I recently got the opportunity to speak with Blindspot creator Martin Gero as as well as series star Sullivan Stapleton about the new NBC drama. This is the second of a two-part piece with Gero's thoughts already posted here. Have a read of what Stapleton had to say on a whole host of things.
NOTE: This took place before the second episode aired this past Monday.
On why he joined the show
Stapleton: This is an awesome story and, you know, it’s obviously been created by [Martin] Gero who’s a great man and actually the premise for the show, it sort of excited me to actually see where this will go throughout the season.
So and also, it's shot in New York and, you know, people who created it and, the NBC and Warner Brothers family -- it was an easy ship to jump onboard.
On how Kurt differs to other FBI agents on television
Stapleton: What I love about this character of Kurt [is that he's] not the cookie-cutter FBI agent and it’s not just each case procedural, we get to explore his past and his connection between himself and Jane Doe and you see the drive that makes this man who he is. He is a very layered man, very focused at work but yet, you do see some of the emotional characteristics of him.
On how Kurt feels about Jane
Stapleton: Yes, well I think, you know, at first we are quite suspicious as to why the FBI was directly linked to this case, this target and as to what the connection is and why his name was tattooed on her back and then, through the investigation and the tests they’ve put her through, he realizes that she’s telling the truth.
And so therefore I think we do see that sort of almost caring nature of him and, the fact that he does sympathize or empathize with the fact that she’s lost and, you know, obviously understands that it would be quite hard to lost your identity and who you are or where you’re from.
On what he likes about this role compared to other roles
Stapleton: Well, actually Kurt is, you know, he’s a pretty honest and straight-up guy and he’s obviously very focused at his job and for good reasons. Something happened in his past that I think drives him to sort of try to make the world a better place by chasing criminals and solving cases.
Which in turn saves people’s lives so I think, I like the fact that he’s got a big heart and that’s how he lives his life. He’s got things to do; he seems to come from a very positive place.
On working with Jaimie Alexander
Stapleton: She’s awesome, she’s an awesome girl to work with and she’s good at her job. I think working with that [aspect] every day, it just makes work easier and Jaimie and the rest of the cast we all just get along really well and we sort of do our best to try and make the show the best that we possibly can.
On shooting in New York
Stapleton: I love it. It’s been nice to settle-in to a city for obviously longer than more than a few months where [with] Strike Back, we were in and out of places after a couple of months.
So it’s nice here and New York, New York’s a fantastic city. It is a great place to work and it’s a great character to have in the show to be able to see the city and then chase criminals through this town, it’s exciting.
On meeting real-life FBI agents
Stapleton: I met-up with a couple of agents [and] we just talked about how they approach work and what it was. It was an honor to meet the men that do this for real and to hear some of the stories they told me -- it was really eye-opening and exciting.
On Kurt's relationship with his FBI team
I’m sure we will see these relationships develop throughout the course of the season and delve into people’s back stories, different connections of each of the characters.
On his similarities to Kurt
Stapleton: I would say I’m similar. You know, I think we’re both very focused to our work and I guess, even though Kurt rights the wrongs in the world I guess I’d do the same -- if something’s not right, I’ll fight against it so it’s similar in that sense.
And then also, the camaraderie between Kurt and the other agents, that again is very similar to myself, working with a great crew that we’re working with and my fellow actors that I’m working with. I enjoy working as a team to do the best we possibly can.
Blindspot airs on NBC on Mondays at 10pm.
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