Written by John Edward Betancourt THE IRRATIONAL -- "Ghost Ship" Episode 211 -- Pictured in this screengrab: (l-r) Ron Canada as Eli Mercer, Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer -- (Photo by: NBC)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 211 of ‘The Irrational’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
One particular truth that is difficult for us to process and accept, is that we are the sum of our experiences. And what makes that so tough for us to embrace is that it means we have to acknowledge… that both the good and the bad are what have made us the person we are today, and no one wants to acknowledge that the bad taught us something. For that, in a way, validates the bad, which we have no love for, and reminds us of the ups and downs of life, and perhaps unlocks some bad memories and moments we would prefer to leave far in the past. But we are indeed the sum of the whole and the sooner we hold to that, the sooner we begin to really find peace with who we are. If anything, that truth is top of mind today, simply because… it was one that Alec Mercer had to face during this week’s episode of The Irrational on NBC. A feat that ‘Ghost Ship’ accomplished amid having Alec and Marisa solve a unique case involving a full-on ghost ship. Which should not happen in the 21st century, but alas… this ship was discovered without a crew and through some digging, and some fine traps, they were able to find the missing crew and learn that shady dealings were taking place aboard this boat. Along with forced labor and cruelty, and it all related to drug running … and sadly… the discovery of that came after lives were lost and ruined. By an old family friend of the Mercer’s no less. Who turned to extremes to keep the operation quiet, and to maintain his payday. But in between all of that, was the journey in question. Because in order to get answers and in order to properly navigate the docks, Marisa and Alec needed the help of a man not only trusted by the community, but who also happened to be Alec’s father, Eli Mercer. Which meant, we finally were able to meet the man responsible for raising Alec Mercer and well… this was not a reunion that Alec was looking forward to. Since we came to learn that Eli had a drinking problem when Alec was younger, and his behavior because of that created some real emotional scars for Alec. The kind that remained fresh in his mind and soul and led to a protective stance, and angry outbursts from Alec in this tale. That were absolutely directed at his father and were understandable for certain. Since old wounds like that motivate a bit of irrational thinking from us. However, what mattered more here was that both Marisa and Kylie offered up some fine advice regarding the fact, that without that pain, he would not be the man he was today, and that his options at this point were to either hang onto that anger or acknowledge and resolve it and move forward and find some peace with his father. The latter of which, was sound advice that he took to heart. Because he knew what those closest to him were saying, was truth, and that the only way to grow and be the man he truly wanted to be was to accept himself and his past, both good and bad. Which allowed for he and his father to begin the reconciliation process and a healing journey and that made… for a beautiful and powerful episode, one grounded in growth. In fact, that growth may have helped Alec decide what he wants to do about his scars, since his father tied those to the lesson at hand, meaning that Alec may stay the way he is, to further hold to the lesson he learned in this amazing tale. One that reminded us that this series finds incredible ways to grow its characters; while still staying true to its roots and truth be told, this may be the finest episode the show has aired to date. Because it finally filled in the blanks regarding Alec’s past and formation as a man, and it inspired all of us to stand tall and face yesterday so we can find strength for tomorrow, and that’s just great television and storytelling when all is said and done, and it will be interesting to see what Alec is like, now that he is making peace with the sum of the whole. Until next time. Watch ‘The Irrational’
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