THE IRRATIONAL‘s explosive Season 2 premiere, “Collateral Damage,” puts Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) and Rose (Karen David) relationship to the ultimate test. The episode jumps right into the intense aftermath of the Season 1 end, which was a big deal. A lot of suspense, life-threatening choices, and high-stakes drama fill this hour, leaving viewers wondering if Alec and Rose will be able to survive both physically and emotionally.
The immediate aftermath of Rose’s kidnapping in the Season 1 finale sets the tone for the episode. Concerned when Rose fails to show up for their scheduled date, Alec knows something is awry when she becomes inaccessible. Maahra Hill’s character Marisa and Travina Springer‘s character Kylie assist Alec in piecing together Rose’s kidnapping at the hands of Gavin, a former private military contractor with a vendetta.
In a gloomy warehouse, Gavin is holding Rose and her former handler Harry captive. His wife Fiona was killed during a botched MI6 mission years prior — which is the source of his rage. Gavin’s anger was directed primarily at Rose because she was in charge of that expedition. After this scary chain of events, Gavin tortures Rose to find out the truth about Fiona’s death. Even though it puts her in danger — Rose bravely admits that Fiona was hurt by the action she led. The stakes are raised beyond belief when Gavin shoots Harry in cold blood because he isn’t content with words alone.
In the meantime, Alec devises a scheme to become a hostage in order to aid Rose. He gets kidnapped as he anticipated and finds himself in the same perilous situation shortly after. But under duress, Alec’s sharp mind never stops functioning. He comes up with a scheme to divert Gavin and buy some time. Alec fools Gavin into turning on his phone again by feigning a confession from Rose, which enables the FBI to follow him around.
When things look hopeless, Alec learns a sinister secret about Gavin’s marriage to his late wife. Rose adds a layer of complexity to the already tense scenario by revealing that Fiona was preparing to leave Gavin because of his aggressive tendencies. Gavin is even more enraged by this news, but the FBI steps in before he can carry out his threats. Rose and Alec are both saved after Gavin is shot.
The psychological cost of the experience becomes apparent when their lives are in danger of being lost. Rose is getting ready to depart for her next assignment in Dubai, horrified by how nearly they both were to death. She is certain that if Alec finds out about everything she has done as a spy — he will detest her. However, Alec reassures her, saying he’s faithful and understands. The couple seals the fact that their romance has weathered another storm with a passionate kiss.
Did Alec and Rose break up, then? The answer is no — even with the psychological and physical costs of what happened in this instance. Alec’s steadfast support for Rose demonstrates that their link endures despite danger and past secrets, even when their love is put to the ultimate test.
For more information, teases, and recaps of THE IRRATIONAL Season 2, keep checking back to tvacute.com.
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