Itzan Escamilla is a talented and rising star in the movie and television industry. Currently he stars as Bernardo in the Apple TV+ series, Midnight Family, and we had the honor of sitting down with Itzan to discuss his work on the show. 
 
John Betancourt: I'm very curious what it means to you to be a part of such a refreshing and original project.
 
Itzan Escamilla: I'm very proud, because it was my first job outside Spain, so it was an experience to be there for a long time, to work with a crew that works pretty, well, not pretty different, but it's different to what I've worked with in Spain. So well, I learned a lot of things with them, and it was a really great experience.
 
John Betancourt: Now realism is something that this story thrives within, especially with the characters, and I’m curious how you created such realism with Bernardo? 
 
Itzan Escamilla: Like, I learned the scripts, I read it, I worked a lot with, with Natalia Beristain, who is one of the directors of the series and showrunner of the whole series, and I think it was like, working with her and with the rest of the cast… I usually like, write lots of things about the character, like, kind of a diary, and also with the script, I work the lines, and I try to, like, search for other meanings that I'm not reading the first time. So, I'm gonna read again, again, so I can, like, I can search for different things in order to construct the character, like, bigger, metaphorically. And, well, it was like deep creative work with the director, with the cast, yeah, that's it.
 
John Betancourt: There are a lot of beautiful messages in the story. And I'm curious if there is one message you want the audience to take away from season one, what would that message be?
 
Itzan Escamilla: A concrete message? I don't know, but I think I would expect people to learn something new about a new country. I think it's a very, very unknown thing, this illegal ambulance circumstance. So, what I have learned from Mexico is that, like, not every country works the same way. And I think it's very interesting to know, like, the different underground things that happens, because I think that in some way can explain how the country works. I think it's a beautiful project talking about the family and the relationships between the members of a family. Because I think that this, this chaotic thing, this, like, very fast and illegal thing, underground thing, I think reflects, in some way, aspects of the family and how you like resolve conflict in the family.
 
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 one of this show?
 
Itzan Escamilla: I think to work with Renata (Vaca), Diego (Calva), Joaquín (Cosio), like every cast member, they're great. Actors and also the directors. It was, like, a very it was an important thing for me in order to accept the project, to be able to work with those cinema directors in Mexico, because I've, like, I've watched lots of movies from them, and it was like an amazing opportunity to work in a very cinematic environment.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. 

Ashleigh LaThrop and Aury Krebs are a pair of talented actors that have appeared in some big-time franchises, such as The Handmaid’s Tale and Leverage: Redemption, respectively. Currently they star as Dr. Ericka Kenny and Dr. Dana Dang on the hit new NBC series, Brilliant Minds, and we here at NTG had the honor of sitting down with both of them to discuss their work on this brilliant new show.
 
John Betancourt: I would love to start by getting to know what it was that attracted both of you to this project.
 
Aury Krebs: I have proclaimed this a couple times today. I was a lifelong Grey’s Anatomy fan, so it's kind of always been a dream to be a part of a medical drama. It was like a very influential piece of, like, my formative years growing up, and I really, like, dove into their storylines and their characters. But alongside that, I think I was really excited about Dana as a character, because I am an actor that doesn't, you know, I require a little bit of stretch of imagination, I have found, which is fine, because I don't, you know, I want to be able to play characters that people can really like, invest in what I have to bring to the table, but it means that jobs are, like, a little bit fewer and further between, for me. But it really is, like people say in this industry, that like, what is meant for you will come and it totally did. 
 
Because Dana is just like this such a precious character that I do think defies archetype in a way that you know, maybe it takes, I think, you know, she could be archetyped in the very beginning, but you learn so much more about her, and she has so many different dimensions. And like, I don't think I've gotten to see a character like her on TV, and I could have really used one growing up. And there are so many pieces that like, were so aligned for me. And like, Michael (Grassi) talking to me about, like, he asked me if I was comfortable playing gay. And that was so funny, because I was like, Michael, like, I am a real-life human lesbian. And he was like, “Well, I didn't know that,” (Laughter) and then, you know, just learning how so much of Dana's character intersects with my own. But in the very beginning, it just felt like such a fit, and it felt so right, and it was my first screen test, and it was probably my first producer session, so it really just felt very Kismet for me. 
 
Ashleigh LaThrop: The thing that attracted me was I really liked the pilot when I read it, and then I really liked talking to Michael about making sure that we were telling the truth of these illnesses. Because I think that's not something that we necessarily see on TV a lot of the times. If we're dealing with mental illness or mental health, it's all hyperbole, right? It's like the most extreme version of like the thing that is, whatever the disorder is. And I think that he really wanted to show these illnesses in a way that is truthful to like people who might be struggling with them, or whatever neurological conditions. So, we're doing it in the most grounded and truthful and respectful way that, like, allows people to be seen. And I was like, “Oh, I definitely that's so important,” and it's something that is personally very important to me. So, I was like, please.Yes, yes. And thank you very much.
 
John Betancourt: I definitely want to talk as well today about your characters too. Because you mentioned the care of goes into the cases, some of the real-life parallels. And I'm just curious, because the characters are so realistic and feels so dynamic, how do each of you as actors create such rich characters?
 
Ashleigh LaThrop: I think we all have different processes, which I think is also really fun when you get to see how people, one, create their characters, and two, how they approach the work on set, because like, sometimes you'll gel, and sometimes you have to find a way to maneuver, because their process will be so different than your own. But I think that's what builds the camaraderie, and it builds the realistic relationships. Is because like, you know, we're all very different, and we all bring something different to the table. So, I would say that that's something that that is helpful in creating these characters. It's just like we are different as humans. We are different in the way that we approach them, in the way that we create the work. And luckily, it all sort of comes together really well in this show.
 
Aury Krebs: That was perfect. That was a perfect which Ashleigh does. I mean, I did a lot of learning as I go, because this is my first, really like foray into like television. And you know, the pilot was my second ever episode of TV. And then thereafter, you know, many, many more. And it was really fast paced, and I got to learn from like, these incredibly gifted pros in terms of like, learn by watching, and then learn by doing. And you know, talking to Ashleigh about, like, how she was building her character, because we talked a lot in between shooting the pilot and the second episode, there was a year in between, and she and I would talk on the phone all the time, just like, kind of to connect or whatever. But, you know, every once in a while, she would bring up, because she's an avid reader and she's a really intense researcher and one of the most hardworking actors I've ever met in my life. So, I got to become friends with this incredible person who just like, creates so much life underneath. 
 
Like, the few words that we do get to say, especially in the very beginning of the season, it's why she is such a captivating artist, and it's why you get to, like, you watch her and you're like, “God”, like, “Why” you said maybe, like, three or four lines. And, like, I am so invested and interested in understanding, like, what is going on with this character too, because I think her character could be less dimensional than she makes it. And I mean, it is a testament to like, how Michael pushes against archetype with all of our characters, but then they have just like, they've brought people in who bring so much of themselves. And, you know, I learned from people who are like, “I just bring who I am to the character.” And then I learned from people like Ashleigh, who are like, “Yeah, I read like 20 books, and, you know, did all of this research in terms of, like, the circumstances of what my character goes through.” So, I got to read a couple of the books that she recommended to me and that, you know, inspired me to venture out and learn. But I'm still learning about how I shape my characters, and I hope that my whole life is learning about, you know, what the process is.
 
John Betancourt: This is just such an inspiring and wonderful show, so many beautiful layers and meanings. And I'm curious, as we start approaching towards the back half of the season here, what each of you kind of hope the audience takes away from season one of the show. 
 
Ashleigh LaThrop: I hope that the audience takes away. I mean, first and foremost, we're creating entertainment, right? So, I hope that the audience is entertained by what we're doing. But I also hope that they take away -- none of our storylines end neatly, right? Like, none of them end, like, up, and that's the end, and everything is fine, and everyone lived happily ever after. So, I guess the big lesson is like that it's okay to not be okay. It's okay to not have everything wrapped in a bow. It's okay to still struggle. It's okay to, like, find a way forward that's unconventional, find a way forward while still dealing with things under the surface. Everything doesn't have to be resolved. Everything doesn't have to be perfect, because life is not like that.
 
Aury Krebs: Yeah, I think for me, one of my favorite things about this show is that and it speaks to what Ashleigh discussed in terms of what attracted her to the show in the first place, it is how we, everyone, every mind that goes into this show is taking such great care in terms of how we humanize and represent as authentically and honestly as possible, any, every corner of mental illness that we get to touch upon so far in the show is like, I really hope that people take away like, you know, maybe a little bit more humanity in your point of view. Because, you know, we have characters that could be put into really dangerous situations if they don't receive the help, and that happens every day in the world that we live in. And I hope that that just encourages people to like, humanize the people that they see on the street, or people in their lives who might end up having a mental health struggle that they didn't have when you first met them. And like, hopefully be inspired by the legacy of Oliver Sacks and you know, what this show is trying to achieve. And like, to take somebody's hand and move forward with those circumstances in mind, rather than casting them off or, you know, judging them. Just try to give a helping hand in those situations. 
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. 
​

It is definitely safe to say that Wendie Malick is a true acting legend. For she has been part of countless iconic franchises and is consistently on our television screens, because her talent is simply in demand. Recently, she was promoted to series regular for season three of Night Court on NBC and we here at NTG had the honor of sitting down with Wendie to discuss her full time arrival on the show. 
 
John Betancourt: How did you manage to become involved period as Julianne in the first place in this series? 
 
Wendie Malick: I got asked. (Laughter)
 
John Betancourt: That's perfect. That's a great ask.
 
Wendie Malick: I was invited, and I'm a girl I can't say no, and I had a chance to work with John (Larroquette), who I've always admired and never worked with him before, and met Melissa (Rauch) and immediately fell in love with her. And it's, it's just a very, it's a very, very copacetic group, very nice family to come and be adopted by.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously, it's not your first go round with Night Court, but now as a part of the regular cast, what does it mean you now be series regular?
 
Wendie Malick: I asked the question, “How is it possible for her to come back and be a prosecutor on the show?” and in the fabulous make-believe world of Night Court, I guess you can give everybody a second chance. So, Melissa’s character decided, with Project Second Chance to bring in someone who maybe deserves another try at being a good citizen. So apparently, I was a lawyer in a former life. Besides being an ex-con, I have a law degree. So here I am at Night Court.
 
John Betancourt: I’m also curious too, you are an actor that's been a part of so many iconic franchises and so many amazing TV shows, and I'm wondering if there is any pressure in joining what is so much of an iconic TV show in Night Court, or if it is kind of business as usual for you.
 
Wendie Malick: I never think it's business as usual. It's like you're always just hoping that you can bring something unique to the dance. And these guys have been up and running now for a couple seasons with this new reboot but having been a guest on the show a couple of times, I knew that it would be a very copacetic set. Melissa. She is the captain of a very delightful ship, and everybody brings their best to the dance, and it's a very talented group. So, I figured I was in good company, and it was fun to come back to a multi cam, which I haven't done for years. I've been working in single camera for years now, and I sort of forgot how much fun it can be to do this in front of an audience. 
 
John Betancourt: Was there any challenge in getting back to multi camera? Or was it like putting on an old shoe or riding a bike? 
 
Wendie Malick: The trickiest thing is traffic in the morning when you rehearse every day. Fankly. Because I live in the Santa Monica Mountains, and of course, we have to be here at 930 in the morning, which is when everybody has to be everywhere. But other than that, no, it's pretty familiar, having done this for so many years in the past. 
 
John Betancourt: Something I've always appreciated about Night Court, and you are no exception to this rule, even as a guest star and now as a series regular, but all the characters feel so real, and they feel so relatable in some level along those lines, how did you flesh out Julianne the way that you did? 
 
Wendie Malick: I'm still working on it. (Laughter)
 
John Betancourt: Could have fooled me. 
 
Wendie Malick: Yeah, no, actually, in the episode we're doing now, you learn something about my background, which helps connect the dots. For me, it's always nice when somebody writes your backstory, so you can sort of go, “Oh, that's how I am, the way I am.” And I think the trick when you're playing someone who is unstable and possibly dangerous at times. Is to also uncover the humanity and help you understand why she's the way she is. So, they're throwing me a bone in that department this week. 
 
John Betancourt: Now I'm curious too, since obviously this is, it's a tale of two worlds for you. Because you obviously had to do some building of Julianne as a guest star, and now you get to do more of it as a series regular, is there any difference in how you approach it as an actor in building the character, going from a guest star to a series regular?
 
Wendie Malick: Well, you realize that this is going to probably have legs, and so you want to keep your options open, but also try to build a character that is believable on one level. But knowing this is a very broad farcical show, you can be bigger than life, which, which gives you a lot of room to stretch, you know?
 
John Betancourt: With this being such an iconic series period, I'm curious why you think Night Court’s legacy continues to endure the way that it does?
 
Wendie Malick: Well, I think that now more than ever, people really want a chance to laugh and to find characters that become their friends and follow them into these crazy situations every week. You know, I think sometimes when I… I used to think, “Well, I wish that I was doing something meatier than doing just a television comedy,” and I would have people come up to me in airports saying, “Thank you so much for helping me go to sleep at night,” you know, or for getting them through a rough time. And I think that comedy is serious business in terms of how much we need it. And now I think we need them more than ever.
 
John Betancourt: I agree. They are definitely very important right now, and obviously now you get to be a part of this team and this show. What does it mean to you and your illustrious career be a part of this, this massive show?
 
Wendie Malick: I'm just always… when I get invited to the dance at my stage in life, I'm just so grateful to still be relevant and to get a chance. It's particularly sweet to be able to work from home and not have to go out of town, which so many shows are now shooting in other cities and countries. And I did a series that was shot in Canada, which is beautiful, Vancouver, but I have animals. I live on a ranch. I've got a husband and friends. And as I get older, I really realize that it’s a particular gift, to be able to work in your hometown. And so, this one is particularly sweet for that reason.
 
John Betancourt: I'm also curious too, because something that I've heard a lot, talking to other cast members and guest stars as well, that there's a real interesting vibe that comes out of the live audience portion of it, and it almost kind of fuels you. I'm curious what that does for you as an actor when you get in front of that audience. 
 
Wendie Malick: Oh, no, that's delicious. I mean, that's the other character in the piece, is the audience, and they have die-hard fans on this set. There was somebody I was walking out after a show a couple weeks ago and one of the audience members said, “Thanks so much. It was such a great show” or something. I said, “Well, thank you for coming.” They said, “Oh, we come as often as we can. We're huge fans.” So, they have people who have been actually trying to show up, like, every week, but that's, it's like a dance, and you're just riding the waves of laughter. And you know when the audience is going to, like, catch up to something you're doing or be a little bit ahead of you. And it's lovely. It's like surfing. It's -- I don't surf (Laughter) but, I mean, I assume that's what it's like. It's like surfing away and they get to be part of the show. 
 
John Betancourt: Now we're getting very close now to the release of season three. And I'm curious what you're most excited, without any spoilers, of course, for the audience to experience this year on Night Court.
 
Wendie Malick: I don't even know where to begin, but fabulous guest stars, and Gary Anthony Williams, who is a recurring thing, and is one of the funniest people I've ever met. I never worked with him before, but this cast is very, very strong, and there's some really interesting people who are reprising former characters. And I think people will be very excited to see who shows up. 
 
John Betancourt: I hear the joy in your voice, I see the smile on your face about being part of the show. What have you enjoyed the most about working on this season? 
 
Wendie Malick: I love to go to work and laugh every day and get paid for it. It's like the sweetest job in the world. Yeah, so it's, it's a fabulous crew and staff and it's just fun to be with, with really kind, generous people who are really good at what they do and who hit the ball back. You know, it's like playing tennis with great people. They make you better.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, what are you most excited to get, without any spoilers, the audience, for the audience to experience when it comes to Julianne?
 
Wendie Malick: I think that she'll surprise you in that there's more to her than meets the eye.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. 

Truly, Where’s Wanda on Apple TV+ has been a breath of fresh air. For not only has it offered up a unique story about a family shattered by the disappearance of family member in Wanda Klatt, but it has offered up so many powerful lessons regarding loss and honesty, while also making us laugh quite heartily. As we near the end of season of the show however, we thought it best to dig in and learn more about how everyone brought this to life, courtesy of a grand conversation with the principle cast of the show, Axel Stein (Dedo Klatt), Heike Makatsch (Carlotta Klatt), Lea Drinda (Wanda Klatt), and Leo Simon (Ole Klatt).
​
John Betancourt: What attracted each of you to this project as actors?

Lea Drinda: It's a brilliantly written story. I mean, this kind of project, sadly, is pretty rare in Germany, and to do it as the first German language, on Apple TV Plus? I mean, this is great and unique opportunity, I think for everyone.

Axel Stein: Yeah, it's, it's multifaceted, emotional. I mean, we had a whole bandwidth of acting to display. It's exciting, it's dramatic.

Heike Makatsch: It's about, you know, a lost daughter. I mean, hey, what else can you ask for? I mean, like there was nothing against doing this.
 
Leo Simon: They were looking for a hearing person who knows how to sign and who can speak verbally. So many people out of the game already. I was one of the few applicants who made it. I'm very grateful that they chose me.
 
John Betancourt: Now I very appreciate the depth this series has, and how real it feels. How did each of you create that realism in your characters?
 
Heike Makatsch: I think, yes, I even think that the comedy moments quite often came out of the situation rather than, I mean, of course there was an exaggeration and the typical comedic effects, but still, we were always linked to the dramatic emotions, which were always present in the characters because of having lost a daughter. The comedy came from the outside, because people were in situations that were absurd or crazy, or, you know, make the audience laugh.
 
Lea Drinda: Yes, and as such, it's a very tragic story. I mean, a child disappeared. I mean, this is not something you take lightheartedly. So, it was even more important that these serious moments and the sheer despair of the parents and the desperation of the child, or children, this was all taken seriously, and not just sort of, you know, oh, there's a comedy. But no, we stayed serious about this, honest, but yet at the comedy level, which was rather unique.
 
Leo Simon: Ever since Wanda was gone, I had to be a little bit sad and instead of wonder, I just imagined one of my parents actually having this grief or feeling this grief. And that was also always what I held onto in the various episodes. And I always try to show little bit… how much I miss my sister. I would love to have her back.
 
John Betancourt: This is a show with a lot of layers, a lot of messages, and I’m curious what message you hope audiences take away from this season.
 
Axel Stein: Well, I will just say, you know, what do you take home? And first of all, let me say I was really grateful to be part of this project, because it's the first Apple TV Plus series, which we were able to do in the German language. And I think it was amazing. And something we all take home is it was such a special time. This is a high-quality product which is going to be broadcast all over the world, and we're part of this here. And it's just, it's amazing. Yeah, we're the pioneers. We're the I mean, this is, it is something really special, and nobody can take that away. And I hope we'll enjoy it for years to come.
 
Heike Makatsch: But the story, and the, if you like, the moral of the story that is being told, that is a take home as well. And I think that the Klatts, the family sticking together, what would you do to get your lost daughter back and that all these sort of dark times you go through, just in order to find yourself again as a family and recognize the value of family, maybe in a wider sense, the value of a community, even in a town where you look in a sort of milder way at the secrets of your neighbors?
 
Leo Simon: First of all, it's an entertainment show. Of course, at first glance, seems very negative or slightly negative, or somber or dark, but people, shouldn't see the show as something negative, but as something positive, that even when the going gets tough, when the family supports each other, they can make it, they can help each other. And apart from that, there was also a lot of female power to which the show alluded, hearing impairment and LGBTQIA+. All of these are important aspects which are maybe underestimated or undervalued in our society, and therefore that we highlight that is great, these aspects, you should celebrate them.
 
John Betancourt: What did each of you enjoy the most about working on season one of the show?
 
Lea Drinda: It was totally weird to be falling into this world of comedy for the first time. I've never done that before. I think. Really know how difficult it is. I never expected, but you know, such sort of light hearted seeming things that are also perceived in a lighthearted way, in that the fun that the audience experiences is generated by so much hard work, and it was tough learning all this, and you have to be so careful in what you do and be really alert that you do things at just the right moment, and to make sure that it really is funny, and you know, it has to be just so. And that was quite a lesson to learn.
 
Axel Stein: I think the biggest challenge for myself is if you do sort of eight episodes in a season, and maybe in week two you shoot episode eight, and it's a huge challenge to make sure that you understand who is who and what are they doing. What are we doing at this moment, where are we at? What are we feeling? And it's a long period of time, you've got to be really fit, alert, and we all have to be compatible and nice with each other, because we're in a long period of time. So, we have to keep sort of, you know, lifting each other up, as it were, and if you then see this sort of result a complete episode, it's like a baby has been born.
 
Heike Makatsch: It's a very good feeling, yes, and I'm very happy that as the Klatts, we are part of a grand ensemble, a team which is fantastic, made up of wonderful actors and actresses, and the whole thing is a big, colorful bunch of flowers, as it were, lots of different characters, modes and, you know, desperation and everything, and we contributed.
 
Leo Simon: The entire project. That really kindled my passion. I loved every scene, playing every scene.
 
​Editor’s Note – Due to scheduling, the remainder of this interview was a solo conversation with Leo.
 
John Betancourt: Leo, what do you think make this series so special?
 
Leo Simon: It is special because it includes lots of different categories. It's not just a drama, a tragedy, not just about family, but also a little bit of romance, a little bit of dark humor, and a whodunit, and other elements. So, it takes the best out of all categories, and that's why it's pretty much unique and different to other shows. And another aspect is that sign language is given, you know, a platform.
 
John Betancourt: in general, what are you most excited for audiences that like to binge to discover when they settle in to watch all of season one?
 
Leo Simon: Maybe they can look forward to something to laught, having a good laugh. They can look forward to that and the show always has lots of other aspects of… it's very harmonious, sometimes also with a little bit of drama instead, but nonetheless, it's something that it provides fruitful thought, makes you think, and you know, it keeps you interested and always keeps up the suspense so you can't stop watching.
 
John Betancourt What are you most proud of when it comes to your work this season?
 
Leo Simon: I'm proud or privileged, rather, because I got all across, very authentically… many people, apparently like the development of Ole and I'm super happy that you know, feedback to that was so great.
 
John Betancourt: The last question I have for you today, if you had to describe this series in one word, what would that one word be?
 
Leo Simon: It would be difficult. I would like to use three words, family, love and diversity. So, three words in a nutshell describe the show best. Yep.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Sharon D Clarke is a highly accomplished actor that has appeared in a bevy of iconic shows and movies. Currently she starts as DCI Ellis in Inspector Ellis, and we here at NTG had the great honor of sitting down with Sharon to discuss her new role.
 
John Betancourt: I would love to start by getting to know what it was about this project that called to you as an actor.
 
Sharon D Clarke: So, I got a call from my agent saying Channel Five are commissioning a new police drama, and they want it to be black female led, and they're asking if you're up for doing that. So, to be offered this fantastic role, because I would have been very, very prepared to audition (Laughter) to do something like that, but to be offered her… that someone was initially entrusting me to lead this show was such a privilege and such an honor. And for me, as someone who grew up in Britain and never saw that represented on my television, it was something that I was -- yes, of course, I was going to take it on. Of course it was something that I wanted to do. For me, I'm making my own history, and being the first time that I'm leading a show as a number one, but also as a black female cop, a DCI whose brain is phenomenal, who is so blooming good at what she does. And yeah, I'm, I'm stoked. So that's how she came into my orbit, and I was not going to let her go.
 
John Betancourt: But also, I'm curious too. You mentioned a little bit there some of what called to her call to you as an actor for the character as well. What else was it about inspector Ellis that was just so enchanting that, you know, you just had to play her.
 
Sharon D Clarke: Well, there's, there's two things that one, first, that the show is not site specific, so you're not seeing people who are embedded in where they work. You're seeing Ellis and Harper having to navigate a new station each time, because they are being parachuted in to solve a case somewhere else. So, you're having to deal with that then coming in as outsiders. And you can see how Ellis is received when she first arrived as DCI, to lend a helping hand. There's a lot of resentment there, because if she's turning up, it means that basically that station is not doing their job properly or as fulsome as they could. So it's interesting watching that kind of dynamic each week to how each particular station runs their institution and how she deals with them within that institution, and having to code switch, to change, to do whatever it is, how she navigates it from her experience as a black woman in society and as a policewoman, you know, if we think about how Ellis would have come up through the ranks, the kind of things that she would have had to have dealt with in the police station, racial slurs, all of that, that madness that comes with being in a racist institutional organization, that you get to a situation that in life, some things then just become water off a duck’s back. There are situations in Ellis that things are said to her where there's no big reaction from her because she's actually heard worse in her time. So, it's… there is that interesting point about her as well, but also that there is such a tenderness about her and a deep, deep well of compassion. You will see her well up. You will see her cry with her victims. And it was that tenderness that I really love about her, because she's just kind of using all the things that have happened to her in her life. She's realized that when she has been underestimated and when she has been invisible, that she can actually use that as a superpower. And it's watching her wield that superpower in that way that is really interesting to me, how she deals with life.
 
John Betancourt: I'm also curious too, because you're bringing up a lot of great points here, about representation, about the institutionalized racism that happens in the police world. And I'm curious, since there are so many layers to this and so many themes, what are you ultimately hoping audiences take away from this when they from the season, when they've had a chance to watch it?
 
Sharon D Clarke: I'm hoping that they can get into Ellis's world and see how she sees the world, how she deals with the world, how she deals with cases. I mean she has this thing where she says to Harper about funk music, it's not about the notes. It's about the space in between the notes, and for Ellis, it's not about that physical evidence. It's about the people and the spaces in between those people, and what connects to those people that tells her more about what's happened in the case, the physical evidence can't say anything about the human condition, and she's about the human condition. The physical evidence says that happens, but it doesn't say why it happened, what led to it? What was the love behind it, the fear behind it, the jealousy behind it. And that's what I love about the way her brain works. She's very much emotionally attached to her cases in a kind of detached way, if that makes any sense, she does all the research and the digging that she needs to do, but it's always about, how does she link it emotionally? And that's a very different way of looking at crime, I think, from the stuff that I've observed, and also, like I said before, the fact that they are in a different police station each week, and how they encounter that, that makes it different, because we're quite used to cop shows being site specific, so it's interesting in that way. And if we get a series two, we'll be able to explore much more of our beautiful British countryside and just bring that to the world as well. So, there's lots of layers that excite me about it, and think that getting a second series would enable us to mine more of that, to mine more of her backstory, which is all there, which we know what it is. It's just, we can't give you everything at once. We have to tease it out. And so in consequent episodes, that will all be made clear.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously I do want to get into some of that personal meaning. I hear the passion your voice about playing this character. I hear the passion in your voice about this series in general. What does it mean to you then to be playing what is going to be flat out, a revolutionary crime drama?
 
Sharon D Clarke: It means everything. Means everything. Like I said, I didn't grow up seeing myself represented on my television. My school, very multicultural, where I live, very multicultural, but none of that reflected when I'm watching my television growing up. So for me, had I seen some someone like Ellis when I was growing up, it would have meant the absolute world to see that representation and the fact that I am now this far in my career, and being entrusted from the get-go to lead this series is an honor and a privilege, and I really hope that, you know, some young kid watching it will resonate with them, and they will go “That's a path that I think that I can take now,” I did a show called Holby City, which is kind of like are equivalent to your ER. And the character I played was a consultant, and I've had since then, subsequently, five young black women come up to me and said that they have become doctors because they saw themselves represented. And if Ellis does that, then that is just the proudest thing that I could do. But even without that, that kids of all cultures can see a black woman leading a crime drama, which is not something that I've seen on my television screens, is very, very important to me, to educate. You know? I mean, I think what we do in our art is about holding the mirror up. And when you can do that, when you can entertain and educate and elevate and inspire and spark debate conversation, then that is the best of art. And I'm hoping that this is what happens with Ellis.
 
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 one of the show?
 
Sharon D Clarke: Getting it on, getting it out, being able to tell it. I'm proud that we have these episodes that I am proud of. Do you know what I mean? That I want to share it the world, that I'm not going, “Oh, that didn't quite work out the way it was supposed to,” that I'm going, “Yeah, I want, I want to share this. I'm proud that we are here in 2024, that we're walking the walk”. Do you know what I mean, that someone has gone -- and it's really weird, we did a screening yesterday, and it was said that “wasn't it incredibly refreshing that Channel Five had done this?” And I was like, yeah, it is incredibly refreshing. But it shouldn't be. It shouldn't be. So, I'm proud that we're here. I'm proud of the complete totality of the work, because it's on and people will see it, and hopefully it will make people think differently and think wider, and that roles might expand elsewhere for people. So, I'm proud of that.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

It is definitely safe to say that fans of the hit USA Network series, The Anonymous, are still thinking about that epic finale and everything it entailed and well, the time has come to properly bring season one of this show to a close via one last interview with the cast. Specifically, the Final Three, Christopher Shulstad, Andy King, and Marcel Cunningham.
John Betancourt: Let’s get right down to it gents, how tough was it to say goodbye in that manner.
 
Marcel Cunningham: I think, I think we were all pretty like, you know, happy that how it ended with Nina winning. I mean, obviously we all wanted to win, but, I mean, after that, we started howling at the moon together and stuff, we were all very happy for her, and as she ended up winning.
 
Christopher Shulstad: And truthfully, I think that Final Four we'd have been happy with any of us winning. I mean, there was no hard feelings at all between anybody, and we just wanted, you know, with that being the way the game ended, we all kind of knew there was some dumb luck involved in how that game was being played out. So, it was just, I mean, it was nothing but love for everybody. I mean, we were, yeah, we were talking shit before. We were talking shit after. It was a good time.
 
Andy King: I think Christopher brings up a good point, which is, like, halfway through, I feel like the game, we all kind of started saying, “Who do we want in the Final Four? Who do you want to be up there with?” It wasn't like, “Who do you want to win? It was like, “Who do you want to be up there hugging at the end?” We became a family. We really did.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously, um, hindsight is always 20/20B. So, is there anything you think you could have done differently to claim the title of The Anonymous?
 
Christopher Shulstad: I mean, probably not going first. Actually, I got, I got one for you. I got one for you. I would have picked the blue box.
 
Marcel Cunningham: I just would have sent Nina home. That's what I would have done. That's easy, right?
 
Andy King: I Yeah, obviously, as you know, it was a quandary for me, because I had the winning box, and then I'm like, “But you know what? I never became The Anonymous and I never won a competition. Like, how the hell am I going home with this winning box?” And so, my mind was going crazy there. Now I could have manipulated that situation a little bit better, or not and I, but I was definitely, I think that out of the four of us up there, I think I had a little bit more of a mind game going on because of the fact that I wanted to change the narrative. Don't want to be Andy King from fire festival anymore. I just want to be the ultimate a good guy, and I wanted the world to get to know Andy King. So, I'm like, do I take this winning box and manipulate the hell out of these three people? Or do I just -- and I, I was in a quandary, but and Nina could read me, as you know, from the couple Face Offs before she and I worked off each other. So, the fact that I kept looking down the ground, she knew something was going on. And I think Marcel was trying to click. And he's like, Andy, you're freaking us out. I'm like, I am freaking myself out.
 
Marcel Cunningham: I have to tell you something here, not to downplay, like, you know, how Andy played the game, even though Andy was never The Anonymous me and Christopher referred to him as one of the council members of The “Illumanonymous” the entire time it was like, like Andy, like it was never had the power, but you could tell your influence, right? Like Andy was right there with him the entire time, even though you never had power. I was like, either Andy has never had power, or he is influencing people that have power the entire time. So, Andy played a great game.
 
Christopher Shulstad:  Andy was a brilliant. He was, like, almost a therapist to all of us. Because at one point I was like, “Dude, I’m about to lose my mind.” And then he goes, “Christopher, just be still and figure out how you can switch your strategy around.” And he said, “Go in there and do what you do, and kill.” And I went in there. Well, then that was the next day. I was like, “Okay, cool. That's what I need.” I need somebody to put me back in my like, killer be killed mentality, because that's where I thrive. Yeah, and turn it on and let's get them.
 
John Betancourt: We’ve heard about how you all became family, and everyone had said it was such a blast out there, so I have to know what you’re all going to miss about being on the show?
 
Christopher Shulstad: I'm missing waking up in the morning, walking out and seeing that view that we had. It was probably one of the most beautiful locations you could ever film in. You know, sitting there on the couches in the evening watching the sunset. I mean, a lot of the times, it didn't necessarily feel like I was in a game, per se, wow, because I was like, I kind of changed my perspective on why I was there. I was like, I'm here. I'm lucky to be here. We're in a beautiful place with incredible people. Hey, I wish everyone could have seen some of the nights when we're all standing in the circle playing, you know, stupid games with each other. And it's just like you -- we didn't even have a care in the world about what was going on. You know, you don't have any phones, you don't have anything so it's just you spend time and develop relationships with the people you love, and you care about. So that's what's cool.
 
Andy King: And I think that for me, personally, I've been successful in my career because I have always had a young person or two standing by my side at every big event. We don't need to talk about festivals, but a lot of the things that I do, and they are my inspiration, this group. I mean, for me to be 20-30, plus years older than most of them, I always turn to a younger person to go, “what's your perspective?” Because at 63 sometimes you become like, can't teach an old dog new tricks. But I'm like, guess what? These young whippersnappers, I love chatting with them every day and every night and every meal, they're going, “Andy, here's what I'm like”.”  I love this, you know, totally inspiring. And I think that most successful CEOs and what have you are only successful because they surround themselves with good people, and they're all good people.
 
Marcel Cunningham: Me, it was, you know, a break away from my four screens. And it was like it was a vacation with structure. And my life does not have structure, you know, I I don't know what I'm I don't know what video game I'm gonna be playing today. So, it was a nice, like, change your pace for me, and I really missed that a little bit. Yeah. And also, you know, the awesome people that were there.
 
John Betancourt: I would definitely say that actually, we saw a lot of growth from everybody on this, I think. Andy, to your point, you definitely kind of reinvented yourself. And all of you kind of really -- we all really got to know you guys really well, but you all grew, I think, was the big key to this as the competition went on. And I'm very curious what the overall journey of this meant to each of you.
 
Christopher Shulstad: I would say what I say at this fishing camp that I run and take risks, right? Life is way, way, way too short to not take risks. And you know, whether you grow up poor, wealthy or middle class or whatever, right, every opportunity that you have, every single person that you meet, look at them as an opportunity, or look at whatever it is… “Hey, where can this go? What can I do?” Because, you know, it may be scary sometimes to go to another country or wherever you may be going with people you've never met before, and it's like, “Oh, it's out of my comfort zone.” Make your comfort zone not a thing, right? Your comfort you shouldn't have a comfort zone. Don't live in that comfort zone, go explore, go see go meet new people, go do all these different things, because at the end of the day, when you die, I There's this quote I love. I heard it from Ed Violet, and he says, “One day when you when you get to heaven, or wherever you believe in, you're going to meet the person that took every risk and took every chance that they ever wanted to do in the life” Do you want to meet that person and go, “Hell yeah, man, it was a hell of a ride with, you know, no wheels on your motorcycle and smoking.” Or do you want to meet that guy and go, “Oh my God. What could I have done to be this guy?” Right? So, it's like, take the risk. Go do it, man.
 
Marcel Cunningham: How do you follow that up? Christopher, come on. Yeah. I mean, I definitely, like, you know, step outside your comfort zone and, and that's like, yeah, Christopher summed everything up. I mean, that was like, that's, that's perfect, you know, you know, it's, it's crazy, like, how many people that were there, and how different of like, fields of life that we're in, but we all were similar in like, a very unique way. And like, just making those connections. And like, you know, talk to that person that you might not have anything in common with. Like me and Christopher don't have much in common. We're both assholes. (Laughter) So it was just like, you know, and then we bonded over that. And like me and Andy had a nice conversation. He was water coloring, and I was crocheted, I was knitting, and we just sat there and talked. So, it's like, those conversations and those things that you normally wouldn't have, like me and Andy were probably never going to be in the same room in life, but now we were forced to be in the situation, and you bond, and you connect over the most random things. So, you know, get out there, have fun, talk to people.
 
Andy King: The reward that's it, you know. And I think firstly, for me, obviously changing the narrative, which was the big thing I wanted to do. I think I accomplished that. And now, you know, we're working on a new TV show, and I'm talking about a reality show. We're looking at some scripted things and unscripted. So, I feel like the opportunities are now coming. I don't want to, you know, “what do you want your legacy to be?” And that's kind of what Christopher and Marcel is saying, you know, I don't want mine to be… oh, you know, I want people to go “He was a cool guy. He did a bunch of different stuff. Like he wasn't afraid.” Like, how many people in my world at 63 years old are going to jump on a show like this and do these different things? You know what? You got nothing to lose and everything to gain. So. Get out there and live life.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
​

While it was lovely to see Nina be crowned the winner in the season one finale of The Anonymous on USA Network, others had to be sent home to make that happen, and to pay them their dues as gamers, we sat down with all of the runners up from season one, starting with Victoria Vesce and Lilly Jenkins!
 
John Betancourt: So, I’d like to start by looking at the tough stuff, just because you two had some rough exits in this final episode here, and I'm very curious how tough it was to leave the show in the last episode,
 
Lilly Jenkins: For me, it was honestly devastating, especially to come that far and have the rug ripped out from right underneath me. But I think the hardest part was knowing who did it. If it was a strategic move, and it absolutely made sense for their game to send me home... I would have respected it, but because I had a really close relationship with Marcel, and I trusted him, and I basically tried to tug him along when everybody was against Marcel besides me, so finding out that Marcel was the one to kind of ruin that opportunity for me to get to the end was really hard to hear.
 
Victoria Vesce: I mean, for me, I really didn't even get an ending to the story, so I just literally was like, “Bye. See you later. See you back at home.” Um, so I feel like, for me, that was like… the bitter part of it wasn't even like Marcel eliminating me or who sent who home. It was just like; I didn't even get to have my mic drop moment and my little runway exit. I was I was ready. I was like, I want to work and twerk on the runway, but it's okay. Um, I just feel like I keep telling myself, like, you know, I may have not got the ending I deserve, because maybe it's not really, truly an ending for me. It’s just the beginning.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously, hindsight is always 20/20 and I've been very curious, if there's anything you could have done differently in your strategy, especially for you two, because what you both did, works so well.
 
Victoria Vesce: Well, I felt like for me, I mean, I can hate it on my Showmance all I want, but it really did help me in a longevity standpoint, but I feel like in a winning standpoint, it did not. So, I wish I could just go back and maybe minimize the Showmance a bit, or just, like, be just friendly to Christopher and not so, like, goo-goo, ga-ga, whatever I was doing, I have no idea. Like, what? I'm telling you, when you get your phone taken away from you for a month, I was like, what do you do? Like, you rely on that phone like, you're like, so that was very eye opening to me, but yeah, like, I wish I could go back and just not be so heavily connected to a person, because I feel like that ruined the potential to have, like, really strong alliances with the girls and with other people that could have helped my gameplay to potentially win.
 
Lilly Jenkins: I think for me, it would obviously be to not have stuck my neck out so far to where I dang near broke and I'm in paralysis at this point, because obviously Marcel sent me home, so I would not have stuck my neck out for him. And then also with my third handle, Rainbow, I think I should have done a much better job at concealing my identity and going a little bit harder in the paint on that one.
 
John Betancourt. Now, I want to talk about the great parts of this experience too, because everything I've heard from everybody I've talked to, is that this was a lot of fun. What are each of you going to miss the most about being in season one of this show?
 
Victoria Vesce: I mean, I feel like what I missed the most they didn't even show on TV. So yeah, I feel like there's a lot of parts like that weren't shown that I honestly, genuinely had such an amazing time with the cast. I feel like the best is yet to come with the cast. So, I just don't think this is, I mean, obviously I hope this is not my ending, Jesus. But like, I don't really think it's anyone's ending. I feel like everyone's got that opportunity to do more TV stuff. But, yeah, I think I'm just going to miss, like, having the anticipation of my stomach in knots on Monday nights and then trying to, like, drink five energy drinks to stay up for a midnight premiere. (Laughs) But you know, I think it's been fun while it's lasted, and I'll definitely rewatch it on Peacock.
 
Lilly Jenkins: I think for me, what I'll miss the most is honestly, having so many roommates, I wasn't sure how I was going to react. Coming from, you know, only living with my husband and my two dogs to all of a sudden, having 11 other people that I'm sharing a house and a bathroom with. But honestly, I really loved it, and you always felt like you had somebody, you know, so we are social beings. So, it was just so nice to have so many people on sleeping in a bunk bed. I mean, it just made you feel like you were at like a stowaway camp as a kid again. And so honestly, it was something I'll treasure.
 
John Betancourt: I think another cool thing to watch about this show is, is how you two grow as the season comes along, because there is that kind of initial confusion. But by the end, you two were gaming pretty hard and doing a great job with it. And I'm curious what this journey has meant to each of you.
 
Victoria Vesce: For me, I've, you know, maybe The Anonymous gave me nothing, but I feel like the one thing The Anonymous, quote, unquote, did give me, or I should say, like I gave myself was I was able to connect with so many people and make friendships, like, Lilly is definitely going to be a forever friend. Like, I hope she comes down to West Palm to see me like, there's so many forever friends in the cast. Dillian. We talk like almost every day. Andy, I love me some Andy, Nina is my queen. I talk to Marcel almost every day. So, like, those are friendships I'm going to, like cherish and really carry over for a lifetime, because we all shared this experience that's so unique just to us. We were Season One, the inaugural Anonymous. And, yeah, so and I'm just really blessed to have met Lilly. She's just such a great person and just a great human and, yeah, I hope me and her can do something together on TV, make a splash.
 
Lilly Jenkins: I would love that. I mean, honestly, I don't even know if I could top that. I mean, Victoria said it best of the experience. Obviously, we both, neither one of us won The Anonymous, but we walked away with, you know, meeting the most incredible people, having an insane, once in a lifetime experience that we'll be able to hopefully tell our grandkids about someday. I mean, it was just something we gotta think like we're all… all of us are here today, gone tomorrow. So do something. Do it.
 
John Betancourt: That is wonderful advice, to say the least. The last question that I have for each of you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to what you accomplished in this first season of the show?
 
Victoria Vesce: I feel like I mean getting this far as a new person, and you don't see a lot of like newbies on reality shows making it to the end. I feel like they always kind of get knocked off, like they're like they're a bombshell on Love Island or something. Like, you don't, you don't ever see like, anyone who enters a game later on really make it to the end. So, I'm kind of, you know, I'm proud of myself for almost making it to, like, the Final Four. I was right at the cusp, so top five. I mean, I can't help that, but, you know, I really stayed true to who I was. Again, a lot of parts weren't seen by you know, the viewership, but like, within the cast, like everyone knows who I am, they know my story, and I'm proud. Like, I didn't put on, like a persona, like, I thought maybe I should like, I didn't think of what I should do. I thought what, what do I want to do in this game? And I played the game like I wanted to. You know, looking back there were probably some choices I could have changed up, but at the end of the day, like, everything happens for a reason, and I'm a firm believer in that. So, you know, my journey on The Anonymous happened for a reason, and I'm really proud of how far I came and how baller I was. I mean, got two big threats out of the game. So, what can I say?
 
Lilly Jenkins: Okay, so for me, what I'm most proud of is, honestly, that I was even able to make it, you know, that I was on, you know, on The Anonymous in, in the domain. For me, coming from BFE, Michigan, small town girl, like I never thought that that would be something that would be feasible for me. So just getting out of my element and seeing the world and meeting insanely cool people that, like I literally have told all my friends and family about. So, I think I was just proud that I got there and then to make it to the end was honestly, it was incredible. I didn't think that that was going to be my story, especially soon as I got there, being up for elimination every night, I thought for sure I would be, you know, out, early on. So, making it to the end was a huge accomplishment.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

After twelve incredible episodes filled with twist and turns and epic strategy, season one of The Anonymous on USA Network came to a close last night, and to properly bid season one farewell, we sat down with the winner of the competition, Nina Twine, to talk all things Anonymous.
 
John Betancourt: Congratulations on winning season one. Amazing job there, and that's actually I'd like to start today. How does it feel to be the winner of the first season of The Anonymous?
 
Nina Twine: It feels amazing. It feels like an honor. I knew it was going to happen, but still, you know, I had to go through the whole process. But no, it feels amazing, especially being the first season. I, you know, heard what The Anonymous was, and I was like, I feel like this is made for me. Every aspect of the game, when I was looking at it fit what I feel is my gameplay style. So, I knew I had it in the bag.
 
John Betancourt: You manifested it, I love that! And you also had to go through one intense Face Off. The most intense one of the season to get there, what was that final Face Off like?
 
Nina Twine: I'm going to be honest; I was not nervous until I actually looked in the box. I find when I'm under pressure, when I'm stressed, I actually thrive. That is something that I find success in. And I think my heart rate was the lowest at that moment, at the beginning of the Face Off, then any other time in the game. Because all I could think is, this is it. It is your decision. It is going to be you who wins or loses, do not get distracted. And so, I will say the heart rate went up, of course, when I saw a win, but I did not want my face to show that at all. I think I was successful at it. Obviously, didn't get it stolen away from me. So yeah, it was, it was the toughest, but I was honestly the most calm I'd been the entire game.
 
John Betancourt: Now for the viewers, everything just went to black, but for you… what was life, like, after being crowned the champion?
 
Nina Twine: Knowing I was the champ, was, at the beginning, surreal, right? Because you're like, “Oh my gosh, this is crazy.” You come back home and you gotta go straight back to work, but as all the promos started coming out, you kind of start reliving it. And I'm like, “That's me. Like, Nina is here. Nina is The Anonymous, I can't wait for everyone else to find out,” I knew it the second I got there, but I'm glad that everybody now knows, and they get to see it themselves, and they also get to see the journey and what it took. You always, you know, it's still edited, right? So, you don't get the full 24 hours like we do, but you get a really good understanding of the path that it took for me to get to the end.
 
John Betancourt: I think what I appreciated that the most was that, like, the last two episodes were not a sizzle reel and were very honest and very raw. And I'm curious to ask that question too, because I like, was that we got to see a little bit of nerves from all of you. How nervous were you then during those last two episodes?
 
Nina Twine: Oh my gosh. While I was very calm in the Face Off, because now we're here, we just needed to do it. Get it done those last two days. Now, don't go back and look. I was… everywhere, blemishes, stress, everything was coming out of me. And I'm like, “Oh my goodness. Stay cool, calm and composed. You've gone thus far under the radar. You have been very effective in all the things you wanted to do. Rely on your confidence and your intuition. You've made it this far. Don't question yourself now. Make sure you have those conversations that you really need to have. You talked to this person already. Who cares? Go talk to them again.” And if I hadn't done that, who knows what my story would have ended up being, but I did do that, and I'm so glad that I did. I didn't hold back. I wanted to make sure that I covered all my bases, and those last two days, I was constantly running from base to base.
 
John Betancourt: Now obviously, as the winner, you know you don't really have to think back on anything you could have done differently because you won. But it does beg the question. There were some ups and downs. There were some days that people were kind of really gunning for you, what was, the most challenging aspect of doing this first season for you,
 
Nina Twine: The most challenging aspect for me, was being very mindful of what you're saying, while also listening so hard to what everyone else is saying, that was very difficult, because I'm telling myself in my head, “Remember what they just said,” you know, file that away, but also remember what you're telling them too. And that's really, really difficult. I didn't think it'd be as difficult as it was, but it was also kind of fun. I'm a puzzle person through and through, so I'm always thinking, “What's the next thing that I can do to find that next piece that fits just right?”
 
John Betancourt: It's a well-known fact now that everybody in the cast just basically friends, That you all have had time to hang out together, had a great time together, now that the whole thing is done, what are you missing the most about the experience?
 
Nina Twine: What I'm missing the most is just that genuine human connection with no distractions, right? This is something in our society that we constantly talk about and see, you go to dinner, and you can be with a friend. Your phone's right in your hand or on the table. We don't have any of that, so you have no choice but to chit chat, or like some people go take a nap, but either way, it's restful, it's relaxing. I very much enjoy people, that's something that naturally comes to me and really helped me out in a game like The Anonymous. So that is what I miss the most, having that connection with no distractions. When you want to talk about a movie and you can't remember the actor's name, you better start thinking, because you can't google it.
 
John Betancourt: This was a pretty epic journey in general, lot of growth, a lot of opportunities to do amazing new things. What did this journey mean to you on a personal level?
 
Nina Twine: On a personal level, this allowed, not only for me, but for others, to see Nina is here. There is no more labeling me as anyone else's anything. I am just Nina. I am my own person. I go through this my own way. It also gave me the ability to say, “You know what you're doing, girl, don't question it. Go all in.” And I -- although on Survivor, that opportunity was there, the confidence wasn't. This time around, I said, “Screw it. You didn't come out here to be bashful and, oh, I don't know, just do it, do it, do it effectively, and do it with the confidence that you know you have.” And that's what The Anonymous gave me. That's what I gave myself. And I'm so happy that I did not hold back.
 
John Betancourt: That brings up a great point that I want to follow up on, what then does it mean to be building your own legacy in this industry?
 
Nina Twine: it means more like… than a lot of people would probably think it does. Um, you can't control who you're related to, right? And I would never change that. But just like a lot of people, whether it's a sibling, a family member, a parent, guardian, a best friend, if there's anybody that you're constantly tied to, you're kind of like, “Okay, like, but I can do it too. Like, I swear I can, and in my own way, by myself,” and that is amazing to actually have it come to fruition, see it, have everyone else see it, be able to answer all the questions from my own point of view. So, it means a lot, and also kind of… I'm not like a huge manifester, right? But just to be like Nina's starting her own legacy. It started in Survivor: Australia, went back a second time. Now we're finally here in The Anonymous and to see it, to feel it, to be there, to know I did it all me, feels really great.
 
John Betancourt: Obviously there's more that goes into that legacy too, because this is obviously the first season of the show. You are now the standard for everyone. What does it mean to you now to be part of a show and the winner for something this new and this dynamic.
 
Nina Twine: It feels really great. I mean, there are so many really cool things that we see come out every year, and I get to say that I'm a part of it, and I'm the first. That will never, ever, ever, ever change. And what an amazing experience, especially how turbulent the game was from start to finish. It was such a tough, tough game, but such an interesting and amazing concept that grasped me the second I heard what The Anonymous was, what the game, the competition, was going to be, or what I thought, you know, it was going to be. Because, of course, your expectations can always change when it's the first season. So, it just feels amazing. And in all honesty, I don't think I can put too many words to it. Besides, like, just… grateful. Like I'm so grateful to have been given the opportunity there, and to have given the opportunity to myself to let Nina just do her thing and trust in her.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

​Matt Shively is an accomplished actor that has appeared in many a film and many a show. Currently, he stars as Quinten in the hit NBC series, Lopez vs Lopez, and we had the opportunity to sit down with Matt to discuss the show before its season three premiere.
 
John Betancourt:  I'd like to start by getting to know what it means to you to be back for a third season.
 
Matt Shively: It means the world to me. I've never gotten to a third season, it's incredible. You know, it's weird to say that you've never gotten to a third season, but like every season, kind of things change a little bit. People, people change a little bit. And so, coming into a third season and never having experienced it, I'm realizing it's so much more fun, like everybody is very much in the groove of their character and of our work days, and everything like that. So, it feels like, you know, it's work, but it really isn't like we really are just having an absolute blast, and it's just been incredible.
 
John Betancourt: Another element I want to dive into today, because I think this is the show is pretty much a phenomenon at this point. I think it's safe to say. And I'm curious why you think this is a series that resonates so well with people.
 
Matt Shively: I think it resonates so well with people… because not only is it relatable in a bunch of different ways, but we're we really do lean on topics that otherwise would not be considered funny. And we find a way. My mother always said, “If you don't laugh, you cry.” And so, I've always had kind of the point of view of, like, you know, no matter how bad something is, if you can find some form of light in it, then it'll make it easier, and then it's easier to get through. And so, when it comes to sobriety, or, you know, being cheated on and losing the love of your life, things like that, like we really kind of tackle these things head on. And then it's also very personal to both mine and George, where they really, as the seasons have gone on, they are growing as a relationship as well. And so, seeing where we started and where we are now, it just is kind of a thing where audiences are not only along for the story, but they’re also along for the ride of these real people, and it showcases on the show. So, I think what stands out really, is that we tackle things that otherwise wouldn't be funny, and we find a way to make it funny so that people can feel like they're not alone in that.
 
John Betancourt: Speaking of relatability, too, I think one of the big reasons that happens is because of yourself as an actor, and the cast. You all play your roles with honesty. And I'm curious how you create the realistic nature of Quinten.
 
Matt Shively: Well, when I got the role, I didn't think I was Quinten. I was like, “Oh well, I'm just acting on this guy.” But the longer the show is gone, the more that I've done, the more I'm like, I think I am a lot like Quentin, and as a person, I'm progressing at the same speed that he is. And so, it really is kind of -- the writers are incredible. And there are times where I'll get to work and it's, you know, time to do the table read, and I'm reading the script, and I'm like, “Were they in my room last night?” Like, “Did they hear what was going on in my head last night? Because this was the problem that I'm having in real life.” And so, it makes it very easy to bring it to the stage, because I'm going through a lot of this stuff. I'm not getting married, but I'm growing up, and I'm having to face mortality and getting older, I tell you, I turned 30 and I was like, “Okay, I'm 30,” and now I'm 34 I'm like, I don't know what happened to those years in between. The older you get that it just flies by. So, it's like, I'm trying to, like, slow down and enjoy everything for what it is, but the character and myself have kind of molded into one, and so it makes it very, you know, easy to kind of just slip in and out of what I'm doing, because I'm basically carrying what I'm actually going through into the show.
 
John Betancourt: Well, that explains a lot. But now I have to ask a follow up to that. Is it ever tough then to have that, that merging of the two minds? When you go home from work?
 
Matt Shively: You know it's not, really, because it all happens at the same speed. So, like when Quinten finds a solution to something, it usually helps me find the solution to something, and work has always done that for me as well. So, it's kind of one of those things where, like, when I'm working, I'm able to prioritize and organize my own problems and situations that I'm going through in a better way than when I'm not working. It's, as they say, idle hands are the devil's workshop. So, when I'm working, it makes it a lot easier. So then top that on, with Quinten going through similar things that I'm going through, it's like, coming home is like a breath of fresh air, because I'm like, “Okay, I feel like I went to therapy this week and I got it all out, and I feel so much better now.”
 
John Betancourt: Now this is an important show in general. In my eyes, it really, as a Mexican American, I think it's a huge deal to have this show on the air. And I'm curious what it means to you to be a part of such an important show.
 
Matt Shively: You know, I was… I was thinking about it recently, but I've been very fortunate that every kind of show that I've been a regular on and I've been a part of, the theme of the show, usually is surrounding kind of underrepresented communities and people of that nature. You know, I did a show called The Real O'Neals, and that was very much about a Catholic family dealing with a son coming out of the closet, and how you go about that. And my character was always very like, he was the jock. And usually, the jock would be kind of like the bully and all this, but he was the most supportive character there was. He didn't care that his brother was gay. And so, with this show, it's like I get to be kind of that person standing behind these people and helping lift them up as much as possible. So, it's been… it's just like, it's really kind of a treasured thing to be able to be a part of different projects that bring to light things that have kind of been snuffed out for so long. And so, I know how much it means the community. The area I grew up in, most of my family are, are Latino or Mexican. And so, it's like, I'm getting all these calls being like, “it's so great to finally see myself on television.” And I'm like, that's… I love that I'm even a part of that in any way, shape or form, because it's not often that people get to feel like the spotlight is on them. And that's, I feel like what we're doing.
 
John Betancourt: Now, obviously we’ve got to talk about, you know, season three. Without any spoilers in the mix. What are you most excited for audiences to experience this year?
 
Matt Shively: I'm excited. It feels like this year, you know, the first season was dealing -- kind of leading up to George coming to terms with the fact that he needed to be sober. And the second season felt very much like it was focused on him going through that journey of sobriety, and because of the strike and everything, we had only done the 10 episodes. So, it was very much that was what season two was leading up to, us getting engaged. This season feels a little more kind of spread out every one of us is going through different things. Mayan and I are trying to plan a wedding. George is dealing with his sobriety, but also finding new life in his family, and Rosie's dealing with the split from who she thought she was going to marry, and Chance is growing up, and kind of his mind is being able to absorb more, so we're having to be more careful of what we're teaching him as a family.
 
And so, it feels like everybody's kind of going on their own journeys this season, while also keeping everybody together. So, it feels like there's a lot more episodes where it's like, “Oh, it's me and Rosie are doing one thing, while George and Mayan and out doing another thing and then the next week, it's me and George.” And whereas I feel like the other two seasons, it was a little more contained, it was more kind of focused on big family group scenes and things like that, this feels like we're kind of splitting off a little bit, which opens up the door for just so many different stories and crazy situations to get in.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your work on this show? So far,
 
Matt Shively: I'm proud of the belief and confidence that I've been able to keep going. I think I spent most of my career not thinking it was possible to be where I wanted to be and be happy and get what I want, and I feel like this show opened that door for me, and I as a person have just become so much stronger and so much more independent and so, I'm proud of the person that this show has made me.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Al Madrigal is an accomplished actor and comedian, who has appeared in a bevy of shows and movies over the years. Currently he stars as Oscar on the hit NBC series, Lopez vs Lopez, and in anticipation of tonight’s season three premiere, we sat down with Al to discuss all things Lopez vs Lopez.
John Betancourt: I'd love to start by getting to know what does it mean for you, to be back for a third season.
 
Al Madrigal: I mean, it's huge. It's… getting season three of a TV show these days is very tricky. Network sitcom season three, it's like next to impossible to get that done. So, it's a huge accomplishment for the show, and I think it says a lot about the show and what they've been able to do in terms of like, producing a product that has real heart and tons of jokes. like it really is delivering on so many different levels. I tell my friends, watch season two on Netflix and the entire thing, and just you could jump in there. It's a great show. And they're really learning how to use us. And these, a lot of the stories are mined from George and Mayan’s life. So, there's a lot of truth that goes along with all this stuff. And a lot of you know, again, real life hurt. You know, this father, daughter, relationship.
 
John Betancourt: I want to expand on that a little further, if we can, because I think that's one of the big reasons that people tune in. I know that I do -- there's a real personal connection that goes with this for me. But also, I'm curious why you think, just as a whole, audiences resonate with the show and can't get enough of it.
 
Al Madrigal: I mean, yeah, like, there's a little something for everybody in it. You know, there's, there's a lot of jokes. Obviously, you know, there's the people that are huge fans of George, there's, you know, Salinas (Leyva) and Brice (Gonzalez) come with their own fans/ I might be responsible for, like, one or two (Laughter), and then they, they're very well put together. And, like I said, in terms of the emotional connection that you feel with these characters, like you really do care about these characters. You care about this relationship. Is there a George, Rosie, “Will they, won’t they?” going on, and what's going to happen with Mayan, and you know, Quinten’s relationship as they move forward. So, it's you really do care about the characters. You're invested in their future.
 
John Betancourt: You bring up a really good point, actually, about the characters being one of the big focal points of this. There's a real sense of realism with every single character on this show, which is a testament to your work and a testament to everybody's work on the show as well. But I'm very curious how you as an actor, ground Oscar, the way that you do, because he feels like someone that we either know or have known or will know.
 
Al Madrigal: Yeah, um, I just, you know, it's putting this together… I think I haven't given a lot of thought to like… this all-encompassing. You know, Oscar? What does it mean to be Oscar? It's like you gotta think about that kind of stuff. I always get myself to an Oscar place right before I start every scene, which is a little bit dopey eyed, but very aware, like letting a ferret into your house, like, remember, Rizzo from the Muppets? That little rat? Like it’s like letting that guy into your house and he's looking, and he might take something, and I'm always looking for an angle, “you gonna eat that?” it's always like Oscar’s needs. Is Oscar hungry? So, you know, I start there, and I play around with it. But what's great about this character is I can do anything, you know, I can be mischievous. I can be, you know, a little bit, you know, indulged in “the vitamins,” a little bit, you know. And then I could also be very sensible and deliver some heartfelt advice at the same time. So, I love the flexibility of this character, and I'm just figuring it out as I go along, they surprise me with new stuff all the time.
 
John Betancourt: That’s incredible, and now I have to follow up on that, because I love learning how actors do what they do. So, I have to ask, how then do you just get into the moment. Get into Oscar’s head so quickly.
 
Al Madrigal: So, the writers crack up when they're behind the camera because they're in video village. Because they see me get into Oscar, and I don't even know what it means, but once I put on that beanie, really settle into it, you can… I don't know what it is, I'm really not even sure what's going through my head, but they immediately all crack up because I'm physically changed. I become him, and they can all tell that I've made the transition. And then they see me offstage with these glasses on and talking like this, and, you know, or doing one of these things, and they all crack up because it's such a different person. But yet, you know, Oscar lives inside me, for sure. So, to let him out, and the beanie helps a lot, and I just sort of transform once that thing goes on. I'm immediately that guy.
 
John Betancourt: There it is. The beanie is the key.
 
Al Madrigal: And the beanie, to let you know, a little secret, is a product of me doing a tremendous amount of TV and not wanting to go to hair. I’m in and out of the makeup trailer in about 10 minutes.
 
John Betancourt: On a broader level. This is… this is a show that I think is very important in a lot of ways, representation, speaking, just in having a Latinx family on television. And I want to know what it means to you on personal level, be part of what is such an important and pioneering show.
 
Al Madrigal: Oh, it's, it's, it's huge. And I love to be on it… but I don't love that it's, you know, alone. I don't love that there are so few shows that we have to draw attention to it. I'd love there to be... I remember doing this diversity award show with a big ad agency. Right after I left The Daily Show, it was IPG, and I'm sitting with the CEO of IPG, and he looks at me and he goes, “Can I ask you a question, just if, if everything was equal, shouldn't this just be an award show?” So, why? Why are there separate award shows? Why are there so, you know, like, why is there the Latin Grammys or the ALMA awards? Like, why don't we? Can't we just all be there? There’s enough of us to be involved in the Emmys, you know? Like, we shouldn't have to break out our own award show because, you know, so eventually, I'd love to see it in a place where we're just like, Lopez vs Lopez is just a comedy, and we're not even asking this question. So that's where we want to be ideally. Is just a really popular, common family comedy on TV.
 
John Betancourt: You know, that's a really, really good point.
 
Al Madrigal:  You know, like, sometimes when you develop television, they we, as a creator, you hear, because I do a lot of that, and you hear, “Oh, there's another Latino show.” So, it's between us and them. And I remember writing a letter to a network. I'm like, “Why not both? Why not both? If they're both good, why don't we just pick up both of those?” And so, yeah, that's where you want to be.
 
John Betancourt: I so agree with you. Now season three is on the horizon. Without giving away any spoilers, what are you most excited for fans to experience now in season three.
 
Al Madrigal: I think we're going to continue to see the relationship between George and Rosie evolve. Will they get back together? I'm not sure, maybe not, probably not, but it's always going to be a lot of intrigue, which is interesting in a multi cam. Because they've really embraced the sort of telenovela of it all, and that's fun. And so, it's lightly serialized for the people that are watching every single episode. And I think again, you're going to watch this show just continue to evolve and get better and better and better. And that's a testament to the Universal people and NBC for keeping it on air.
 
John Betancourt: And that's saying something, because it's already very impressive as it is. So that's a huge point there.
 
Al Madrigal: But again, you know when you watch -- there's great episodes in season one, but season two, there's 10 great episodes back-to-back, and those are on Netflix right now. Season one and two are Netflix if you want to catch up, and then you're going to watch those before October 18, feeding into this season. It's all going to make sense. You can start with this season, October 18, Fridays, 8:30pm right after Happy’s Place, which is the new Rebe McEntyre show. So yeah, we're, we're excited to be back on Fridays. No WWE to contend with, which is huge. And hopefully we come in there and own Friday comedy on NBC.
 
John Betancourt: The last question that I have for you today, what are you most proud of so far when it comes to your work on this show?
 
Al Madrigal: I am most proud of again, this is like… it really is a dream fulfilled for me, and I dreamt big. As a little kid, my dad would always make fun of me… are you Mexican?
 
John Betancourt: I am.
 
Al Madrigal: So, I had a little Mexican, dad, he used to say, and it wasn't a compliment, “Here comes the dreamer.” And this has always been a big dream of mine, to become this done, not shish, you know, comic relief on a comedy. So, I am definitely living a dream, and I'm really proud of myself for not working in an office and doing something I hated all my life and following my bliss. So, I am patting my back, and I've just gotten started because I got other dreams too. “The Dreamer” has more dreams, but this is a major one.
 
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.