Renowned character actor Ron Canada adds depth to the family-centric narrative of The Irrational season 2. Portraying Eli Mercer, the father of protagonist Alec Mercer played by Jesse L. Martin, Canada showcases not only his acting prowess but also a complex father-son dynamic. Interestingly, this is not their first collaboration; both actors previously worked together on an acclaimed episode of Law & Order titled “Bottomless”(season 18, episode 4).Canada’s impressive portfolio includes memorable roles in shows and films such as The West Wing, Wedding Crashers, and The Shield.
The Irrational draws inspiration from behavioral economist Dan Ariely and his noteworthy book Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions. Alec Mercer, the central character, mirrors Ariely’s expertise, offering valuable insights to governments and corporations alike. This series stands out by exploring the intricate personal and professional lives of its characters, with Canada effectively embodying Eli Mercer to enhance these narratives.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Rachel Foertsch converses with Ron Canada about his performance in The Irrational. While he refrains from discussing whether Eli Mercer will return, he reflects on his fruitful working relationship with Jesse L. Martin and elaborates on the essence of being a successful character actor.
Ron Canada Reflects on His Collaboration with Jesse L. Martin & Insights on The Irrational
“I Knew I Could Trust Him On Camera”
ScreenRant: It was thrilling to see you in The Irrational. Given your extensive experience with over 150 projects, was this your first collaboration with Jesse L. Martin?
Ron Canada: No, not at all. I had the pleasure of working with Jesse on a memorable episode of Law & Order called “Bottomless.” It was during the era featuring S. Epatha Merkerson when Jesse was paired with Jeremy Sisto. We enjoyed strong scenes together. By that time, Jesse was already gaining acclaim for his role in Rent, thus his fame was justifiably earned.
At the conclusion of the episode, Jesse gifted me a long-sleeved black Law & Order t-shirt, which I still cherish. In Manhattan, such gear holds significant value. When people ask me where to get one, I playfully respond, “You must have appeared on the show.”
That’s the backdrop we share. I knew I could rely on him while filming, and I’m confident he felt the same about me. Our past interaction likely played a role in my casting as his father, indicating that my presence was welcomed.
Canada Explores Parent-Child Dynamics & Embracing His Character’s Depth
“My Job Is To Come In, Be Proficient, And Help That Person Make Shots And Tell The Story”
What unique elements of The Irrational distinguished this experience from your previous projects?
Ron Canada: This episode notably flips a common parent-child dynamic, presenting a different perspective. I want to avoid spoilers, but the portrayal of the father-son relationship is refreshingly unique.
Additionally, working alongside an esteemed lead actor like Jesse brings a noticeable shift in the atmosphere of a production. The responsibilities of lead actors in shows like The Irrational are immense, with their performances driving the narrative forward, often occupying around 75% of the screen time. Viewers may not fully grasp the dedication and hard work that goes into maintaining this dynamic.
Having been in the industry for quite some time, I can attest that a positive atmosphere is fostered when talented individuals are in lead roles. The example set by top-tier actors influences the entire cast, creating an environment conducive to collaboration. My experiences with acclaimed peers, such as Blair Underwood and Bryan Cranston, have shaped my understanding of the professional respect and readiness required on set.
Did you receive any additional insights about Alec’s upbringing or the Mercer family dynamics while preparing for your role?
Ron Canada: While in the film industry, background information can sometimes be provided, the nature of television typically follows an industrial process. As a guest star, you arrive prepared, and it’s your job to fill in any narrative gaps based on your experience. There’s generally no time on set to delve deeply into character motivations.
You bring your background, insights from various roles, and all that you’ve learned through different theatrical experiences. Considering the pace of shooting on TV—averaging seven to eight pages a day—you must be ready to contribute effectively. The primary focus is often on the lead actor, who has earned the privilege to set the pace, and my role is to ensure their vision is realized while telling the story.
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About The Irrational Season 2
Created and Executive Produced by Arika Lisanne Mittman
The Irrational revolves around the acclaimed professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer (portrayed by Jesse L. Martin), who leverages his unique expertise to tackle complex cases and unravel mysteries. By applying his unconventional understanding of human behavior, Alec collaborates with a diverse set of clients—from the FBI to everyday individuals—who find themselves in extraordinary situations. With the support of his reliable team and insightful social-science experiments, he skillfully solves crimes and uncovers truths behind irrational questions.
- Showrunner: Arika Lisanne Mittman
- Executive Producer: Eric Fraser
- Lead Actor: Jesse L. Martin
- Director: Jesse Warn
- Cinematographer: Max Lloyd-Jones
- Director of Photography: Todd A. Dos Reis, ASC
- Cast Member: Travina Springer
Make sure not to miss The Irrational season 2, airing Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.
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