Dr. Jack Gallagher is brought into Wharton Memorial Hospital as the new Director of Psychiatric Services. His methods are not always the standard, in fact they sometimes leave others questioning his ability; but the results are undeniable further proving his capability. Along with his co-workers they work together to treat a variety of cases and conditions often putting their patients needs before their own. However while Jack seems like he has it all together in the work place in his personal life he is desperately seeking to find the one woman that got away and needs Jack help if she is to survive, his twin sister.

At first I wasn’t sure if this show could make it, dealing with the mentally unstable stands a good chance at going too far, being too goofy or dark or just the same thing time and time again. But somehow they manage to tackle cases that can be depressing while still finding a decent mix of comedy. Another nice thing is the comedy doesn’t come from making fun of the patients. Chris Vance is perfect for the charismatic doctor that is willing to take risks. Each of the other doctors adds something new and the cast as a whole works well off one another.

There are two storylines that I think they tackled a little too soon though. First being his mysterious sister. This storyline is one that shouldn’t be wrapped up until the end maybe the second season or at least not until the end of the first. Next is the cliffhanger of at the end of this season. You grow attached to a character and he is what the whole show revolves around. Then you have them leave at the end of the first season, what is the motivation to tune in to the second season? The only reason I bring these up is that shows are always trying to go bigger and better with each season. If you blow through two fairly big storylines in the first season alone where can you possibly go without jumping the shark?

If you enjoy shows like “House” and “The Mentalist” then there is a good chance you will like “Mental”. It still needs to grow some before it can even compete with a “House”; but it is certainly has potential.