I don’t always have to ship something when I watch television, but I often do. In a sense, The Irrational is an unusual show for me, because I find myself so torn as a shipper. On the one hand, I genuinely love the way the writers have developed the relationship between Marisa (Maahra Hill) and Alec (Jesse L. Martin). Even though their relationship didn’t work (…last time?), that doesn’t mean they don’t love each other and want the best for each other. It’s rare to see that sort of positive, supportive relationship between exes on television.
On the other hand, I kinda just want them to make out. Is that weird? There’s so much love between them, I want to see them work through the issues that separated them last time to get a Happily Ever After together.
Luckily for me in my indecisiveness, The Irrational is still in its early days, so there’s plenty of time to see where this relationship goes. I was recently given the opportunity to speak with actor Maahra Hill about her character of Marisa. And, yes, I had to ask about what to expect between these two characters, as well as how the actors developed this relationship behind-the-scenes.
According to Hill, the strength of the Marisa/Alec relationship is a little bit of “art imitating life.” Marisa’s protectiveness towards Alec reflects, to a degree, Hill’s relationship with Martin. As the lead of the show, he’s in almost every scene, so Hill likes to check in with him frequently to see how he’s doing. That concern and connection carries onto the screen.
Outside of that, the two actors have worked together to build the backstory for their relationship. And having that backstory in their minds, even if it’s never explored on screen, is crucial to having a shared “history” to draw upon when acting together.
As she explained, “We just spend time together and then have been able to just create backstory … I trace back the steps of the moment that they met and what happened after that, what made them start dating, and when did she fall in love with him, and what was it specifically? How did he propose? It’s just using your imagination to create this life that they had together. Then beyond that, it’s just the art, just creating the relationship in the moment and being really present with what’s on the page.”
But is Hill as torn as I am about the romantic future for Marisa and Alec? Well, at the very least, she agrees that her character is a little torn when it comes to seeing Alec potentially move on with Rose (Karen David). Or, as Hill put it, Rose’s presence put her in a position where “she’s even more questioning her decision and not quite ready to see him with someone else or to date anyone else. That creates a certain tension that is probably difficult for the both of them to navigate in a way.”
If Hill wants to discourage me from shipping these two characters, she’s going about it the wrong way. It may be too early to get the final decision on the “will they/won’t they (get back together)” of it all. But we’ve already seen how much love these two characters have for each other. Getting to see that bond remain strong while adding in perhaps a hint of regret and maybe even jealousy? Sign me up.
As long as they keep the foundation between Marisa and Alec strong, I’m here for it.
Speaking of relationships, recent episodes of The Irrational have opened the door to explore the dynamic between Marisa and Alec’s sister, Kylie (Travina Springer). This relationship is an interesting one, because these two women have always seemingly been connected by way of their relationships with Alec. There is so much potential in exploring who Marisa and Kylie are together, now that Alec is no longer a factor. Well…less of a factor. A different factor, at least.
Besides which, Kylie currently seems somewhat lost, as a character. Looking for her place and trying to decide where to go next. And Marisa has such a strong sense of purpose. I think the two women can be good for each other. I asked Hill her thoughts on this dynamic, and she agreed that Marisa’s relationship with Kylie has a definite “big sister/little sister” feel to it and is a plot line rife with potential.
“I completely loved being able to explore the relationship that she has with Kylie. It’s this sisterhood. … I think I can tease that that relationship is something that I think the writers will continue to explore. … Kylie, she’s such a smart person, and she’s very tech-savvy, and I think that those are qualities that could be beneficial in a number of places, I’ll say that.”
Of course, Marisa’s character has a lot going on in the show, outside of her relationships. Most notably, she’s currently investigating the bombing that scarred Alec and killed members of his team. Its a case that is both personally and professionally important to Marisa, as Hill explained, “It was her first case. It’s something that introduced her to how savvy or how good she was at her job. … It also is a thing that introduced her to the love of her life.”
For Hill, the key to approaching this aspect of the show for her character is to remember that it is personal and always will be. It will always have emotional resonance for her. She promises, “It’s something that I think potentially she would hope would help Alec as well to bring some resolution for him and to get justice for him. The season starts with finding out that that’s not what they got. The season will end with figuring out this case.”
So we’ll get some actual answers in the church bombing plot before the end of the season? I don’t know about you, but that makes me want to take a huge sigh of relief. I was stressed when she went “undercover” to get answers in last week’s episode of The Irrational, so I can’t wait to Marisa – and Alec – get answers at last. And maybe, just maybe a little much-needed closure.
