46. It’s made in Japan
Down
1. Encouraging word 2. Self center 3. Wooden pin 4. Polo grounds?
5. Animation unit 6. Shakespearean prince 7. Utter 8. “Walk Away ___” (1966 hit)
9. Chat room “I believe” 10. Comic book punch sound
15. Warning on a ramp 16. The Bluegrass State 19. Broad actors 20. “You can say that
trivia quiz
Kloss Agent 53 Main St. Bradford, PA 16701-6520 Bus: 814-817-2086 devon@devonklossinsurance.com www.statefarm.com/agent/us/pa/bradford/devon-kloss
Superman, Super TV
again!” 22. “___ does it!”
23. Prepares to be shot
29. Tracks
31. Start of an expiration notice
33. Future atty.’s exam
34. Listen to 35. Winner’s take
36. Actress Tyler
37. Suffix with book
38. Not just any 39. Affirmative vote
40. TV dog
Questions:
1) True or false: “Superman & Lois,” airing on The CW, is set in the Arrowverse.
2) What was the first Superman TV show?
3) Who was the first actor to play a live-action version of Superman?
4) Which TV series focused on Kal-El’s early years? (Hint: It wasn’t “Smallville.”)
5) Which Superman TV series enjoyed the longest run?
6) Which NFL team signed Dean Cain before he turned to acting and landed the lead role in “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman?”
7) Which “Highlander” (1986) actor has voiced the character of Lex Luthor in “Superman: The Animated Series” and “Justice League?”
8) As revealed in Season 3 of “Superman & Lois,” how many years did Lex Luthor spend in prison?
9) Which season of “Supergirl” introduced Tyler Hoechlin in the role of Superman?
