‘The Irrational’ Recap: ‘Lucky Charms’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THE IRRATIONAL -- "Lucky Charms" Episode 105 -- Pictured: (l-r) Arash DeMaxi as Rizwan, Molly Kunz as Phoebe, Travina Springer as Kylie, Jocelyn Hudon as Camille Lawson, Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer -- (Photo by: Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Irrational.’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular aspect of the human condition that is downright fascinating, is how people tend to take what they learn about our behavior and adapt it for their own uses... in a negative manner no less. Which is fascinating because one would think that having incredible knowledge about humanity would enlighten us and make us strive to be better people, the kind who offer that knowledge as an attempt to pay it forward. But there is something about the allure of knowing what others don’t, and enjoying those spoils, that pushes folks to use that knowledge for nefarious purposes. But the good news is, not all is lost when people go that route. For they can find their way back when that knowledge goes the wayside, as evidenced by the next episode of The Irrational on NBC.

For ‘Lucky Charms’ saw Alec and his intrepid team, head to Las Vegas to help out the former research assistant for Alec, a woman named Camille. Who flat out, decided to take all that she learned about human behavior and apply it in the real world, and well… she enjoyed great spoils because of it. For she was able to use her skills as a poker player, combined with the skill set she learned in her time with Alec, to basically make a killing. One where she eventually lost herself and her understanding of human behavior in the heat of the moment, and that put her in a tough place. Where she needed Alec’s help. For she was down big with a loan shark and needed to win a critical tournament to save her hide and there was a roadblock in making that happen.

Because someone, was helping a mediocre player cheat to win, and she simply had to know who or why. Which Alec and his team were able to ascertain, was the head of the tournament. For she wanted nothing more than to control the narrative and potentially create a thrilling show of her own design. But she cheated plan and simple, and didn’t give Camille a chance to win honestly, which she eventually did. But what mattered more here, was the sheer fact that this was a fine lesson… in how people do take advantage about what they learn about the human condition. Because it’s powerful to know how people think and act, and game the system accordingly, and that can confuse us as easily as anything else and lead to trouble. So, it’s best… we always take what we learn and use it for good.

However, while that segment alone would have been enough to carry this episode from beginning to end, since we also got to see Phoebe and Rizwan let loose and indulge in that Sin City Lifestyle for a brief moment, there was still the matter of the bomber case. Which Marisa handled back home in an epic manner. Because there were clues in front of her at last, and we quickly learned here… you don’t cross Marisa in matters of truth. Because she leaned hard on the man that made the secondary logo used on the getaway van when the church exploded, to the point where he cracked in fear. But it did net her a lead, one that sadly… went nowhere in the end. Just because, someone knows that the FBI is making progress on this age-old case, and they don’t want to be caught, and that’s why… they dropped the only witness available to the FBI.

In the end, all of these elements made… for one refreshing story. Simply because we are only five episodes in, and this series has now showcased how diverse its storytelling can be. Since we enjoyed a refreshing take on the core concept of the show, in a manner that was entertaining and educational for the audience. And we were even privy to a road trip for the ages, alongside… some serious progress on the case, and a grand understanding of how good Marisa is at her job. Because wow, she made magic happen, and all of this made… for one entertaining and intelligent hour of television. One that also leaves us hungry for more. So, we can see what other refreshing stories await us. Until next time.

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