Sirens - Interview with Michael Mosley

I was given the opportunity to pose questions to Sirens star Michael Mosley, with questions from both myself and SpoilerTV readers.

Credit: Carrie Shaltz

What drew you to the show?

Denis (Leary) and Bob (Fisher). They are comedic geniuses. I loved Rescue Me and Wedding Crashers. And of course the paycheck. I like to work.

What's the deal with Johnny? He loves Theresa, doesn't want commitment, but when having casual sex he wants her to call him? Is it down to the stuff with his parents, or is there something more?

Photo by: F. Scott Schafer/USA Network

I think it has a lot to do with his folks. His Mom and Dad split when he was pretty young and he Dad shacked up with a stripper named CoCo. I don't think he has much confidence in the institution of marriage. That being said Johnny loves Theresea and would do absolutely anything in the world she asked of him, except move in with her. Screw that. Not now, not ever.

The show is based around a very serious topic - how hard is it to transform that into something comedic?

We talked to a lot of EMTs who were technical advisors on the show and there are A LOT of funny things that happen in their day to day lives. No one fluffs the pillows before an emergency responder shows up. And, we're dealing with the human body which we all know can behave pretty ridiculously at times. Some of it is truly funny. And some of it is gallows humor. A way of dealing with the realities of the job. You don't want an EMT who's going through an existential crisis to show up at your house on the worst day of your life. You want them to be loose.

What's it like having Denis Leary directing?

Denis is great. He and Bob are very hands on. They're cool and egalitarian about things. What's funny floats. We'll do a couple of takes according to the script and then they'll change a couple of lines, or let us riff a bit.

Photo by: F. Scott Schafer/USA Network

I've noticed that, particularly in scenes where Hank is talking to Brian or Cash, you're laughing at the conversation. Is this reaction scripted or is it just you naturally reacting to the conversations?

Johnny loves watching Brian squirm.

Any chance that Johnny could be Hank's soulmate?

Johnny and Hank love each other like brothers. And it's great because Johnny doesn't have to worry about leaving his girlfriend alone with him.

Favourite episode of the show so far?

Can't pick one. Loved it all.

What is your favourite role that you've played?

I think Johnny. Although I played Tevya in Fiddler on the Roof in Junior High. Anytime I was supposed to sing a song they brought all these other bearded guys on to back me up because I wasn't a strong enough singer to do it solo. I thought it was pretty cool of the director to not let my lack of singing talent get in the way of him casting me for the part. Hollywood hasn't been as forgiving.

Have you watched the original show?

I DID. It's awesome. They're a little more of a serious show peppered with comedy. We tend to favor the ridiculous.

What is your favourite current TV show?

Game of Thrones, Mad Men.

Credit: Carrie Shaltz

Would you rather be attacked by a horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses?

Definitely 100 tiny horses. I would kick at them or climb a tree or something.

If you could play a role on any other current television show, what would it be?

I wanna be the dude that killed Joffrey Baratheon on Game of Thrones.

Who is your favourite actor/actress and why?

Gena Rowlands. I love those old Cassavetes movies. All grounded in realism. I love that stuff. And Gena Rowlands is so good at that. She's real and tough and always fighting for something and always listening.

Credit: Carrie Shaltz

Fluffy Bunny: What are the main differences in preparing and playing a character on a comedy, compared with your roles on Longmire and Last Resort?

A comedy is more about timing and rhythms I think. You don't have to worry about that so much in a drama. And while in both you have to behave truthfully in imagined circumstances, in drama, you're often expected to access something a little deeper and darker inside yourself.

Fluffy Bunny: Who is the funniest person on the set of Sirens?

It's a cage match between Lenny Clarke and Josh Seggara.

Fluffy Bunny: How long does it typically take a film an episode of Sirens?

Four days.

Fluffy Bunny: Do you have any spoilers you can tease for upcoming episodes?

Can't do it. Bob and Denis might read this.

Photo by: Chuck Hodes/USA Network

Pearcecymru: What is it like being with the cast...who is the joker? Do you hang out off set much?

We hang out all the time. We have dinner together. Bigley and I go fishing sometimes.

Ross: With Sirens being a remake of a British show, is there extra pressure to give this version its own identity?

Yes. But, I think Denis and Bob have put their stamp on it.


Thanks again to Michael for answering these questions. Sirens airs Thursdays at 10pm on USA Network.

Bradley Adams

15 year old in England. Love Hawaii Five-0, NCIS, NCIS LA, Person of Interest, Elementary, Criminal Minds, Nikita and Arrow, and the new The Blacklist, Hostages and The Tomorrow People. I am reviewing Person of Interest and The Tomorrow People for Spoiler TV. I run an Arrow blog, ArrowFansUK. Aside from TV, a keen cricketer.