
While the critical reviews have been decidedly mixed, the ratings for former Will & Grace star Eric McCormack's return to series TV have been well above the cable average. In fact, Perception is the #2 new scripted cable series of the year, behind only fellow TNT series Major Crimes. Thus, Deadline reports the crime drama has now been renewed for a second season.
Perception stars McCormack as a brilliant but mentally damaged neuroscientist/professor named Dr. Daniel Pierce, who is brought in to help the FBI with some of its harder to solve cases. He was recommended for the job by his former student Kate Moretti (Rachel Leigh Cook), who now works as a special agent at the bureau. Other cast members include Arjay Smith (Nickelodeon's former "Allen Strange"), The O.C.'s Kelly Rowan, Battlestar Galactica's Jamie Bamber, and Star Trek: TNG's LeVar Burton as Dr. Pierce's boss at the university.
I haven't watched the series myself, but the first thought I had upon reading about it was "Paging Dr. House, paging Dr. Gregory House." I realize House ripoffs have been in vogue since the show first rose to prominence, but the character of Daniel Pierce seems like if House made sweet love to Adrian Monk, and they somehow had a child. Sorry for that image by the way. Not to mention the fact Dr. Pierce apparently experiences full blown hallucinations, which to me says he should be in a psych ward, rather than solving crimes.
What do you guys think? Is Perception a good show? Is Eric McCormack's character just a cheap House rip-off, or is there something more to him?
I like the Perception show -- finding it generally well thought out and well acted.I am glad to see it has been renewed, and for a few extra episodes as well - nice. :)
The pacing is good and not frenetic as in many new videos. (No car crashes or special effects or gratuitous violence is included, thank goodness.)
The story lines are interesting and keep one (me) intrigued. And I find the ideas explored to be worthy of further thought.
Granted that some of the acting could be improved (Kate, please look a bit more alive and less stuck/ rigid in presentation). Overall I am glad to have it as a preferred choice.
Okay, I get it Tina, I spoke too soon. No need to gang up on me :) Sorry guys. Although I now see where the ratings are coming from. You guys are very passionate about the show.
I agree completely with n8ph8ts and dlockjaw ...Good show..nothing like House..(you want to compare House characters , you'll need to look at Animal Practice) Good little mysteries each week with a twist. I like that he's a little nuts and I'm happy for the renewal. The FBI agent leaves little to be desired however. I'm just not buying it.
To be fair Dlockjaw, I wasn't attempting to "review" the show, so much as offer my impressions based on the information I knew about it. I was legitimately interested in you guys' thoughts, thus why I posed the question I did at the bottom of the article. It now seems my appraisal of Pierce as being a House ripoff may have been premature.
Well acted and fairly well written, it peaked my interest from the start and each subsequent episode has drawn me in further. Pierce is definately not Dr. House, but is still an interesting character in his own way. You really should, at least, watch one episode if you intend to review a show. It really is a disservice to your readers not to have done so.
Having watched every episode I've been hoping it would be renewed since I've been burned too many times in the past by getting into a good show only to have it axed without warning. Thank you TNT.