The Irrational guest star, Ron Canada, has addressed whether his character will return in future episodes. The NBC drama, which premiered in 2023, follows Alec Mercer, a world-renowned behavioral science expert played by Jesse L. Martin. Canada (Wedding Crashers, National Treasure) portrays Eli, Alec’s estranged father. His appearance in The Irrational‘s cast marks his and Martin’s first collaboration since a 2008 Law & Order episode.
Speaking with TV Insider, Canada stated that he does not know if Eli will return following season 2’s recent episode, “Ghost Ship,” but acknowledged that the character is still alive, leaving the possibility open. He also explained that as a guest star, he focuses on his role in individual episodes rather than speculating about future appearances, unless a contract secures his return. Check out his comments below:
“I have no idea. Forty-seven years or so, you can see all the guest stars on the resume. So I’m a “have gun will travel” guy as a lot of character guys are and my contemporaries and peers who do the same kinds of things that I do, create context for the lead characters. As I like to say, they’re the jewels and we’re the setting. And that’s not in my hands. I try to go to work and do the best I can on that episode… because the character’s still alive, he could be brought back. But I’ve learned not to go beyond my guest star role in a given episode unless it’s a contractual thing that’s already been arranged. So wouldn’t mind. Love Canada. Love Vancouver. But it is what it is.”
What This Means for The Irrational Season 2
The Likelihood of Eli’s Return is Uncertain
In The Irrational season 1 finale, Alec survives a church bombing, and Eli does not reach out to check on him. Fast-forward to season 2, episode 11, it was revealed that Eli suffered from addiction, which strained his relationship with Alec and his other children. Even while working with Alec on the episode’s case, it was evident that his struggles had worsened over the years. By the end of the episode, Eli admitted that he hadn’t reached out after Alec was injured in the bombing because he had relapsed.
Over time, the show has explored Alec’s past through various cases, and Eli’s confession marks a turning point in his narrative.
While Eli’s presence in The Irrational has been limited, the episode provided insight into his and Alec’s fractured relationship. Over time, the show has explored Alec’s past through various cases, and Eli’s confession marks a turning point in his narrative. If The Irrational continues to delve into Alec’s personal history, there is room for Eli’s return in future episodes.
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The Irrational Remaining Season 2 Episodes |
Release Date |
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Episode 12: “Straight from the Heart” |
February 4 |
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Episode 13: “Murder She Rode” |
February 11 |
However, Canada’s comments suggest his future on the show is up in the air. Moreover, NBC has not confirmed whether Ron Canada will reprise his role as Eli in season 2 or season 3 of The Irrational. The series has featured multiple guest stars whose appearances depend on the overarching plot, and Eli’s fate likely depends on whether the writers choose to revisit his relationship with Alec. Given that the series focuses on Alec’s expertise in behavioral science, any future interactions with Eli would need to serve the ongoing character development rather than function as a subplot.
Our Take on Eli’s Uncertain Future in The Irrational
Eli’s Future on the Show is Bleak
While Canada’s performance as Eli enhanced Alec’s storyline, his return remains uncertain. However, his character’s survival keeps the possibility open. Considering the show’s structure and ability to integrate The Irrational‘s characters meaningfully, there is always the potential for a familiar face to reappear. However, whether that happens will depend on The Irrational’s evolving storyline.
Source: TV Insider
The Irrational
- Release Date
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September 25, 2023
- Showrunner
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Arika Mittman
- Writers
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Arika Mittman