As EUREKA returns for the second half of its fourth season, things are about to get more complicated for the little town for of geniuses. So it is up to Sheriff Jack Carter and Dr. Allison Blake and the rest of our heroes to keep everyone safe and sound. Taking a few minutes to chat with press about the next chapter of EUREKA are Colin Ferguson and Salli Richardson-Whitfield.
In the first half of the fourth season, a lot of substantial things happened on the show. For the second half of this fourth season, what are you sort of excited about the fans seeing as we approach this new season?
COLIN: We pick up sort of right where we left off with sort of the big sort of arc of the season. It is the Estreas Project -- basically Eureka going into space. I was concerned when we started it that it was going to be just sort of a path like, ‘Oh, this is the mission de jour that we’re going to on for 13,’ but actually balloons-and-blossoms into this fantastically complex plot. Then, at the end of the season, you’re about see it kicks into the whole next year in a way that you completely don’t expect. So, what I’m really looking forward to seeing is sort of everyone going, ‘Oh, my God. Really?! That’s happening now?!’ Because it’s sort of EUREKA going into space and do they go into space, and it’s really interesting.
SALLI: I think that’s what so hard for us is that really all these episodes that we’ve shot that you may not see for a little while. Everything is just getting so much better and it’s like you just want everyone to know. You want them to see all this great stuff that’s coming. They’ve really put everything together well, so it’s sort of hard to hold back and not tell you everything that’s going on because it’s so exciting.
Could you guys talk about how things changed due to the new timeline? And also, are you surprised that the show’s been around and lasted so long?
SALLI: I think you’re always surprised when your show gets picked up the first time. But now I think the show is so good, especially the ones we’re shooting now in these last few seasons, that I would be more surprised when we’re not picked up because it’s such a good show now. It’s just gotten so much better.
COLIN: The timeline reboot and how it energized the show, I would agree with that. I think the show is as good as it’s ever been. That had to do with sort of a big shift down here in the writers room and finally finding our footing and getting our way back after the writer’s strike and all of the big Hollywood problems that happened. That made it really difficult even to know if you were going to have a job. So now we have a really solid group of writers and a core group of people that hasn’t changed. So that’s why it sort of feels really energized and is really firing on all cylinders. As far as the reboot and the energy that happens with that, I think that’s symptomatic of the changes that happened. We really found our footing and the reboot was sort of this symbolic gesture on behalf of the network that we were allowed to do what we wanted to do. I mean, they went in to the network and said, ‘We want to go back in time, and then come back and change everything and never address it.’ Normally, when you got into a network and say that they go, ‘No.’ One of the biggest characters on the show is the Town. So to change the Town is a really tall order and it was a big sign-off on behalf of the network as a gesture to say that the writers knew what they were doing. And I think the writers -- when they got that gesture, they filled confidence -- it just redoubled on itself, until we sort of had the energy that we have now. Plus, the casting that’s gone on has been unbelievably helpful. I mean, we’ve got Felicia Day, we’ve got Wil Wheaton, we have Wallace Shawn coming in. We have Dave Foley coming in. I mean, God Bless the recession, right? Like, those names -- that’s great to get all those people in to the show. .
SALLI: And they fit perfectly and we love them. I mean, these are people -- they don’t come on and you’re like, ‘Oh, my God, can we get rid of these people as soon as possible?’ They’re just wonderful people to be around and they just fit in our show so perfectly.
COLIN: Also what’s happened is there was a decision made to write me lighter because I was just getting too tired and really bored at the sound of my own voice. So what happened was all of a sudden these other characters who were so developed and so worthy of having this big long plots are now getting way more screen time, and very deservedly. I think it makes the show a lot more interesting.
Can you talk about some of the issues that Allison has with Jack now, in relation to where things left off?
SALLI: Oh, gosh, [Colin] thinks this is funny because I never know we are. By the time we get to this season, I don’t know what’s going on.
COLIN: We’re shooting right now. We’re in the middle of shooting the season that’ll air in 2012, so we sort of have all that downloaded into our head. So it’s now sort of going, ‘Right. So, about a year ago…’
SALLI: I think that that the issues that [Jack and Allison] have now is that we’re trying this new relationship on -- seeing if this is going to happen. That puts a different dynamic into working together. So it’s like working with your husband or wife -- how do you now balance both of the two things? I think that that’s where we start getting into trouble with each other. Of course, nothing can ever be perfect because that would be boring with us if we were just all lovey-dovey and everything was great. So I think that that’s where we start getting into trouble. How can we work together and do both, and where is that line?
Is Jack oblivious to how Allison is feeling or does he have a hard time admitting it as well?
COLIN: No, I don’t think he’s oblivious. But it’s a funny thing asking me about relationships. Not my forte. I’m not terribly good at it. But, no, [Jack’s] not oblivious. But at the same time, it’s difficult when you’re working with someone and having a relationship with them, as these two characters do. So you have to give each other more space and you have to give each other sort of the latitude to have more off days than, normally you would. And Allison is a character that has two kids. So you really have got to move slowly and be really patient with that if you’re going to try to partner with that. So I think he’s patient. I think he’s aware of it, and I think we’re dealing with something in the next episodes we shot, which is that [Jack’s] not aware of, so there are still bumps and problems to come.
The two of you are really fun to watch together on screen. You’ve got really good chemistry. Can you talk a little bit about that process, how that evolves, and what you like about working with the other person.
SALLI: Well, let me figure this out. . .
COLIN: How do you lie? How do you come up with a good lie, Sal? [laughter]
SALLI: I think from the very beginning, when Colin and I first did our first scene together, you never know if you’re going to have chemistry with someone, and ours, it was just naturally there. I feel really corny when I say this, but there’s something that clicks. Because, obviously off camera, we’re very brother/sister, jokey-jokey, ‘Oh, God, we’ve got to kiss.’ But, as soon as that camera rolls and I look into Colin’s eyes, there’s something that clicks and I always find an instant connection that makes all of my feelings just sort of come right up to the forefront, and I feel everything I’m saying with him. It’s very lucky for us and for me. I just naturally have a wonderful connection with him when we’re working. So, I love it and we know how to work with each other on and off camera. I know what he needs to do to get what he needs, and he knows what I need, and we make allowances for each other and we try not to step on each other’s toes.
COLIN: That definitely attributes to Sal. I mean, we haven’t had a fight in six years of working together. That’s not because I’m easy to work with, that’s because Salli’s amazing to work with. She’s just top notch and, Sal, I’m actually really flattered and floored by your last answer to that question, so that was really sweet. Thanks.
SALLI: Well, it’s true!
What has been your guys’ favorite Allison and Jack moment so far?
COLIN: Favorite moment? I’d go back to the magnetic fence.
SALLI: I know! That one we had was in our first season we got stuck together on this fence. But I also like it when I was pregnant and the baby was kicking. Do you remember that?
COLIN: Oh, yeah. That was when we were on the couch.
SALLI: Yes, we were shooting this wonderful scene in my office when I was enormous at the time, and it was a very sweet scene where he’s touching my stomach. But, literally, when we were shooting, every time Colin would touch my belly, the baby -- because I was really pregnant -- the baby would kick right on his hand -- like with every single take Little Dre would go crazy in my stomach. So it was kind of funny.
COLIN: Yeah, and Dre is a model athlete at this point in his life, so it really is no surprise that he ended up kicking on queue every single time. [laughter]
While the timeline-shift worked out well for your characters, it didn’t work out so great for all of them as a couple. Can you give us any good news regarding Jo and Zane’s relationship on the episodes coming up?
COLIN: They go through a lot and they keep going through a lot for the next year. Really, as of right now, we’re still on the fence if they’re going to pull through. That’s a while later. Those two go through it, you know? They definitely love each other, but it’s a hard one. It’s hard to watch sometimes when two people keep missing each other in the night, and then ultimately do or don’t get together you go, ‘Oh, God, guys, just figure it out!’
SALLI: And isn’t that real life?
It seems like this season there’s a lot more emphasis placed on interpersonal relationships. And I’m just wondering which ones you enjoyed reading in the scripts more as they were being developed, the slow progression that finally is starting to pay off between Jack and Allison, the more combustible Jo and Zane, or the tentative baby steps that are happening between Fargo and Dr. Holly Marten?
COLIN: Fargo and Holly.
SALLI: I vote for Fargo and Holly too. Because they’re both so darned cute. I’ll say that because he can’t say that. Go ahead, Colin.
COLIN: Yeah. No, they’re just great. It’s one thing when that relationship started, going through its paces, and we’re into ours and no one finds their own (lives) too interesting. But that’d be funny, wouldn’t it? Like, ‘No ours is the most interesting, by far.’
SALLI: Yeah, ours is really by far the best story line. [laughter]
COLIN: Some of the best work on the show. And to be honest, you didn’t mention it, but I would say my second one is actually Henry and Grace. . . I really like that relationship too. There’s something really warm and genuine in both of those relationships and I respond to them in a way. It’s also really nice to that they have these relationships going. So I think I respond to that. But, that’s why I like them.
Will we see anymore of the Sarah/Andy relationship in any substantive way?
COLIN: Yes, a very substantial way. That’s also a great relationship -- and I know it’s really popular, given Sarah’s a house, and he’s a robot, and all that stuff. But they’re all fantastic actors. So really, Grace is in two relationships, you might say, as Sarah and Fargo; double duty. . . . They take their relationship forward in a very profound way and we all have to make do as we all live inside of her.
What’s the rest of the season looks like for Carter and Zoe? Will we be seeing anymore of her in Eureka?
COLIN: Yes, Jordan definitely came back a couple times this season. She was actually over here yesterday. She’s my designer. I’m getting some renovation done on my house and I’m going to be out of town, so she came by with my contractor. She’s handling all the design. So, I’m going to come back to a house that Jordan is designing. . . Yep, my closet’s going to be filled with Forever 21. Yeah, no, it’s great. I mean, it’s one of my favorite relationships and it’s been amazing to watch her grow from a 13-year old to now being 20 and watching her life bloom into what she’s created it today. I love her and I love that relationship. So, yes, she comes back.
Is there anything else you can tell us about what’s coming up this season or next that you can divulge any spoilers?
COLIN: Can’t really divulge any spoilers. We’ll be strung up and hung if we do. But what we said already, which is the Estreas stuff -- that’s the key work for the next season. And then that will key off the next season after that. Sal, do you remember any episodes in particular?
SALLI: Are you (being) funny?!
COLIN: Obviously, we have the first one -- so we have the one where the power goes out. We have - what the heck is - oh my lord, my brain is just shutting down. I remember the... No, we actually can’t site anything that we have coming up. Sorry, we’ve been warned about spoilers and what not, so we can’t help you on that.
Before last season, had you guys ridden horses in other roles before and what was it like?
SALLI: I’ll start with that. I had ridden before, literally, I mean pretty much my first big film after moving to L.A. I had to ride a horse and I’ve done maybe another job, but I think for all of us we had some time before to get on some horses and get it back together. Luckily, for me, I was supposed to look ridiculous on the horse, so I didn’t have to be an expert. And Colin, I don’t think he’ll answer this, had ridden a lot of horses. But he’s very athletic, so he always gets everything together.
COLIN: I had ridden a couple of times, but not anything profound and not something where I’d say I was comfortable. As much as we get a bunch of work, it was mostly the stunt doubles. When you see the final show…
SALLI: I know, we were very angry about that.
COLIN: Yeah, it was like, ‘What the hell?!’ But it was fun. Anytime you get to do something like that, where you’re sort of outside of your zone, it’s fantastic. It’s more, for me anyway. It was less about the actual skill of riding the horse and more about getting to know your horse. So after a couple days, it was significantly easier because you just knew the horse’s idiosyncrasy.
SALLI: And of course, Colin has the mean horse. [laughter]
COLIN: I did have the mean horse. He kept biting on me and…and I was like, ‘Is it me?’ And then the trainer was like, ‘No, that’s what he does.’
What’s it like when you pick up a script and find one of these weird surprises?
COLIN: Well, it depends on the surprise. I mean, sometimes you open up the script and you go, ‘Oh, that’s going to be amazing,’ And then you open up a script and you go, ‘Really? Like, really??’ And we’re going, ‘Okay. All right. All right.’ Because it could be the middle of winter and they’re like, ‘Okay, so you’re stuck in t-shirts on the top of a blizzard,’ and then, you cuss them. What were you going to say, Sal?
SALLI: Well, I was going to say that’s what is so fun about doing the show too, is that you’re not stuck in a goofy comedy all the time. You’re not stuck just doing straight drama or straight little get ups. You really get to do different things all the time and I think that that’s what keeps it fresh for us, and why we continue to get better because you get to stretch and you get to do different things and I think that’s why the fans like the show. You’re not bored by the same thing every time.
When you see the scripts, are you pleased where the show has gone?
SALLI: I think they’ve found a way to put us together, but not make it boring.
COLIN: Yeah, it’s never straightforward. I mean, that’s what I really liked about it, and that’s what actually Sal and I fought against really hard for a long time, because the temptation is like, ‘Oh, they’re together. Now you guys kiss in every scene.’ And we’re sort of going, ‘No, no, no, no, no, it’s not realistic and it’s not interesting.’ They’ve done a really good job of having very real problems that you deal with in relationships that keep it both I guess affectionate and clear that there’s love there, but at the same time very clear that it’s not easy, and (life) is not easy and relationships aren’t easy. I appreciate the realism of that.
(The remainder of this interview will be featured in Part 2.)
On that last final teasing and tantalizing note about the upcoming season, along with some humorous insights, be sure to catch the return of EUREKA on its new night Monday, July 11th at 8:00 p.m. on Syfy.
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