With the highly anticipated second season of NBC’s The Irrational now in full swing, fans are eager to see where the series will take its complex characters next. One of the most intriguing transformations is that of Rizwan, portrayed by Arash DeMaxi. I had the pleasure of sitting down with DeMaxi to dive deeper into Rizwan’s evolution and the challenges he faces in this new chapter. “By season two, Rizwan has really stepped into his role as the head RA, and that shift brings a whole new set of responsibilities and tests for him,” DeMaxi explained. As the show continues to explore deep psychological themes, Rizwan’s journey is poised to captivate audiences even further.

NBC’s The Irrational airs weekly on Tuesdays at 10/9c and each episode is available the next day on Peacock for streaming

THE IRRATIONAL — “A Kick in the Teeth” Episode 202 — Pictured: (l-r) Maahra Hill as Marisa, Rene Rosado as Carlos — (Photo by: James Dittiger/NBC)

From Newbie to Leader: Rizwan’s Evolution

In season one, Rizwan was a character full of self-doubt, grappling with imposter syndrome as he navigated his early days on the job. But, as DeMaxi shared, season two showcases an important shift: “By the start of season two, he’s the head RA and has to step up in a big way. Finding Phoebe’s replacement is his first major responsibility, and that really sets the tone for his journey this season.” This evolution has been just as exciting for DeMaxi as an actor. “It’s been a joy to explore Rizwan’s long arc,” he said, emphasizing the creative opportunities that come with long-form storytelling on network TV.

THE IRRATIONAL — “A Kick in the Teeth” Episode 202 — Pictured: Arash DeMaxi as Rizwan — (Photo by: James Dittiger/NBC)

Subtle Changes Reflecting Growth

One of the fascinating aspects of Rizwan’s character development is how subtle elements like wardrobe choices reflect his newfound confidence. DeMaxi highlighted how these small details tell a story: “Even the way he dresses this season shows his growth.” This visual transformation symbolizes Rizwan’s internal changes as he assumes greater leadership roles, including deciding whether Simon, Phoebe’s replacement, is the right fit for the team. “You’ll see if Rizwan made the right call with Simon, and how that impacts the team,” DeMaxi teased.

Relatability and Real-Life Parallels

What sets The Irrational apart from other crime dramas is its use of behavioral science to drive both the plot and character development. Rizwan’s story is no exception. “The psychological jargon in the show often mirrors real-life situations,” DeMaxi shared, noting how these elements resonate with the audience. “It’s not just about solving cases—it’s about understanding why people make certain choices.” This deeper layer makes the show more than just a procedural; it allows viewers to reflect on their own experiences and behaviors, a feature that DeMaxi believes contributes to its unique appeal.

THE IRRATIONAL — “A Kick in the Teeth” Episode 202 — Pictured: Jesse L. Martin as Alec Mercer — (Photo by: James Dittiger/NBC)

Challenges and Emotional Intelligence

Rizwan’s journey also highlights his emotional intelligence, especially when dealing with high-pressure situations. Reflecting on a pivotal scene from season one, where Rizwan remained calm during a hostage situation, DeMaxi remarked, “That scene really highlights his emotional strength. Strength isn’t always about physical power—it’s about vulnerability and emotional intelligence, which Rizwan has in spades.” His ability to stay composed and support others, like Phoebe during her panic attack, reveals the depth of his character

Here’s an exclusive clip look at Episode 202: The Irrational “A Kick in the Teeth”

What’s Next for Rizwan?

Season two promises more intense challenges and deeper character exploration for Rizwan. DeMaxi hinted that viewers will see more of Rizwan’s leadership tested, as well as the emotional stakes raised for all the characters. “There’s a lot more standalone episodes this season, but through these, you really get to see who these people are, especially in how they handle pressure,” DeMaxi added​With its thrilling mix of psychological intrigue and character development, The Irrational is set to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Arash DeMaxi’s portrayal of Rizwan offers a compelling journey of growth, resilience, and emotional intelligence, making him a character to watch as season two unfolds. Don’t miss what promises to be an exciting season filled with unexpected twists, emotional depth, and fascinating new cases to solve.