Like "Ghost Whisperer," "Medium," and "Fringe," this is another mystery-solving drama. Whether you are a skeptic or believer in reincarnation and past-life regression therapy, it is worth suspending reality to enjoy this moving drama. I will admit that I had tears at the end of the first two episodes I've watched, which was unexpected for me.
The series was created by David Hudgins and inspired by the mystery-thriller "The Reincarnationist," a novel written by M.J. Rose. It is set in New York City at a Behavioral Health Institute. Dr. Kate McGinn (Kelli Giddish) is a psychologist specializing in past-life regression therapy. Price Whatley (Nicholas Bishop) is a former NYPD homicide detective, who was fired after he turned to alcohol to deal with the accidental death of his wife and his guilt over it. They're not as compelling a team as the cast of "Bones" or "Fringe;" however, I've only seen two episodes.
The rest of the cast includes Dr. Malachi Talmadge (Richard Schiff) who seems to be the boss, as well as mentor, and Dr. Rishi Karna (Ravi Patel), a research-focused behavioral scientist/M.D. from India.
Each week, a person suffering from unexplained and terrifying visions, seeks Dr. McGinn's help. With her understanding of past lives and Whatley's investigative skills and connections, they unravel the mystery of intrusive and traumatic past-life memories that wreak havoc on their clients' lives. Dr. Talmadge and Dr. Karna play supportive roles back at the office adding their own insights in understanding the presenting symptoms and clues.
So far, the plot begins with a relevantly current event that triggers a past-life trauma which presents itself through flashback-type visions. They've all had to do with a solving a murder using the clues from past-life memories. It's another twist on the crime/mystery-solving drama that I look forward to watching more of.
My only problem is that I don't buy that people reincarnate as soon as they die, let alone reincarnate in the same country, same ethnicity, etc. However, there has only been 2 shows so far. I don't know, though, whether the writers can keep things fresh with more diversity and stranger cases. There is a high likelihood that I will eventually get bored if the stories remain simplistic and predictable.
I give the first two episodes 10 stars. It held my attention. I was intrigued, even with my skepticism. I had tears in my eyes at the end. What more can I ask for from an hour of television entertainment?
