• Network: TNT
  • Series Premiere Date: Jul 9, 2012
  • Season #: 1 , 2
Perception Image
Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 21 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 32 Ratings

  • Summary: Dr. Geoffrey Pierce (Eric McCormack), a Chicago neuroscience professor with paranoid schizophrenia teams up with his former student, FBI agent Kate Moretti (Rachael Lee Cook) to help solve some major cases together.
  • Genre(s): Drama
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 21
  2. Negative: 3 out of 21
  1. Reviewed by: Gail Pennington
    Aug 27, 2012
    75
    People who like procedurals will enjoy playing along. But the real charm of the series--as in a lot of cable originals--is in its ensemble.
  2. Reviewed by: Mary McNamara
    Jul 9, 2012
    60
    The crimes of the first four episodes revel in plot twists and medical conditions so ludicrous that they eventually become endearing, as does, against all odds, McCormack's performance.
  3. Reviewed by: Verne Gay
    Jul 6, 2012
    58
    Perception is both clever and ridiculous.
  4. Reviewed by: Mike Lechevallier
    Jul 9, 2012
    38
    There's occasional chemistry between McCormack and Cook, who looks too young for her part as a seasoned federal agent, but instead of trying to build a flimsy romantic bond between the two, the writers would be better served focusing on crafting more thoughtful professional enigmas for their main character to obsess over.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. McCormack is brilliant. This is a mix of Monk, the Mentalist and A Beautiful Mind. In response to somebody's criticism that the disorders are too outlandish--you mean too interesting? Would it be that great of a show if the mental disorders were ordinary? It's quirky yet smart, the dialogue is poetic, and the problems are complex yet simple to follow in context. Cook is very likeable and contrary to the opinions of some critics, she is smart and confident in her role. It's a nice break to have youth and excitement along with experience in a head law enforcement role, instead of the stereotypical cold, sarcastic and/or angry narcissist with a control fetish. I hope for many more seasons, and that the pretentious critics don't spoil it for the rest of us. Expand
  2. I've watched the pilot and one ep. The pilot had a grittier edge, which was no doubt deemed too gritty for the US audience. Suited me tho. Hope Eric McCormack is allowed to return to the darker version of the character as presented in the pilot, which seemed more believable and authentic -- except for the conducting movements (too much like those Mrs Haig taught me in Year 5, or whatever the 10-year-old equivalent is in your part of the world). Fingers crossed that it doesn't become US pap. Expand
  3. It's a show that needs time to 'boil' but I'm content with it 'simmering'. Each episode presents great plot twists and help from various medical conditions and although the show is brought down by the abysmal acting of Rachael Leigh Cook it regains points with clever cameo hallucinations and McCormack's continuing outstanding performance. Expand
  4. The first episode seemed interesting, but as soon as with the second episode it started to go downhill. The basic concept of the series is not bad, but the execution is. Most importantly, the foreshadowing technique that is used is essentially sloppy and not credible, the plots are clearly based on a very simple formula and so far there is no meta-plot visible. The main character is likable and quirky in a nice way, but unfortunately most of the other characters are not. Expand

See all 8 User Reviews