Season 2
Perception is an American crime drama police procedural television series created by Kenneth Biller and Mike Sussman which revolves around the cases of Dr. Daniel Pierce, a talented but eccentric neuropsychiatrist with paranoid schizophrenia who is enlisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to assist in solving some of its most complex cases in Chicago.
Pierce has an intimate knowledge of human behaviour and a masterful understanding of the way the mind works. He also has an uncanny ability to see patterns and look past people's conscious emotions to see what lies beneath.
Pierce's mind may be brilliant, but it's also damaged. He struggles with hallucinations and paranoid delusions brought on by his schizophrenia.
Oddly, Daniel considers some of his hallucinations to be a gift. They occasionally allow him to make connections that his conscious mind can't yet process. At other times, the hallucinations become Daniel's greatest curse, leading him to behave in irrational, potentially dangerous ways.
Daniel's mental condition and offbeat manner make it difficult for him to achieve the close friendships and intimate relationships he craves. He's in his element when solving an intricate puzzle or a coded message.
But in unfamiliar situations, he can quickly become overwhelmed, and only his favourite music and a crossword puzzle have the power to make things right again.
Rachael Leigh Cook co-stars as FBI agent Kate Moretti, Pierce's former student who asks him to consult on certain cases. Unlike her colleagues, Kate is willing to look past Daniel's peculiarities.
Also in Daniel's life is Max Lewicki (Arjay Smith), who serves as his teaching assistant. His primary job is to keep Pierce in line and on task, whether that means grading midterms or laying out Pierce's wardrobe for the day.
Natalie Vincent (Kelly Rowan) is Daniel's best friend and every bit his intellectual equal. In addition, award-winning actor LeVar Burton stars as Paul Haley, a dean at the university and Pierce's friend.
Perception was created by executive producer Ken Biller and co-executive producer Mike Sussman. McCormack also serves as producer. The series is produced by ABC Studios.
Broadcast Notes
Season 2 premiered on M-Net on Thursday 19 September 2013, at 19h30. The season went on hiatus after Episode 10 (which aired on 21 November) to accommodate a similar hiatus in the USA and resumed in a new timeslot with Episode 11 on Tuesday 16 September 2014, at 19h30.