It is definitely safe to say that season two of Based on a True Story on Peacock is about as epic as it gets. Courtesy of some powerful storytelling decisions and some amazing twists and turns. One of which involved the character, Drew. Who we learned, wasn’t Drew, but Olivia and had her own sordid past with Matt. One that brought about quite the explosive confrontation, and well, now that we’ve all had time to process season two, we thought it best to sit down with cast member Melissa Fumero, who played Drew-Livia, to discuss all things Based on a True Story.
 
John Betancourt: I would love to start by getting to know what it was that attracted you to the role of Olivia/Drew.
 
Melissa Fumero: Well, I was already a fan of the show and a fan of Annie Weissman and also Kaley (Cuoco), so it was a really exciting call to get. And then also, when they told me about the character, it felt really different from anything I've done. The show itself feels really different from anything I've gotten to do. So, it was just like a very easy yes, and an exciting situation all around.
 
John Betancourt So you bring up a good point that we have to expand upon… the fact that you're a fan of the show. Because you’re one of many of us that love it so, and I’m curious why you think it resonates so well with audiences.
 
Melissa Fumero: Oh, man, I think. Well, I mean, it’s a stellar cast that is so fun and easy to watch. I think also the premise, the sort of comment, the satire about these, you know, intense fandoms that exist in these little niche genres, is a really interesting topic to explore and have fun with, and I think the show does it in a really clever and fun way. You know, they're making a lot of comments, but you never feel preached to. And you know, you never know where it's gonna go. You know, the violence and the gore comes out of left field. You never see it coming. So, it's just a fun thriller, exciting show to watch, and I think that's why it resonates with so many people.
 
John Betancourt: You are so right about the twists. I don't think I saw anything coming this year at all, and speaking of the twists, out of curiosity for your character, were you given advance knowledge of what was going to happen with Drew/Olivia?
 
Melissa Fumero: I was. Annie Weisman and Jaclyn Moore were really generous and told me all of the twists and turns before I started, which was so valuable and does not always happen as an actor. And it was just really fun to get to hold those secrets with me in every scene. And I think they really informed my approach and my choices. And so, I was just very grateful to know everything before I started.
 
John Betancourt: That does lead me to my next question, because there is a wonderful nuance to what you do this season in playing two characters really, and I'm curious how you, as an actor, built that incredible duality.
 
Melissa Fumero: Oh, thanks, yeah. I mean, again, I think it was, you know, having the knowledge of all the secrets, you know, and getting to play, to choose when to lean into those. I think there's a really specific way that she interacts with Ava because of those secrets, and the way she questions Ava, and the way she listens to certain things that she says. You know, it's all like, kind of there, and then when the big reveal happens, then that was just like, kind of fun to get to create, like, who is this person, really, without all the masks that she wears? So, it was like just a very fun, dreamy role to play as an actor.
 
John Betancourt: Speaking of that enjoyment in general, what was it that you enjoyed the most about playing Olivia and Drew?
 
Melissa Fumero: Yeah, I think, you know, I've been a fan of Kaley's from afar for a long time, and we fell into a really easy rapport and chemistry from day one, and so doing scenes with her, all those scenes in the restaurant were so fun to shoot, and we played a lot, and we ad libbed, and she's just a really fun person to act with. You kind of don't know what she's gonna like, toss at you, which is always fun and, and I think, you know, playing, getting to play with the whole cast in that, you know, in that final episode for my character, was also like, really fun. And all the little things that are revealed about her character and her history with Matt is, to me, was so interesting and fun. And, you know, letting all those kinds of nuggets out. So, it was a great way to spend my summer.
 
John Betancourt: I always find that we each kind of take something away from the experiences that we go through. And I'm curious with a show this intelligent and this deep, what did you take away from playing Olivia/Drew?
 
Melissa Fumero: So, I learned that there's a really specific way that you have to hold fake blood in your mouth in order to cough it up naturally, which I did not anticipate would be really tricky to do. It's like you gotta, like, hold it really, like in your throat. So, I left the show with some new tricks and techniques for playing death scenes, which it was my first time dying. And you know, I just love the different kind of the fun that this show has with tone and genre, it was really appealing to me, and I kind of hope to do more things like that.
 
John Betancourt: That’s interesting, I’ve talked to a lot of folks who’ve dealt with fake blood and horror elements, and you're the first one to bring up the art of throwing up blood.
 
Melissa Fumero: Yeah, it's, it's harder than it looks. Yeah. I was… after the first take. I was like, “Oh, I think I did it wrong.” It was really bad the first take. And I was just like, “Oh, wait, no. This is hard.” I was like, “Let me, give me a minute to figure this out.” There's some mechanics there. If you don't hold it in your cheek, it'll look real bad.
 
John Betancourt: Well, I just got my first acting lesson, and I very much appreciate it! I'd also love to know what you hope the audience takes away from this season of storytelling, from maybe a more messaging standpoint.
 
Melissa Fumero: Oh, hmm. I mean, there's so many comments that this show makes. I think… about fame, about fandom. I think about, you know, gosh, yeah, it's, you know, there is a sort of, like intense culture around fandom. I think that is happening right now. And I think this show is examining, like, one aspect of it, and in a fun, satirical way, kind of maybe warning people how out of control it can possibly get, and that, you know, maybe it's not so good to, like, hold anyone up on too high a pedestal.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your work in season two here?
 
Melissa Fumero: Oh, um, you know, I think it's always really hard as an actor to kind of come into someone's house and just like, fold yourself in. And, you know, it's terrifying to do. And you know, when I was a younger actor, and I did guest stars, and you know, anything like that, it's a tricky dynamic. You want to honor the space that they've already created, and then you also, like, want to bring in your own thing. And I think this is the first time that, um, I think I did that from a really confident place. It also is because I was so, so welcomed by this show and this cast and this crew and everyone just made me feel really comfortable. So that made it easier. But yeah, I think that's probably the thing I'm most proud of, was just, um, yeah, not letting any nerves get the best of me, and just kind of having the confidence to just jump in with them and trust everyone around me and have fun. And I did.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Truly, the new-boot of Night Court on NBC does an amazing job of bringing in and bringing back amazing guest stars that entertain and impact the story, and last night… Bert, played by Betsy Sodaro returned to Judge Stone’s courtroom for more shenangians. And we here at NTG had the distinct honor of sitting down with Betsy to discuss ‘The Hole Truth’ regarding Bert. 
 
John Betancourt: I'm very curious to start off by getting to learn what as an actor, attracted you to the part of Bert.
 
Betsy Sodaro:  I mean, honestly, just the idea of like, kind of a no BS, like, custodian who works in like, a New York Night Courtroom. I was like, “Yeah, absolutely.” This seems so much fun, like all this stuff she must have seen and sees every day is like, “Oh, that's so much fun.” And I'm just a big fan of Night Court and sitcoms in general, I'm like, you know, this sounds so much fun. I want to do this. You know? 
 
John Betancourt: Something that I really enjoy is the fact that doesn't matter what week it is or what what's going on in that court, every character has such amazing depth to them and has such a realism to them, and Bert is no exception to that rule, and I'm very curious how you built that depth, because Bert felt like somebody that we've all known at some point.
 
Betsy Sodaro: I feel like, because, truly, when I first read the role, it felt very much like,” Oh, she has a lot of other stuff happening in her life that doesn't have has anything to do with what's going on here in the courtroom,” where it's just kind of like, “What is she doing on her time off?” You know, in like, kind of a weirdo in a great way, where, and they, like dropped, there are always, like, a couple of hints where it's like, “Wait, what's your deal, man?” you know, and I think that brings a lot, like, just a really fun game to that character, and just kind of like, yeah, some intrigue of what's happening, what's going on in your life, in the courtroom and outside of the courtroom, which is very fun. 
 
John Betancourt: Now you mentioned your adoration of the show, and I kind of want to go back to it as well, because Night Court is such an important show and so iconic. What is it about Night Court that you love, just from a personal perspective.
 
Betsy Sodaro: I really love how kind of cartoony it can get. Like, I've always been such a fan of comedy in general, and mostly like the cartoon heightening of stuff where it is, like, yeah, why not have a great big hole where stuff just disappears and there's no explanation. Like, I love, and I feel that happens on this show a lot, of like, these jokes and these ideas just heightened so much like a cartoon, that it's just like, “This is so funny and fun and feels like just that classic sitcom.” And for me, the classic like, “Oh, this is what comedy is to me, where it gets so heightened and silly.” And having those characters that like help ground the silly, even though they're just as silly. You know, I just, I love it so much. It really makes me happy. 
 
John Betancourt: To expand on that a little further, why do you think this show continues to resonate so well with audiences.
 
Betsy Sodaro: I think I really do think the kind the comedy of it all and how silly it gets; I think people really like that. You know, people really kind of want that. I feel special. I mean, this is so cliché, and I feel people have been saying it for the last, like, 40 years, but it is like people want an escape. People want to laugh. And this is a great show where it's like, it absolutely deals with relevant stuff, but not to where it's like, punching you in the face, to be like, “Yeah, we're living that right now. We're living that. And this is kind of rough.” It's more of like, “Yeah, this thing's happening. But also, here are the funny ways our very beloved characters are reacting to what's going on and stuff,” which I think, I do think it's like the fun kind of cartoony comedy of it all is what people are like, “Yes, I need this right now.”
 
John Betancourt: I agree. I mean, especially, I think probably this year, more than ever. Now, comedy is where you thrive, as are sitcoms and television, and I’m curious how you prepare for a show like this. What process do you go through to get Bert ready? 
 
Betsy Sodaro: Oh, my goodness. Well, I will say, fortunately, I have gotten to do a ton of stuff for live audiences, and I've also gotten to do quite a few multi cam sitcoms, which are so much fun, and having that live audience is just so incredible, and such a rush. And it's all just --especially coming into Night Court it… I was absolutely a little nervous, because I'm like, I'm just like, some of the biggest, like, sitcom legends ever, you know, like Melissa (Rauch) and John (Larroquette) and now Wendie (Malick), like… freaking out. But also, what's so wonderful about multi cam is that we rehearse. You get to rehearse a lot, and you get to, like, you kind of get to try, depending on the show or night, you can try things and, like, kind of make moves and see, like, does that work? And it's just… it's surprisingly, like, relaxing and just really fun. And I gotta say, the whole vibe on the set of Night Court, the writers, the crew, the cast, made it super fun and chill and easy to kind of walk on and be like, let's make people laugh. Let's just have fun and get silly. Which rules like, that's all you can hope for in a job.
 
John Betancourt: Now you bring up a good point about nerves. a really good point about nerves. We don't talk about that a lot, because everybody kind of assumes that actors are immediately, you know, ready to go, just like that. How then did you get over some of those nerves? 
 
Betsy Sodaro: Yeah, a big thing is, like, for me personally, when, because you always start with a table read of the episode, like the very first day, the first thing you do is a table read. And for me, once I get that, like first laugh, that's kind of like, “Oh, okay, here we go. Here we go.” But then, of course, right before shooting and stuff. I still get the nerves, and I'm glad I still get a little nervous and excited. Be like, “Okay, be on your toes. Get ready for this.” But it is like, and once again, while shooting, getting that first laugh is such a big like, “Oh, okay, the audience is on our side. Let's go,” you know, so that's a that's a big and once again, just rehearsing helps me so much. 
 
John Betancourt: I really appreciate that insight. The last question I have for you today, what you enjoy the most about getting a chance to be on Night Court and just play in this playground.
 
Betsy Sodaro: I mean, I do think being surrounded by such unbelievably great performers was a dream come true. You know where it is like -- I've been watching these people for years, and now I get to, like, make them laugh and laugh with them, and, like, make a really fun show. It's just such a dream. And also, like, it's just, it's so fun just being on set and once again, like rehearsing all week and then putting a show on it just… yeah, it's a dream come true. It feels wild. I'm constantly like, “Whoa, okay. Is this real? I'll take it!”
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.