Fox's new show "Mental"

From My S.A.
Nicholas Gonzalez, who comes from a San Antonio family of doctors, will soon be playing one on TV.

The Central Catholic High graduate portrays a first-year resident in a mental health ward in Fox's new summer medical-mystery drama, "Mental."

Gonzalez called the series groundbreaking.

"For the first time, we have a drama that delves into the head, the psyche, the subconscious of patients, rather than just giving us reactions from the doctors," he said in a phone chat from Los Angeles.

For instance, in one episode, a woman who suffers from the fear of water clutches the side of a hospital pool. When she's asked if she's ready to go underwater, we see what she sees: a frightening ocean of high waves and sharks.

Each episode of the Tuesday night series presents a new puzzle for the doctors to solve.

"Mental," which debuts at 8 p.m. May 26 on Fox, is one of many new and returning shows coming viewers' way this summer. Lots of reality shows will fill the warmer months, along with a sprinkling of scripted comedies and dramas.

The season also is known for taking more chances and introducing quirkier characters, such as "Mental's" Dr. Jack Gallagher (Britain's Chris Vance, "Prison Break") a radically unorthodox psychiatrist who becomes the new director of mental health services at an L.A. hospital.

Take Jack's entrance: As a naked delusional patient violently confronts the staff, Jack strips down to nothing as well to gain the patient's trust.

"Jack's got this edge to him," Gonzalez said, "he ramps it up and says let's screw the system a bit."

Gonzalez's character, Dr. Arturo Suarez, is the only one who likes Jack from the beginning and takes his side. Arturo also has his colorful moments. He's a bit scruffy with a light beard and confident to the point of being cocky. He's forever hitting on fellow resident Chloe (Marisa Ramirez) even though she's gay.

In a future episode, a woman who's addicted to sex checks into the ward, and "Arturo is forced to take a little of his own medicine," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez gets back to his hometown whenever possible to visit his family, mom Sylvia Mosier and dad Dr. John Gonzalez, a prominent S.A. dermatologist.

Much of his time recently was spent in Bogota, Colombia, where the bulk of "Mental" was shot as an expense saver and where Gonzalez met his girlfriend, telenovela star Mimi Morales.

Gonzalez has had no problem finding work since landing the role of a boxer on former Showtime series "Resurrection Blvd" at the age of 24. He's guest-starred on many series, including "Grey's Anatomy," "CSI: Miami" and "True Blood." He's also starred in movies, was a regular on the PBS series "American Family" and played a sexy gardener on "The O.C."

Offscreen, he's an ace at cards as well, recently winning $50,000 in the latest World Poker Tour Celebrity Invitational.

At the age of 33, Gonzalez says he has never felt more fulfilled: "I'm in love with my 30s. It's been just awesome."

He's also excited about a future role. He says he has been cast in one of the most buzzed-about shows of the fall, the CW's remake of "Melrose Place." He'll play a detective trying to solve a murder.

"It's a fun character — a man among all these boys and girls," he said with a laugh, adding, "I used to be hot ass and now I'm just old ass."