PRECEPTION Still Finding Itself in Season 2

Perception is one of those shows that sounds interesting on paper, and has an appealing cast, but doesn’t quite work in execution. After a premiere season establishing the core cast and the show’s conceit, Perception returns to TNT for its sophomore season tonight still searching for its raison d’etre.

Eric McCormick’s Dr. Pierce encounters some fascinating cases in the first couple of episodes – a convicted criminal who may not be the same person who committed the crime, a woman convinced that her husband was abducted by aliens – and when the show focuses on unraveling the psychological mysteries, it’s solid. Viewing crime through the lens of the criminal’s mental health is a fresh twist on the procedural drama, allowing for some compelling stories.

Where Perception stumbles, however, is in the characters’ relationships. Pierce and FBI Agent Kate Moretti (Rachel Leigh Cook) seemed to be flirting with a romantic entanglement last year, until the show pulled back on that (wisely, I think) and brought in Caroline, the real life counterpart to Pierce’s “imaginary friend”, Natalie. This season we’re also introduced to Moretti’s soon-to-be-ex-husband, Donnie Ryan (Scott Wolf), an Assistant U.S. Attorney who transferred back to Chicago in hopes of reuniting with Kate.

Stepping back from pairing our two leads is the right idea, but unfortunately Kate and Donnie lack chemistry to the point that you wonder what their characters ever saw in each other. I’m sure their banter is meant to be cute and full of sexual tension; instead it’s awkward and a complete turn off.

Daniel and Caroline are a better match, and he’s bordering on happiness when the season begins. But how does the real woman compare with the best friend version he’s conversed with in his mind for the last 15 years? Can she ever live up to the illusion?

The working relationship between Daniel and Kate is also problematic. After initially seeming to be awestruck by her former professor, Kate has devolved into alternately patronizing him and vehemently defending him to non-believers. A middle line would be helpful. For his part, Daniel seems to waver between confidently declaring his theories and huddling in a corner clutching his briefcase waiting for Kate to reassure him. Again, finding some balance would improve the show dramatically.

Despite the interpersonal relationship issues, the cases are compelling and the way Kate handles Donnie could end up being pretty awesome. Season 2 of Perception kicks off Tuesday, June 25 at 10/9c on TNT.