Editor’s Note Summer vacation is almost over, so it’s time for our contributors to talk about the new tv shows coming this september on the networks: what can be a succes, what will be a failure and what are the crazy projects? It’s also an opportunity for a tv fan to tell his journey to Paris to attend the sixth season of SériesMania festival. Many French and foreign tv series were introduced, and this is why we are asking ourselves, in this issue, the question: how do we perceive the American tv series in Europe? With these three articles, you’ll be able to read three interviews: Ian Anthony Dale (Murder In The First), Atticus Shaffer (The Middle) and the cover girl, Lindsey Morgan (The 100)!
contents
06
sériesmania 6 a breton tv fan in paris
10
interview, ian anthony dale jim koto in tnt’s murder in the first
13
critical analysis american morals on tv
16
interview, lindsey morgan raven reyes in The CW’s the 100
20
2015-2016 a shaky start for the season
24
interview, atticus shaffer brick in ABC’s the middle
More MORETV TV
Contributors
Gwendal Guillemoto
I’ve always wanted brothers like Malcolm, Dewey,
Julien lesbegueries
I am multidisciplinary: I’m a TV show addict, blogger on “Geeks and Shows,” and I tweet sometimes. Although I am a young legal practitioner, I dream of becoming a journalist or a radio host. I was glad to have written something for the readers in the eMag and I hope you all will like it.
Prutha S. Patel
Reese and Francis; a father like Walter White; a mother like Lynette Scavo; roomates like Chloe and June; a gang of buddies like Ted Mosby; a bromance with JD and Turk ; wine best friends like Jules and Ellie; a boss like Ron Swanson; a laywer like Alicia Florrick; a job at Veridian Dynamics; a C entral Perk down the road; and an iron throne in my living room. Otherwise, I eat a lot of tv shows.
Prutha S. Patel is an avid fan of many things and has grown up being told by her mother that she simply watches too many films and TV shows. Instead of listening to her mother, she decided to delve even further by moving to the west coast from the east coast to study at Southwestern Law
Cross Over US
Friends for more than ten years and both passionate about TV, Typh and Alex created “Cross Over US” about six years ago. On this blog, they share their passion by writing reviews on almost every show on air.
School in Los Angeles. Pru- tha aspires to become an entertainment attorney and hopes to learn as much as she can about the vast realm of entertainment from the amazing people she happens to meet along the way. Fortunately for her, her parents not only don’t mind her being a fan of so many things now, but they are also fully supportive of her aspirations.
Editorial team Chief Editor - Jérôme Raffin Co-Editors - Mélanie Seree, P rutha S. Patel Artistic Director - Jérôme Raffin Public relations - Mélanie Seree International relations - Prutha S. Patel Sub-Editors - Aude Métayer, Mélanie Seree and Michele Bignard Translators - Cindy Thibaut, Anne-Lise Kontz and Thania Jakobsen
More TV You’d like to participate for the next issue ? Email us your idea or article at team@moretv.fr
sériesmania 6 A breton tv fan in paris by Gwendal Guillemoto
The remaining few hours before
acknowledging their recognition. During
others). We are plunged into a small
the opening of this year’s Forum des
the introductions, the first conference
town, by the same name, where a federal
Images, the tension was rising and I must
was being set up. The first program
agent Ethan Burke (Matt Dillon) finds
say, I was incredibly excited. All of the
was called “ Everyone’s a TV Show
himself stuck in the town after his car
shows, conferences, meetings, as well
Reviewer? ” It was a debate organized
swerves off the road and crashed. There
as the anticipation for the feelings I’d
in the form of a round-table discussion
were many resemblances with cult shows
encounter after all of the screenings...
with journalists, reviewers and fellow
but o verall, it offers a pleasant pilot with
everything excited me. The next ten
amateurs. The talk covered everyone and
a twist included.
days would almost entirely be made of
anyone’s legitimacy to review a series,
up of nonstop TV galore. This schedule,
whether on social media, at home, or
of course, wouldn’t really change my TV
in a magazine (online and/or print), is
I had barely gotten over the first day
show addicted fan habits but the fact that
swiftly argued. The talk mainly covered
and the second day was jam packed with
I would be experiencing all of this for
the boundary between amateurs and
even more new show. First up, Gallipoli,
the first time, would definitely change
professionals, the differences between
a story about the war for Australia,
my mentality and appreciation for the
respective reviewers’ styles. On a more
confronting the Ottoman Empire against
better. The first night was short, but my
personal level, all of series reviewers,
the Australian, British and French forces.
D-day had arrived.
were commended on our sharing of
This show tells the story of a t eenager
opinions, so long as we watch them on
who enlisting in the army to go to fight
our own accord.
along his brother at the front.
It only took me the first few steps
At the end of the day, the festival’s
Next up, 1992, a show about the Italian
into the festival to begin running into
opening gala allowed us to discover
power, in all its forms. 1992 is based
some well-known as well as some l esser
Wayward Pines, an American series
on the true corruption story of “ Clean
known faces from Twitter. To my sur-
produced by M. Night Shyamalan (The
Hands ”, a judicial investigation which
prise, some of even said hello to me
Sixth Sense and Unbreakable amongst
rattled Italy at the beginning of the ‘90s.
Day 1
6
Day 2
Finally Deutschland 83, an espionage oriented show that takes place during the Cold War. 83 follows a young spy named Martin, who is sent to Germany to gather crucial information about NATO’s military strategies. This show was a real favorite among our group and was received very well by the bloggers’ jury, going on to win the prize for “ Best Series ” among the total 37 p resented during the festival.
Day 3 A roller coaster of emotions on Sunday. Tellus, a Finish thriller, takes us to the heart of a Green activist group when an accident during an operation, results in a death. Following a marathon of comedies with the hilarious Israeli
“ Iwan Rheon, more famous under the name of the notorious Ramsay Bolton ”
sketch series The Jews are Coming, the excellent Théorie du K.O, a show about
Among the released trailers to support
agenda this Tuesday. The day starts with
family love with wrestling in the mix,
these words were The Affair, Sex and the
a conference about the women in the
and the acclaimed Please Like Me (Season
City, Girls, Masters of Sex and Transpa-
crime TV shows. We notice a more than
2) following Josh Thomas’ daily adven-
rent. It’s nice to hear of such a conference.
striking evolution when we underline the
tures, we are then left with Blå ögon
Heading off to the next room, the next
police woman from the 70’s-80’s (Police
(Blue Eyes), a Swedish series presenting
series, Game of Thrones, doesn’t require
Woman, Cagney & Lacey) and the ones
the country’s politics during elections.
an introduction due to its already well-
from today (Happy Valley, Engrenages).
Blå ögon intertwines the life of the new
known social phenomenon status, was a
All of this was made possible thanks to
head of the Ministry of Justice, whose
part of the blockbusters presented during
the rising number of women in writing
predecessor mysteriously disappeared
SeriesMania this year. The season 5 two
and production. Noteworthy conclusion
and a mother candidate on a right-wing
first episodes were screened in US+24
of this conference: “ The equality between
extremist list, who feels more and more
from the USA, in the presence of Iwan
sexes will be achieved the day an unqua-
threatened. No doubt about it, the Scan-
Rheon, more famous under the name of
lified woman will be given a senior posi-
dinavians are proving their talent in this
the notorious Ramsay Bolton (yes, you
tion ”. The day continues with Sirens, an
particular area.
do know, the sausage’s scene). Of course,
Israeli series, story of a police woman fin-
from a personal stand point, the viewing
ding the body of her twin sister, declared
of these two episodes on the big screen
dead 17 years ago. In this crime fiction,
Iris Brey, a journalist and univer-
is priceless. Even the credits only take
the fantastic has a lead role during the
sity professor, hosted a conference
another scope: thrills guaranteed. Small
investigation. To conclude, it’s time to
about women’s sexuality in TV shows.
bonus at the end of the screening, a little
an Amazon series, Transparent, already
Subjects covered during this confe-
run to catch Iwan Rheon dropping by
praised by the critics since its release a
rence included: the differences between
quickly to catch his cab. He’s smiling and
couple of months ago. The series received
men and women’s sexualities, how the
apologizes for not staying longer to take
the Golden Globe for the best comic series
women’s image has evolved over the
some photos. He certainly is less scary
this year. It’s a dramedy cleverly addres-
years, all the while, also highlighting the
than his screen counterpart.
sing transgender when a father decides to
Day 4
growing n umber of women in writing and directing positions and the profusion of formats (Cable, Netflix, Amazon).
announce to his children that he wants to
Day 5 A day focused on women is on the
publicly appear as a woman. “ I’ve been dressing up as a man all my life. Because
7
“ Barely the time to digest Wataha and the marathon Olive Kitteridge is getting started for this evening ” mafia. Black humor, maybe a bit too black, but the tumultuous adventures of this Romanian Ray Donovan have a certain charm which could convince the fans of heavies and lousy jokes to give the series a chance. Unfortunately it’s quite unsure to see this show on the French channels.
Day 8
Olive Kitteridge
We eat series, we drink series, we it’s just me ”. Laughs, tears, reflection,
in a leading role). I needed more than two
sleep series, we live series, and it’s not
this series is a real favorite, carried by a
episodes for really being hooked with
over yet. The biggest deception of these
brilliant Jeffrey Tambor. Three episodes
some long blanks but my perseverance
ten days is Wataha, Polish series from
later, I am still asking for more.
has proved it successful with a very good
HBO Europe (which also offered us
season’s ending.
Umbre the day before) where we follow
Day 6 SériesMania, it’s also the o pportunity
8
a captain investigating the death of his
Day 7
border guard friends and his wife, killed
to discover some countries still unknown
Small digression to the planning, I
by a targeted explosion. The series coldly
in the series’ world. We landed on the
discovered through the France 2 replay
deals with the clandestine i mmigration
amazing Icelandic land thanks to The
service the two first episodes of Disparue,
between Ukraine and Poland. This is
Cliff, a crime mini-series. A detective
screened two days ago at SeriesMania
the only interest I found during the two
from Reykjavik fights with the memo-
with the artistic team in attendance.
screened episodes, the rest of the time
ries he didn’t want to see r eappear.
Occasion that I missed because of a
I was questioning my stay. Maybe an
Another proof, if we need one, that the
planning conflict. It’s the story of Lea
overdose of thriller after eight days.
Scandinavians completely master the
who disappeared the day of her birthday,
Barely the time to digest Wataha and
art of crime fiction and slow suspense.
of the police i nvestigation and its resolu-
the marathon Olive Kitteridge is get-
Then comes the screening of the
tion including the more or less controlled
ting started for this evening. This
Swedish series Jordskott, dark crime
reactions of each family member.
adaptation of the eponym novel (2009
fiction and fantastic universe, where a
Touching portrait of a family and theirs
Pulitzer Prize) in mini-series covers
police detective who didn’t mourn for
secrets, with an exceptional Alix Poisson
25 years in Olive’s life, math teacher,
her daughter’s death in the last seven
playing the devastated mother (Best
and her husband Henry, pharmacist,
years, comes back on her disappearance’s
Actress Award) and a Pierre-François
in a small two in New England, Crobsy.
location only to learn that another kid
Martin-Laval as the father avid for truth.
Two fundamentally opposed people in
vanished in the same conditions.
The diffusion on France 2 was by the way
their personality: Olive is cold, distant,
Preview showing of Le Bureau des
a real s uccess last April.
bad-tempered while Henry is generous
Légendes, the new original creation
Without a real transition, speaking of
and open to the outside world. However
fromp Canal+. Espionage series, one
production countries that nobody still
they are united by a strong love and a
of SeriesMania headline theme this
knows, Umbre, Romanian series (adap-
visual as well as gestural tenderness. This
year, carried by an impassive Matthieu
tation of the New Zealander Small Time
developed story, this casting (Frances
Kassovitz, playing a member of the DGSE
Gangster, you can’t invent this) is sending
McDormand, Richard Jerkins, Peter
(the French CIA) coming back after a 6
us near Bucharest in the double life of a
Mullan and a c ertain Bill Murray) and
year mission in Damas (Award for Actor
cab driver also henchman for the local
this clever blend of comedy and drama
The team of La Vie Devant Elles at the festival
adroitly directed for almost four hours are one of my favorite.
Day 9
“ la vie devant elles received the prize of best french series, given by an international press journalist’s jury ”
Last day of the festival, but we don’t stop! After the Olive Kitteridge mara-
first episodes of Mozart in the Jungle,
club. The merciless football world,
thon, it’s time for the Occupied one, an
another original Amazon series (with
between family, feelings, fame and matu-
anticipation series coproduced between
Transparent), where we plunge into the
rity, in an intelligent and touching series.
Norway and France (with Arte). Here is
universe of classical music through a
And to conclude, False Flag (Audience
the pitch: Norway is occupied by Russia,
young conductor (Rodrigo!, played by
Award, tied with Olive Kitteridge) focu-
which assumes ownership of some oil
Gael Garcia Bernal) and a young oboist
sing on the life of five Israeli d iscovering
reserves. Disturbing? When watching
who’s in New York to audition in front of
one morning in the news that they are
the four first episodes, we whisper “ any
the famous maestro. A modern comedy
responsible of the Iranian Prime Minister
resemblance with existing or past situa-
as nutty as this maestro! Speaking of
kidnapping in Moscow. A subtle mixture
tions is totally coincidental ”. All joking
nutty, there was the closing night party.
of espionage, humor, tension and
aside, this series feels very close to the
But “ what happens at SeriesMania stays
suspense signed Israel. Incidentally the
current events, based on political and
as SeriesMania ” as we say
USA already bought it to make their own remake, proof of the show quality if it
ecological European concerns. Bit hit in sight for this show which doesn’t have yet a release date on Arte.
Day 10 Sunday, rest day ? Not for everyone!
was needed. One of my favorite again, but it hasn’t found a distributor in France
Quick 5 minutes break for a drink and
The awarded series during the Closing
we run to catch the Closing Night awards
Night Gala the previous day are all scree-
gala, where the best series of this season
ned again today. It’s the opportunity for
6 have been awarded. Please note that
me to catch up on pilots not seen during
Burning eyes, memories to remember
La Vie Devant Elles (only series awarded
the week because of planning issues.
and notable encounters. A list of series to
that I didn’t have the chance to watch)
Strikers (Special Mention of bloggers
discover, to continue, to binge-watch, to
received the prize of Best French Series,
jury), Belgian series, where we are in
share. The return in Brittany was tough.
award given by an international press
the f ootball universe, following the jour-
Nostalgia.
journalist’s jury. And the closing night
ney of two brothers in their a scension
Is it SeriesMania season 7 already, pretty
resumed with the screening of the three
towards the Racing Genk professional
please?
yet.
The Day After
9
interview
ian anthony dale
Having been on Charmed, how was
How about the rest of the cast?
That was really a labor of love for all
it working with that particular cast?
Daniel Dae Kim and I have become really
of us involved. We all rallied around
Charmed was my first multi-episode
good friends. I have a lot of respect for
director Kevin Tancharoen’s enthusiasm
recur, and I can remember being super
the professionalism and leadership he
and vision and made something really
excited when I first booked the job.
demonstrates both on set, and in our
groundbreaking. Shortly after it’s release,
Being somewhat new to the business,
API community. We are bonded by a
Mortal Kombat Legacy quickly became
I distinctly remember the kind and
common goal to always advocate for
the most watched web series in the
professional manner in which Brian
the advancement and empowerment of
history of YouTube. It was really exciting
Krause always made me feel welcomed
Asian Americans within our industry
to be part of that movement.
on that set.
and beyond. Was it any more or less stressful in
When it was on the air, Charmed was
Did you enjoy filming in Hawaii?
your opinion for filming a YouTube
one of the shows that had a rather
I absolutely love filming in Hawaii and
series versus a network series?
large fan following, what has been one
can’t wait to go back this July. I spend
I think making a web series tends to be
of your favorite parts about being on
as little time as possible in my hotel
a little more stressful, from a budgetary
a show of that magnitude?
room. At any given moment, you can
standpoint, primarily because you are
Whenever you get the opportunity to
find me s urfing Waikiki, paddle boarding
generally given less time, less money, and
be a part of show or franchise with the
out to The Mokes in Kailua, swimming
less manpower to get the job done. But
popularity of a Charmed, it’s a pretty
Waimaea, hiking Olomana, or noshing on
oftentimes, whatever stress exists within
special experience. To this day, Charmed
a poke bowl at Pupukea Grill. Oahu has
a web production is usually offset by an
has such a robust and loyal following. For
really become like a second home to me.
overwhelming sense of passion and love that everyone involved typically feels
a number of really awesome Charmed
I also recently found out that you were
fans over the years. They’ve all been so
in both seasons of the Mortal Kombat
supportive of me and my career, even
YouTube series ( M ortal Kombat
well after my time on show ended.
Rebirth and Legacy) as S CORPION. SCORPION! The kid in me is thinking:
You’ve also appeared on CBS’ Hawaii
Wow, it doesn’t get any cooler than
5-0 as Adam Noshimuri, brother to
that! (Well, unless we’re counting
Daniel Henney’s character, who then
Sub-Zero, who is undoubtedly “cooler,”
also proposed to Grace Park’s charac-
but in a different way.) What was
ter on the series. What’s one of your
filming that like?
favorite parts about working with
towards a project of that nature.
Photo / benjo arwas
me, the highlight has been getting to meet
Daniel and Grace? I think Daniel and I were always destined to play brothers. We’re both half Asian half Caucasian, both in our m id-thirties, and were both raised in the Midwest. We connected instantly, on and off screen, through our similar experiences growing up, and challenges we’ve faced throughout our respective careers. Grace and I have developed a close friendship over these last four years, and have found a rhythm and chemistry with our characters that makes working together easy and fun.
11
11
fun getting to draw and fire my weapon. As the show has been renewed for season two, what’s one thing your character hasn’t done yet that you’d love to have him do? I’d love to see the writers really start to explore Koto’s personal life outside of Homicide. Does he have a family? What does he struggle with? What makes him so driven to succeed? I’d also like to see Koto start to rise up politically. A while back, I happened to see a picture of you playing (American)
“ if Daniel Craig ever gets tired of playing Bond, I’d be happy to take over for him ”
f ootball with Tom Felton (Harry Potter’s Draco Malfoy), the caption read that you were teaching him how to throw a spiral – how was that? (Was he g etting it?) Should we expect a MitF flag football team in the future
What makes each different (filming a
the videogame as well. I’ve already got
perhaps?
YouTube series v. network series) for
a pretty convincing, “Get Over Here!”
Having never thrown a football prior to that afternoon I’d say Tom was a pretty
you and what did you like about each In that vein, is there a film franchise
One of my favorite aspects of the film-
or perhaps even a writer, producer
making process, whether for a web
or director you’d love to get involved/
And lastly, anything else you would
series or television series, is the creative
work with in the future?
like to say to the readers?
collaboration involved in bringing a pro-
If Daniel Craig ever gets tired of playing
I would love to take a brief moment to
ject to life. There are so many talented
Bond, I’d be happy to take over for him.
share with the readers a project I’m
production, each with an e ssential
On TNT’s Murder in the First, your cha-
to me. I am currently helping raise
responsibility. For any show to be
racter is a Lieutenant and essentially
money to complete Bulbul: Song Of The
successfully produced, there needs to
calls the shots for the case(s) Inspectors
Nightingale, a documentary that brings
be a total team effort, with every member
English (Taye Diggs)and Mulligan
a ttention to the social and human
doing his or her part. Communication is
(Kathleen Robertson) handle. What’s
injustices s uffered by the Banchara tribe
absolutely critical.
your favorite part about playing a
in India. The Banchara has existed at the
character like this?
bottom of Indian society for centuries,
You’ve also voiced characters on
I get to be a hero. In the season two
relying on prostitution as their economic
several video games, including Slee-
premiere, following a mass shooting on
lifeblood, forcing girls as young as twelve
ping Dogs, Call of Duty: Black Ops
a High School bus, Koto demonstrates
years old into the trade. By sharing the
II and Battlefield Hardline, is there
his heroism by charging directly into the
story of the Banchara, our hope is to
a nother game franchise you see
chaos and engaging in a shootout with the
raise awareness and spark sustainable
yourself v oicing a character for? Do
assailants. It’s a much different Koto then
change within their community through
you have a specific character in mind?
we grew accustomed to seeing in season
healthcare, education, and alternative
Well I’ve already played Scorpion in the
one. I did extensive tactical training prior
economic opportunities. To learn more
web series, so I guess I wouldn’t mind
to the start of filming to get ready for all
visit bulbulthedocumentary.com.
taking a crack at voicing Scorpion in
of the action. It was definitely a lot of
murder in the first / TNT
involved with that is very important
and unique individuals within a single
12
quick study. I like our chances.
approach?
american
morals on tv When watching American television shows from a European perspective, there will always be some elements that seem strange and unfamiliar. Indeed, it’s because we’re watching them with a European background and education. This slight difference, is what forms our perspective and allowed us to pen the following analysis. by Julien lesbegueries
Disregarding our Surroundings.
acknowledgments about the events of the
movie. American networks as of now
shows being a global event. In the same
perhaps can’t create series that would
The first thing that stuck out to me me
manner, in C onstantine, “ The Rising
have their characters travel around the
when I began watching a lot of American
Darkness ” seems to magically focus on
world. It would imply amazing logistics
series is the American egocentrism, which
the same territory. This kind of b ehavior
and expenses, something networks may
appears in movies too. It is a feeling that
can be seen in most S cience-Fiction
not be able to afford. The fact that the
Americans are alone in the world. Be it
series, which are more likely to have a
series neglect to mention the rest of the
in the likes of S upernatural, The Walking
wider territory being focused on rather
world still seems to show a certain form
Dead, Revolution or Constantine, to name
than a single city, (particularly when
of egocentrism. Americans seem to think
a few, the world seems to start and end
compared to comedies).
they are alone in the world and perhaps,
with the United States. In Supernatural,
There are in fact many reasons to
like to prove it again and again.
as is the case for The W alking Dead and
rationally explain this phenomenon. They
Revolution, the apocalypse only seems
are perhaps mainly budgetary reasons.
to affect North America, with major-
Personally, we cannot perhaps conceive
One may also quickly notice that
ity of the storylines taking place in
a truly international series but we can
some American morals on TV series are
the United States. There are only rare
undoubtedly imagine an international
largely exaggerated. For instance, if we
Emphasized Morals
13
c r i t i c a l a n a ly s i s a m e r i c a n m o r a ls o n t v
take Desperate Housewives, for example, we see a series focused on a group of suburban women which shows us an exaggerated take on how people are or would like to be seen. Each and every
“ The series highlights the pride attached to working and risking one’s life for the overall community.”
one of us can identify with one of suburban women...and that seemed the
by American networks and are aimed at
general plan. We have the “ stay-at-home
the American audience. In order to have
mother, ” with several children and a
the best audience possible, the goal is to
working husband, the “ clumsy divorced
hit as many Americans as they can.
one, ” who strives for a new beginning,
References to American pop-culture,
the “ strict one, ” who is confronted by the
news or political life are frequent. There
reality of her family life and finally, the
are many jokes about famous Amer-
“ beautiful one ” who married for money
ican talk-shows or people we don’t
and is now “ stuck in the suburbs. ”
know. From there, we can distinguish
Various aspects of American women is
two kinds of series: first, the one that
depicted on the series by at least one of
are not destined to be exported abroad
the characters. This very stereotyped
and therefore don’t seem to care about Chicago Fire
average American and manages to please
such as 2 Broke Girls. Then, the second,
them in an entertaining way.
breast that we shan’t see. ” Pay attention
those that are destined to be sold abroad
To discuss other series, take Chicago
to that next time you’re watching an
and must then adapt their scripts, so that
Fire or Chicago PD for instance. At the
episode. The sheet will not necessarily
they can be translated everywhere, such
heart of the series is the pride attached
be white, but it will be there and will hide
as Modern Family. It all depends on the
to being an American, and perhaps
everything up to the shoulders. American
aim of the series.
more precisely here, to be an inhabitant
networks are mainly familial networks
of the great city of Chicago. The series
and series must be respectful for all in
highlights the pride attached to work-
the puritan America.
ing and risking one’s life for the overall
This phenomenon is so widespread that
Walking Dead? It’s perhaps not a big deal
community. These two elements often
it has produced the opposite: now, for a
if you don’t. Did you know he didn’t exist
come to the forefront in the series. The
series to be considered as good, ambitious
in the comic books? We may then w onder
notion of c ommunity seems to be very
or innovative by critics, it has to show a
why they invented his character for the
powerful in the United States and is very
boob or two. When this is the case, many
TV show, especially when he perhaps
recognizable on the series. We see this
good critics will highly praise this series
didn’t bring much to the plot. He was
community mentality when the series,
that dares to oppose the p uritan A merica.
simply there to comply with the criteria
for example, also shows people offering
Of course, they have to do it right, or we
of African American men on TV. The
a basket of fruits to any newcomer to the
will just end up with another Game of
United States strongly believes in positive
neighborhood or a new employee at a
Thrones. But American morals may have
discrimination and wishes to correct
workplace, in order to show him that he
consequences.
inequalities by introducing quotas. Be it
has just joined a new family. This kind of behavior seldom happens in France or in Europe.
14
being understood by foreign audiences,
Black Quotas Do you remember T-Dog from The
for legal or moral reasons, the effects are
American Culture
one and the same. The most emblematic
Some of the references made in
effect is the imposition of adding more
Another custom we can see in every
our favorite series are perhaps only
African American characters on various
series, and in movies, is the one of
understandable by Americans and so,
series. This was possibly why T-Dog was
the “ white sheet. ” Tradition makes it
as Europeans, they are difficult for us to
created. This may also be why another
mandatory to show a white sheet in the
comprehend at times. This is something
African American character appeared on
screen every time something happens
that Europeans can’t hold against the
the series soon after T-Dog died. A few
in a b edroom, in order to “ hide that
American, since the shows are developed
episodes later, this new character died
nino munoz / nbc
and commercial series is perfect for the
Homeland
upon which a character named Tyreese appeared. The Walking Dead is only one of the many examples with this custom, and
“ The paranoia impregnates the series, the fear of an imminent attack is kind of its trademark ”
remains perhaps the most obvious of the lot. We cannot and would not imagine
as is the case for Arrow or Friends, it
attack on the CIA, perhaps the ultimate
such behavior in a country where the
could p erhaps becomes immediately
symbol of the paranoia. When you think
culture was any different. It is s omething
international, as for Marvel’s Agents
about it, in reality, it is rather improbable.
specific to the United States and has both
of S.H.I.E.L.D., or perhaps the location
But Homeland was the answer to the
advantages and disadvantages. In the
of the show isn’t focused on at all, by
fear much of the United Stated had
end, it is not our place to debate whether
not giving specific indication as to the
due to the terrorist attacks which came
there is something wrong with the
particular location, as is the case for
from a world they do not understand.
practice or not, but whether it impacts
Modern Family. The aim is of course
The first episode of the fourth season
the TV-shows is something that has not
financial. No doubt that if choices were
is called “ Drone Queen ” and shows
gone unseen.
given to the producers, these series might
this need for control. But beyond
be full of prejudices.
Homeland, the scene of the kamikaze
Counterexamples
homeland / showtime
Of course, for each rule, an exception
attack in Chicago Fire was so crazy that it
The Homeland Affair
perhaps left a bad taste. From a European
exists. Especially for the series discussed
Homeland remains an exception,
perspective: f ourteen years later, they
earlier: The ones that are designed to be
except perhaps when we analyze the
are still t raumatized by the event. This,
exported abroad. When producers have
morals. Even if it is a remake of an Israeli
is undoubtedly understandable.
an idea, it is essentially impossible to get
series, above all else, it is strongly marked
on the other side of the planet due to all
by the post 9/11 American mentality. The
the elements discussed: d istance, custom,
paranoia impregnates the series, the
It is obvious that a large majority of
budgetary restrictions. For TV shows,
fear of an imminent attack is kind of its
American series are still impregnated
All-American jokes must be avoided.
trademark. It results in rather unlikely,
with some form of American morals. We
At the very least, they must try and be
far-fetched scenarios in order to fulfill
cannot blame them for it, since the series
understandable by everyone.
the needs of the plot, one of them comes
are above all, for them. It perhaps shows
Several options are available: The plot
up when a main character assassinates
what they think of themselves, and what
could be focused on one or two c ities,
the Vice President as a mere prelude of an
they think of the rest of the world.
A reserved final assessment
15
interview
lindsey morgan by prutha s. Patel photos Russel baer
What made you want to audition for this particular character? Lindsey Morgan : When I got the audition I just thought that the role was really cool.
“ I’m into shows that make me question myself, if I were in that position, what would I do? ”
Like Raven is badass on the paper, such a cool tough girl like and the fact that
know Abby or Lexa (Alycia Debnam-Ca-
but as a whole. It’s just so exciting, what
they made her to be so smart, is really
rey). I’m a big Lexa fan too actually, that’s
he came up with.
refreshing. It’s sad but I really don’t get
a very cool character. The 100 is one of those shows that
a lot of auditions where it’s like GENIUS GIRL! Engineer, tough AND smart. I love
Why Abby?
seemed a bit unexpected to be on a
to pay characters at the highest level of
I like Abby because her character is
network like The CW. The scenarios and
intelligence.
always in a position of power, but she’s
themes it touches upon are a mazing
always so powerless and fighting to save
and shocking. The 100 doesn’t hesitate
What is your favorite thing about your
something for the good of everyone. But
with the deaths. When you guys get
character, Raven Reyes?
ultimately, her hands are always tied.
the scripts, are you afraid that you’re
She is so capable. It’s really hard to throw
She’s always making these hard decisions
going read your character’s death? Or
her off, or shake her confidence. She is
between what’s right and what she feels
is there a heads up of some sort?
always kind of operating at a ten. Again,
is wrong. And she also can’t always go
I think for the series regulars, there’s a
at her highest level of intelligence or
and fight the way Clarke does. She has to
heads up. In season two, for Finn, I had
of her physical strength. So she is just
stay at the camp, or rule as Chancellor.
no idea that was happening. I think that
always at the top of her game and so it’s
You get to feel her heart kind of break
certain stuff Thomas (McDonnell) knew,
exciting to see someone that has such a
anytime Clarke leaves. And then her
at the beginning of season two before
strength and such a spirit.
heart kind of hardens, because she is
he even started filming. And you know,
frustrated with her daughter and you
and just chose not to tell anybody. But no
If you weren’t playing Raven, who
know they go and clash. And she clashes
one told me as far as from production. I
would you have loved to be on the
with Jaha and then with Kane (Henry
remember even when we got the script
show?
Ian Cusick). She cares about them. her
for the episode where he dies; they left
Jaha (Isaiah Washington)! Without any
character is very complex, you know. It’s
out the last page where it says Clarke kills
other questions asked. Jaha, yes!
an interesting position as a woman, and
him. And they did it, because they didn’t
as a reader in this new society.
want it to be leaked, they didn’t want any kind of like drama. They were taking it
Who’s your personal favorite character on the show and why?
What are you most excited about for
very seriously to have that happen. So
Being completely unbiased and nothing
the new season? Both overall and for
I mean, I think whoever it’s happening
personal from the cast but who’s my
Raven?
to gets a heads up, but as far as like you
personal favorite overall, that’s hard!
Well, I just had lunch with our showrun-
know, if it’s not necessarily your business,
ner Jason Rothenberg and he kind of gave
they’re not going to tell you.
[Laughs] You can pick multiples if
me some insight. Oooooo, as to what is
that’s the case.
happening.
In that vein, being the very strong and serious show on the network, how do
It’s too hard to pick now because every character has transformed so much.
[Laughs] I won’t ask you that, no
you feel about the storylines?
There are aspects I love about Octavia
spoilers. I’m fine with that.
I love the storylines! They’re awesome
(Marie Avgeropoulos), aspects I love
[Laughs] I can’t tell you anything. But it
because I’m into shows that make me
about Bellamy (Bob Morley) about Clarke
is in-SANE. I like this season better than
question myself. The ones that make me
(Eliza Taylor). I guess as a whole, maybe,
season one and two.
question, if I were in that position, what would I do? And I think that’s a big reason
maybe Abby (Paige Turco). Whoaaaa. You just said it! Now I’m
why we make Clarke question her mora-
Interesting.
excited.
lity, and then we also question ourselves
Yeah, I think Abby is really cool. Yeah, you
I am SO excited! Not especially for Raven,
it makes us think more.
17
interview
lindsey morgan
Lindsey Morgan (Raven Reyes), The 100
Not only am I entertained but it’s also
Everyone would be losing it! I would be
that you know, for Raven, I wanted her
making an impression on me and it’s an
like sitting in a corner crying.
to play “not knowing what to do.” And
impact, which I love.
that, for Raven, that’s a new feeling for I think that’s what draws some people
her. That’s some uncharted territory in
What storyline has spoken to you the
to the show as well. It actually does
Raven to be so vulnerable and so raw
most in that sense?
touch on these very real topics, despite
and so angry and so hopeless, you know
I actually really love the Finn storyline.
being set in the future. But it’s really
what I mean?
I thought it was kind of really crazy how
about the relationships and I think
you have such a pacifist turn into you
it’s very interesting to see that unfold
Yeah, so many things.
know, how he just snapped, and became
as a fan.
It was just kind of a new person almost.
a slaughterer of innocent people and just
Yeah! Like as much as it is, I don’t think
So it’s just like, I always tell everyone
kind of losing his mind in the situation.
it’s completely fiction, you know what I
for season two, every other character
I think post-traumatic stress disorder is
mean? It’s real; it’s a great reality.
kind of got harder and darker, as it went
such a huge, REAL, thing and a lot people
18
on, from what they went through, and
in the world, maybe don’t give much
Raven has had some really dark and
Raven’s arc was opposite. Raven actually
attention to it as much as they should,
terrifying things happen to her over
became more vulnerable and more
like how serious this is.
these last two seasons and she always
closed. Almost like a new person. And she
seems to come back strong – is it fun
didn’t harden up and carry on because
Absolutely.
for you to play such a badass?
what she went through is so daunting.
We can only handle so much. And so
It’s so fun! Like I said because she always
It made her have to realize “ Oh! I can’t
I thought that was really interesting. I
knows what to do, you know. I was won-
take on the world myself, I have to, I need
also thought it was truthful. Could you
dering, that is also the one thing that I
to rely on my friends and on people and
imagine that situation? Like everything
like about her too, because it really, it
my friends out there, even though I am
this kid went through, you’d be losing it!
really tested her. Like there were points
alone here.” It really tested her.
What Raven hasn’t done yet that you’d love to see her do in the future? I want Raven to have a motorcycle. I want Raven to have like a total Mad Max moment, right?
“ I want Raven to have like a total Mad Max moment. She could totally be like Furiosa, with like her one leg. ”
[Laughs] I love it. And like, she could totally be like Furiosa, with like her one leg. Come on! Get a guitar up in there too. Yeah! I have a story too! She’s trying to get over Finn, she finds this motorcycle. She fixes it up and then she rides off in the desert with like Octavia. Octavia’s on horse and Raven is on a motorcycle. How sick would that be? [Laughs] [Laughs] Very. Is there a character you’d love to see
twitter questions
Raven interact with more or
with lindsey morgan
share scenes with? Raven’s never really interacted
You recently did a fan interview
with Kane, so him. And I love
on YouTube, are there plans to do
Ian, I think he’s so great. So it’d
another one soon?
be fun to see them more together
Yeah! You know, I really enjoyed
in some aspects, because that’s
doing that. It was basically me with
a, you know, a new one for her.
a camera and since it was only me
On the topic of the future, is there
And lastly, is there anything you’d like
a writer, director, producer or any
to say to the readers?
actors you’d love the chance to work
Just thank you! Thank you for watching,
with if given the opportunity to? Who?
you know, they’re the reason why I can
Oh man! There’s so many! Are you kid-
live my dream everyday so I couldn’t be
ding me? Um, I mean I love Meryl Streep,
more grateful to them. I just want them to
Daniel Day Lewis, Tom Hardy, Michael
know that we want to try and give them
Fassbender, Anne Hathaway, you know
the best show that we can, because we
any of them would be GREAT! I have
are so grateful for them, for watching.
so many favorites. I mean like writers
We are going back to work soon for them.
I really like, I really like Lena Dunham. I think she has a fresh take on things.
The 100 is expected to be back in 2016
Oh! I also love Amy Poehler, I think she’s
on The CW, it’s to soon to have an exact
really crafty. I would love to work with
date at the moment and the network is
them. If they could call me that would
keeping the show for midseason.
be awesome!
doing it... I want to do another one. I just have to set it all up and make it look good. But, for sure! What’s your favorite pizza topping? Oh! That’s easy: pineapple, C anadian bacon, and jalapenos. How do you take your coffee? My coffee, god, you know actually, Eliza Taylor, Clarke on the show, got me addicted to “ Americano Soy Misto. ” What’s the last movie you saw? Jurassic World.
19
A shaky start for the season 2015/2016
The Upfronts allowed the five major networks to reveal their schedules, cancellations, renewals and trailers. All in all, the new shows turned out to be a bit uninspired and unoriginal. Almost every show had the same effect on viewers: a very strong feeling of déjà vu. Fortunately, there were a couple of projects which have piqued our interest and may deserve a closer look. by cross over us
Viewer Success
20
Some trailers were immediately
Next up, perhaps the most daring Upfront
pilot cost fourteen million dollars! But the
noteworthy. Starting with the much
announcement, Supergirl. CBS’ choice
network will have to promote the series
awaited Scream Queens by the creators of
remains odd since the series doesn’t fit
heavily since its older demographic is not
Glee and American Horror Story. Backed
at all the usual lineup of the network
the intended target of Supergirl. They will
up by a fresh young cast, this show could
(it has a rather older audience). The
have to attract a much younger crowd.
very well be the surprise hit of the fall
project at first glance seemed pretty
But since the “ superhero ” genre is gen-
schedule. The horror/slasher/comedy
awful on paper, but the pilot, which
erally a success, audiences will probably
theme promises to be fun and cool during
was conveniently leaked online, put
switch networks for the first couple of
its 15-episode first season. Even if the
our minds at ease. The series attempts
episodes. Let’s applaud the boldness of
mesh-up of Ryan Murphy’s last two series
to be fun, doesn’t take itself seriously and
CBS for thinking outside the box and
seems obvious and does not add much
offers some pleasant comedic points. The
hope that the series will be a success, so
to its originality, Scream Queens still has
fact that it is about a female superhero
that other risky projects might become
every chance to succeed. The series could
(finally!) will probably tip the scales, and
possible in the future.
profit from the excellent social media
the overall lightness of the series leaves
Over at ABC, The Muppets should work
buzz since it is likely to attract a young
us wanting more. CBS seems to believe in
fine thanks to its popularity with US
audience.
it, especially considering the fact that the
audiences since 1976.
Effective Formulas ABC didn’t take lots of risks by ordering Quantico. The show seems to be a second How To Get Away With Murder.
“ With the recent success of Empire, soap operas are a genre that has proven its merit on network television. ”
The formula was successful last year and this new little show could prove to be quite a success, despite the tough timeslot (Sundays at 10pm, behind Blood & Oil). The promo didn’t really convince us.
suspenseful and compelling
With Twitter-buzz, produced by Shonda
episodes in the vein of The 100,
Rhimes, we are once again in familiar
another show that has proven
territory and the show runs its course
its worth.
after a landslide of revelations that leaves
The Family, grabs you in its
no more storylines to be told. The same
first few seconds alone. ABC
applies for the mid-season series, The
continues to offer original and
Catch. Produced by the creator of Grey’s
intriguing shows for an adult
Anatomy and Scandal, the show wants
audience. This show seems to
to be a soap-thriller. Unfortunately, the
be one that could have easily
whole premise seems bland and closed
found a home on cable. The
off and we don’t see how the show
casting is inspired and the
can survive in the long run. The name
story is based on an ambitious
Shonda Rhimes could benefit the show
premise: The return of a child
even though a time slot after Scandal
intriguing. The seven m inute long
after being lost for several
(whose own ratings are slipping) and a
promo won us over, largely due to its
years. We can’t wait to see more. Unfor-
mid-season start might not help.
atmosphere, masterful directing, and
tunately the show being on a “ minor ”
In a similar vein, Blood & Oil being
the support of a convincing cast. The
network, there is little to no chance the
ordered isn’t surprising. With the recent
show seems to differ fundamentally
series will survive. Excellent reviews or
success of Empire, soap operas are a genre
from Grey’s Anatomy since the medical
winning several prestigious awards could
that has proven its merit on n etwork
cases will be shorter and without much
probably save the show, like American
television. Even if the trailer isn’t very
follow-up. By mixing stress and emo-
Crime encountered this year.
exciting, the show could ultimately prove
tion, Code Black could turn out to be a
engaging. Good and stable ratings are
pleasant surprise, provided it doesn’t
foreseeable since fans of Revenge and
disappoint in the long run. By offering
An Unconventional Genre that has Proven its Worth
Dallas will be looking for replacement.
a medical procedural, the show could
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Angel From
prove a modest success for the network
Hell, two projects with a very special
by attracting a new audience.
and offbeat kind of humor could attract
CBS, known for its stand-alone (one
Julie Plec, currently working on The
an audience with a taste for this genre.
self-contained story per episode) format
Vampire Diaries and The Originals,
The critical success of The CW’s Jane
based shows, seems to be willing to go
“ consciously uncouples ” from her
The Virgin could mean good numbers
new ways (the majority of its current
universe by offering a very different
for Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
series being crime procedurals). After
project based on the d issemination
As far as Angel From Hell is concerned,
the Superhero genre, the network tackles
of a virus. Even though references
the show better be an instant success
another style. The procedural side will,
to Contagion and Helix are obvious,
because even if Jane Lynch’s talent is
of course, be maintained for these two
Containment could turn out to be a real
undeniable, it may not be enough. That
new shows but this won’t change much
surprise for The CW. O ffering a violent,
being said, the promo was rather nice,
as far as originality is concerned.
adult, and well-timed show could prove
suggesting a fresh and original com-
Code Black, a medical drama playing within
successfully, especially since the first
edy. We’re hoping for confirmation and
the emergency room of an LA hospital, is
glimpses we had of the show promised
success in the fall.
blood and oil / abc studios
Original Projects
21
2015—2016
a s h a k y s ta rt f o r t h e s e a s o n
When in Doubt When it comes to comedies, we face rather weak projects, with no innovation whatsoever. Life In Pieces is a Modern Family 2.0, Uncle Buck seems like a spinoff of Black-Ish and The Real O’Neals tries to duplicate The Goldbergs. While offering the same old fare, these shows
Blindspot
could please or bore. The blandness of Grandfathered will never allow for a success even though the promo was less embarrassing than expected. The show will probably follow the same course as Bad Judge, except if stable viewership saves it. The Grinder with its eccentric tone could turn off audiences or please
Wicked City
Minority Report
them. Although all these shows are perfunctory, action series, reminiscent of the awful procedural we were just writing about, some more than others seem already on Human Target. their way out.
one may question whether some of the
CBS isn’t far behind this fall and, being a new fall shows are too ambitious for their regular of the genre, delivers Limitless, a respective broadcasting networks. For
Interchangeable Procedurals
series inspired by the movie of the same some, a slot on a cable network schedule
While watching the trailers pitched name.
would probably have made more sense
by the networks what is most striking, Despite the potential on paper and based and one wonders if that will lead to a perhaps, is the abundance of p rocedurals. on the shown trailers, these shows seem to watered-down treatment of the matter or This is especially true for the fall schedule be nothing more than a pretext to churn even worse, a too quick of a cancellation of the two major networks: FOX and out procedurals already seen time and because of the way too divisive topic from NBC. These two networks seem to slowly again, with their stand-alone episodes the basic network. morph into the CBS from a few years and a barely there thread to follow. The We think, in particular, of the very diverse ago. By taking what seems like no risk originality of these new shows seems to Wicked City and Of Kings And Prophets whatsoever and rehashing the same be limited to the four sentence long syn- on ABC. The first with it’s 80’s feel and old formulas (that don’t even guarantee opsis. Even though one can never be sure, the promise of a very dark tale seems to success), they seem to offer the least we can already predict that a number of come straight from HBO or FX, the latter, exciting schedules of the fall.
these new shows will not survive their relating a biblical story, would have been
an effort to set an original synopsis. FOX amidst total indifference.
It is therefore hard to condemn these two
is trying to show us a futuristic universe
shows to an early cancellation, especially
with Minority Report, an adaptation of the Steven Spielberg movie. The same
Too Ambitious?
because they seem to have the merits
One of the biggest difficulties net- of traveling outside the ordinary fare of
goes for The Frankenstein Code, which is works are facing today is to unearth network television. This year’s American an interpretation of the well-known idea. shows that will find their target audience, Crime has shown that critical success can On the same network, we enter the realm by being original within a theme that be enough to maintain a show and this of the fantastical with Lucifer, where the brings the viewers together. Success with should very well benefit the likes of The devil serves as its main character (yes, audiences is a must for a show in order Family. In the case of Wicked City and Of none other than the devil h imself!). to survive, since networks exist almost Kings And Prophets with its even more NBC seems to bet big on the concept of exclusively thanks to advertisements restricted target audience, the risk might Blindspot with its mysterious tattooed that run during commercial breaks. On turn out to be too high and success most woman and The Player, an over-the-top the opposite spectrum of the soulless uncertain.
22
warner bros, abc studios, 20th century fox
Nevertheless they, at the very least, make first season and will probably disappear perfectly at home on The History Channel.
“ The overdose of superheroes might very well be happening on a single network: The CW ” times, which tries to go for a fun and sunny factor (the show is set in Miami, Florida). But the show will most likely rapidly become insufferable and vulgar with directing, going for cheap effects and even cheaper showmanship. Even Legends Of Tomorrow
with Empire being broadcasted the same night, the show won’t be able to profit
Superhero Overdose
The CW. The minor network has ordered
from their audience even with Empire’s
We all know that superheroes are
the second Arrow spin-off (after The
scheduling lead-in.
popular in movies as well as in television.
Flash), DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. This
On the comedy front, Dr. Ken, featuring
This has been going on for quite a while
is probably the least risky new show of
the very talented Ken Jeong, looks like
now. It is therefore not surprising to see
the network, who is betting on a tried
a flop. The trailer is a mess and the
all the new superhero shows popping
and true formula. The released trailer
allocated Friday time slot on the ABC
up on the fall schedule. Nevertheless a
lets us fear the worst, considering the
schedule proves how little hope the
serious risk of overdose is on the horizon.
jerky directing, bad special effects and
network seems to have when it comes
If
very weak casting.
to this project.
CBS
surprised
everyone
by
Finally, probably the worst of the fall
ordering a full season of Supergirl, the
legends of tomorrow / Warner bros.
announcement of a reboot of Heroes
Future Cancellations
schedule comes from NBC with its new
(Heroes Reborn) on NBC is equally
Every year, series orders are numer-
comedy People Are Talking. The first
astonishing, considering that Heroes was
ous on the five networks and yet, many
few minutes of the trailer promises a
cancelled amidst a general indifference
new shows quickly disappear from the
horrible and misogynistic show with
due to an obvious decline of quality over
TV schedules due to lack of viewership.
old-fashioned directing and very limited
the seasons. The network believes in it
One can therefore play at attempting to
actors. We are clearly navigating the
and will do anything to experience the
predict which shows will be the first to
same waters as the awful Dads, that FOX
success again, such as launching a web
be cancelled, even if each new season
was showing during the 2013-14 season.
series to introduce new characters but
has its share of surprises.
also to try to fill the gap between the two
On the drama front, we can’t imagine
The orders for the fall schedule
series, indeed we know that the story will
Heartbreaker (NBC) and Rosewood (FOX)
are not the most exciting ones, mainly
take place eight years after the events
making it. The first is a medical show
because of what seems to be a lack of
occurred in the last season of Heroes.
of the blandest kind and at first glance
willingness from the different networks
The show’s unique position uniting the
already reminds us of a failure on the
to take risks. Nevertheless, a couple of
current reboot and superhero trends
horizon. In the vein of Emily Owens M.D.
shows stand out within a very dull body
might have been enough to convince
it seems far more likely a failure than a
of work and one can never preclude,
NBC. But we doubt that it will be enough
success like Grey’s Anatomy. It is really
what we hope for, good surprises be it
to convince the viewers.
unfortunate to find the very likeable
from a qualitative standpoint or sheer
The overdose of superheroes might very
Melissa George in it. Rosewood is a crime
number of viewers standpoint.
well be happening on a single network:
series we have already seen a hundred
23
interview
atticus shaffer by prutha s. Patel photo vince trupsin
Prutha S. Patel : In a past interview you said that you would
old clothes to Brick as hand-me-downs. I think it would hila-
like to appear on AMC’s The Walking Dead and work with
rious to have the cousin character, played by Mr. Reedus, to
Norman Reedus. If Norman Reedus were to be a guest-
be involved with Brick for some reason, and end help helping
star on ABC’s The Middle, what type of a role would like
each other with their polar opposite personalities.
him to have? His character on TWD is very serious, so we
24
agree: it would be awesome to see him take on a role in a
What are some other shows that you personally follow?
comedy-oriented show.
While The Walking Dead is like my soap opera, I tend to watch
Atticus Shaffer : I think it would be very cool and interesting
a lot of shows with my mom. We are drawn to very off the
to see him in a comedy role. I am a fan of his work in the
wall reality shows like Dance Moms and Little Women: LA. I
Boondock Saints movies, and he plays a tough, yet sarcastic
am also a fan of Pawn Stars, American Pickers, and other his-
character in them. In the show we have mentioned a distant
tory channel shows. Because I am a zombie nerd, however, I
cousin character on a number of occasions who sends his
also enjoy watching Doomsday Preppers.
If you could be on anyone of these shows, which one would
especially regarding Brick. Everything from leaf collecting,
it be and what type of character would it be?
to attempting basketball, to wrapping himself up in alumi-
Besides, The Walking Dead, the shows I have mentioned are all
num and pretending to be a robot, to going through a car wash
reality shows, so I could not be a character on them. I think it
with the windows down, to dressing up as a hockey puck, fire
would be fun and different to play a survivor on The Walking
hydrant, or significant, yet unknown military history figures,
Dead. I often say, “ Let me go through all the cool aspects of the
to searching for a new book bag/ backpack, to dressing up as
show in one episode. I will start as a survivor and somehow
batman when he was supposed to get party supplies, Brick has
meet up with Daryl (Norman Reedus’ character.) Then I can
been an absolute thrill to be able to play. One way or another,
get bit by a zombie, turn into a zombie (so I can get a cool
there will be some antic to get me to laugh.
transformation done by Greg Nicatero.) and finally get taken out by, you guessed it, Norman Reedus. ”
What is it like working with the rest of the cast? This is a question I get asked from time to time, but my answer
We’ve been seeing many shows begin to crossover with
remains pretty consistent. Not just the cast, but the crew are
other shows. If the network decided to do a crossover with
some of the best people I have been able to work with. After
another show, which one do you think it would be and why?
spending 8 months out of the year, for the past six going on
The Middle is unique, because the show is set in the fictitious
seven years, we have gotten pretty close. However, once sum-
town of Orson, Indiana. So it is not like characters from a show
mer rolls around, we quite frankly need a rest from each
that is set in L.A. would have a legitimate reason to come to
other, so if we do come back have fresh things to talk about.
Indiana, without being a little far-fetched. However, I am also a fan of the A&E show Duck Dynasty. The Robertson family
Any funny stories about the cast/filming?
travels a lot anyway for a number of different reasons, to
There was a scene we were filming where we were in one of
many different states. It would be cool to see a Heck family/
the Heck cars. Patricia was in the driver’s seat and Eden, Char-
Robertson family crossover episode and how they clash and/
lie and I were in the car as well. We were waiting for the direc-
or help each other with their views on daily life.
tor to yell, “ Action ”, and Patricia was reading a newspaper she brought into the car with her, before we started filming. I
What is one thing your character has never done on the
said, “ I love how Patty brought in a newspaper to read while
show that you would love to have him do?
we’re working on a scene. ” She replied, “ Hey listen, after 6
Brick has never really had a friend who has consistently been
seasons? I’ve got nothing left to say to you people. ”
there for him and been able to play off of. I would like to see Brick get a friend who he can become close with and be able
One thing about you or The Middle that no one knows?
to get into mischief and adventure together. It would be nice
In America, you can fry any food and it will taste good... oh I
to see him have someone that not only understands him for his
am sorry about myself or the show? My bad... hmm, Brick’s
quirkiness, but can enjoy the little day to day nuances of life.
books have changed every now and again, but we are to the point that we cycle the same books over and over again, unless
What are 1-2 traits that you love the most about your
a script specifies a book. I have probably read the same page
character?
out of the same book at least twenty different times over the
What I love most about Brick is that he shows it is okay to be
years of being on the show.
smart. He shows it is okay to be unique and he has become almost a role model of a character. I am very blessed, because
For people who have never seen The Middle, what would
I am of the belief that we were all created to be unique, and
you say to them to convince them to watch it?
to be able to play a character who shows that very quality has
The Middle is a sitcom that follows the Heck family, a very
been incredible.
quirky, and at times disfunctional, who somehow manage to get past every problem that crosses there path. My character
What’s the best thing or what are somethings that have
Brick, is a smart 13 year old boy who finds joy in the simplest
gotten you laughing when it came to things that your cha-
and sometimes strangest of things, such as reading or lear-
racter had to do on the show?
ning about fonts. The Middle is fun and entertaining for your
Because Brick is... well, Brick, almost every episode of The
whole family, and we love being able to make you laugh with
Middle is going to be a completely different experience,
the show’s antics!
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