Daniel Pierce

Dr. Daniel Pierce is an eccentric neuroscience professor with paranoid schizophrenia who is recruited by the FBI to help solve complex cases. Pierce has an intimate knowledge of human behavior and a masterful understanding of the way the mind works. He also has an uncanny ability to see patterns and look past people's conscious emotions to see what lies beneath.

Pierce's mind may be brilliant, but it's also damaged. He struggles with hallucinations and paranoid delusions brought on by his schizophrenia. Oddly, Daniel considers some of his hallucinations to be a gift. They occasionally allow him to make connections that his conscious mind can’t yet process. At other times, the hallucinations become Daniel's greatest curse, leading him to behave in irrational, potentially dangerous ways.

Daniel's mental condition and offbeat manner make it difficult for him to achieve the close friendships and intimate relationships he craves. He’s in his element when solving an intricate puzzle or a coded message. But in unfamiliar situations, he can quickly become overwhelmed, and only his favorite music and a crossword puzzle have the power to make things right again.

Biography
During his studies in college he wanted to perform with his band and be on the cover of The Rolling Stone magazine. His plan B during this time were medical studies.

After finding out his mother had been diagnosed with cancer both he and his mother tried many different treatments to cure her. Ranging from chemo to unethical remedies. They were not successful.

He was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 22. He chooses not to take medication to help his condition because of the way they make him feel.

Personality
Pierce as extremely eccentric and has unusual habits, such as acting as though he himself is conducting an orchestra whenever he listens to a symphony with his headphones. Whilst for the most part ignored by people, during Season 1, Episode 1, Pilot, when becoming distressed in the crowded Chicago PD Offices, he proceeded to stand on a chair and listen to his music, and whilst it went unnoticed by him, he attracted several stares from the police officers working, and was called a "nutjob" by Detective Hammond.

Daniel, rather like Kate Moretti has a strong sense of justice, and because of his exceptional observational and puzzle solving skills is normally able to see things others miss, which he has used to great effect, assisting the FBI in solving cases.

Trivia

 * Because of Pierce's Schizophrenia, he has a severe distrust of things such as computers and other technology.

Behind the Scenes
Daniel Pierce was portrayed by Eric McCormack in all episodes of Perception.