Perception Review: Fixing the Mind

A surgical treatment implanted that allows electrical pulses to assist in stopping abnormal brain activity, thus eliminating tremors like in a person with Parkinson's disease, seems oddly science fiction.

Except it's not.

While "Defective" wasn't a mind-blowing Perception episode, the concept of deep brain stimulation is both real and intriguing. It's always a pleasant surprise to find out that whatever Daniel Pierce happens to be talking about is landed in reality, even if it might seem far fetched.

In fact, the violinist with tremors seems to be straight out of the real world, mirroring that of someone like violinist Roger Frisch (Google him) who, while being operated on by surgeons sending certain pulses to his brain, allowed him to play his string instrument with their help. Sort of exactly like during the end of the episode.

It's that wild attention to detail that definitely gives credence not only to a character like Daniel, but the show as well.

Sure, seeing the hallucination version, Dan, cleaned up and peeling back his forehead to reveal the technology might seem more Terminator than truth, but the science behind it all is in fact more than an extravagant piece for the episode.

Granted, the plot of the episode falling in line with a company conspiracy that ended up in an elaborate plot based on a sort of love triangle didn't exactly peak my interest the same way the DBS did. It felt a little long in getting to that final confession, too, even if the journey opened my eyes to something I never really knew about.

I did like Daniel and Donnie working together. These two have never really been enemies, so it wasn't hard to believe that the two would work on the case especially with their specific interests involved. Not only did it make sense that Daniel would be involved, he's always against this big corporations. But it opened up a new side to Donnie just vying for a chance at redemption.

Not too sure about all the pounding between the pair, but there was definitely something to be said about giving them more than just be at odds throughout. They actually work pretty well together. Go Bulls.

Of course, it ended up leaving Kate in a mostly backseat role for the hour, but I was okay with that, giving time to further explore Daniel and Donnie's relationship.

The Lewicki aspect seemed a little shoehorned in, even if I appreciate the fact that the show is trying to give him more to do than just be the assistant that opens Daniel's doors.

As for the hallucination of the week, while I'm sure it was enjoyable for Eric McCormick to play two versions of Daniel, the imaginary version was creepily Stepford. There was something unsettling about the straight laced, "fixed" alternative and one I hope doesn't return.

I like Daniel a little neurotic with his jacket and scarf.

And on some level, that's the point. The idea of making things better, improving life has its benefits and its positives. And yet, some things are perfect just the way they are much, like the Daniel Pierce that Perception has allowed us to watch solve complex crimes and unravel neurological mysteries.

Definitely not my favorite episode of Perception Season 2, but it did allow for some good character interaction for Daniel and Donnie. Plus, it gave viewers another fantastic look into a science that's far more interesting fact than unbelievable fiction.

Sean McKenna was a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. He retired in May of 2017. Follow him on Twitter.