I love conference calls, because not only are the actors always open to all types of questions, but you really see a lot of their personality. Of course I had heard of Wilmer Valderrama and Steve Harris, but besides a long list of things they’ve appeared in, I really didn’t know much about them. They really seem like cool guys and are truly modest, yet proud, of their accomplishments. They also speak high of others they work with, and best of they, like Laura Allen and Dylan Minnette, love the show as much as we do.
Michael (played by Jason Isaacs) is such and interesting character even outside his double life. It’s weird to watch the episodes and see him do what he pleases and have his partners just accept it. It seems a little unauthentic, but Valderrama (who plays Vega) and Harris (who plays Bird) have something to say about it. Valderrama’s take on Vega is that he is a rookie and struggles with what should be reported and what shouldn’t. He wants to be a good partner, but he also wants to do a proper job. He lets Michael get away with certain things, because he knows he’s been doing it for longer and it had been turning out okay. Harris says that Bird and Michael have a close relationship. It’s often said that partners in police forces often say they’re closer with their partners than with their spouses, so he’s been with Michael for so long that he trusts him. Even if what Michael does is new to their relationship, it works out well later.
As usual, the guys were asked what it was like to work with Jason Isaacs. For some reason, when asked the question they both had a fit of laughter. They said they loved working with him. Harris said that Jason’s very energetic, talented, always looking to collaborate, and sincerely a really nice guy. Valderrama agreed, and reminded everyone that Jason was basically the reason he was able to do the show. He also said that Jason always fights for authenticity and continuity, because he is very invested in the show. It’s really cool to hear that Jason cares so much about the show. It kind of shows that it’s not just a job, but something he really enjoys doing and wants to be proud of. Of course Valderrama talked about how it’s really fun to be on set, because they’re all really silly when they can be.
Awake, being the show it is, gets many questions on whether or not the audiences understand and enjoy it. Harris feels that they do, because even though some may feel it’s a high concept show, he doesn’t think it is. He says there is so much on tv right now, and people are looking for something like Awake that will keep them invested each week. It’s something they definitely want to discuss the day after at work or with friends. Valderrama definitely agrees and thinks the writers have done a fantastic job of finding a unique way of narrating Michael’s jouney. It has more heart than a regular procedure show. The reason they decided to work with this show was for these reason and more. Harris thought the pilot script was one of the best things he’s read, and knowing everyone behind the show (cast included) he knew he needed to join it. He could tell it was something to be proud of. Valderrama felt the same way, because he knew to work with all these people was a rare opportunity.
These guys were fun to listen to and weren’t as serious as their characters are. I really had a fun time on this call, and I look forward to the new episodes as much as they enjoyed shooting them. Catch Awake on NBC 10/9c on Thursday nights!
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