An Interview with Isabel Arraiza from ‘Outer Range’

Isabel Arraiza and Lewis Pullman as Maria Olivares and Rhett Abbott in Season 2 of ‘Outer Range’. (Photo Courtesy of Prime Video.)

Isabel Arraiza is an accomplished star of the silver and small screen. Currently, she stars as Maria Olivares in the Prime Video series Outer Range, and we had the distinct honor of sitting down with Isabel to discuss season two of the show.
 
John Betancourt: I would like to start off by knowing what it means to be part of such an ambitious show from a storytelling standpoint.
 
Isabel Arraiza: I mean, I just feel like it's a great gift. Are you kidding me, I got this job in the middle of COVID. And then they were like, “You're gonna be part of the Outer Range!” And I was like, and I knew Brian (Watkins), from acting school. So, I was already a big fan of his writing way before he wrote the show and created it. And I'm a huge fan of Lili Taylor, and Josh (Brolin), and Imogen (Poots). And so, I just feel incredibly fortunate to be alongside this group of incredibly talented people.
 
John Betancourt: So, this season has so much to it, which is just impressive. So much messaging, so many themes. I'm kind of curious as to what may be a central theme or themes you kind of hope the audience takes away from this season's journey?
 
Isabel Arraiza: I hope that some of the fans do feel like some of their theories of the first season are put to rest because they're finally going to be revealed. But I also know that we're going to leave them with more cliffhangers and that we've added some wrinkles into our story. So, it gets a little bit more convoluted, but hopefully, they're going to enjoy that. So, I think it's just going to be riveting, and heady and thought provoking, and just invigorating.
 
John Betancourt: Now from a more global standpoint, because this is also a big season of the big moments in general. We don't want to spoil those. But what are you excited for oddity to experience in general and season two?
 
Isabel Arraiza: Wow, honestly, I read the script, and I was blown away. It's like when some things were getting revealed. There's an episode, coming up, I'm really excited for. Mind you. I'm not in that episode. But I was just in awe. It's just such a good storyline for that character. And I'm excited for fans to see it. But I can't spoil it.
 
John Betancourt: Why do you think this show resonates so well with audiences?
 
Isabel Arraiza: I think it combines so many genres that people love in general, right. And I think we're at a time globally, where there's a sense of uncertainty. And so, I think people get obsessed with trying to find out what the answer is or what the future holds. So, I think that's one thing that's happening right now, just in this moment in time. But I also think, you know, it's, it's a wonderful show for sci fi lovers for Western lovers, because I think it combines those two worlds and creates this unique multi genre show that a lot of people can enjoy.
 
John Betancourt: What are you most proud of so far when it comes to your work on this show?
 
Isabel Arraiza: Honestly, learning and just getting better at the craft. I mean, every time I show up to set, I'm like, “Oh, no, no. What am I doing?” Which is normal for a lot of actors, but mind you, I trained for theater for so, so long. So, I mean, granted I've been doing film for seven years now, but I just feel like every time, I'm just growing and learning and just being alongside with Josh, who's also directing one of the episodes this season, it was just such a masterclass. So, I'm proud that I'm open to keep growing and receiving and learning from my peers. And hopefully you guys will enjoy it.
 
John Betancourt: Last question that I have for you today. If you had to describe season two in a single word. What would that word be?
 
Isabel Arraiza: Hmm. I would say atmospheric. Hmm. I don't know… that's not even a good adjective for it. I'm like, suspenseful, but it just feels really generic to say that. I'm like, suspenseful… hopefully satisfying. Let's go with satisfying.
 
This interview has been lighted edited and condensed for clarity.

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