Exclusive: “V” Star David Richmond-Peck Talks About Fall Finale, Georgie, and What’s Next
By: Adam Wright
You just witnessed the suspenseful Fall Finale of the new hit ABC series “V”. It will be a long wait until we see another minute of the show, however TVDoneWright.com was fortunate enough to talk to the star of “V” David Richmond-Peck.
We know David as Georgie, the leader of the resistance against the Visitors. Here’s what he had to say about the show, Georgie, and what can we expect when “V” returns.
Adam: We’ve just witnessed the last episode of “V” for 2009. We saw Georgie get shot, Jack get stabbed, Chad being told he’s dying by the Visitors, Ryan being told he’s going to be a father, and more. My first question is, when will this show ever pick up the pace? (Laughs). In all seriousness, the finale had me on the edge of the seat the whole way. What is it like to work on a high octane show like “V”?
David: It’s exhilarating. I’m proud to be a part of it. To begin with: it’s a show I would watch. That always makes it so much more fun. The fantastic thing about Georgie is that he’s in the middle of it all. It’s a tremendous amount of weight to carry but it’s infinitely more interesting as an actor. The possibilities for this kind of character are endless so things are constantly evolving. I never get bored. I think we (the cast) are managing to create some very interesting characters. It obviously stems from the fantastic formations of character that the writers have provided for us. That doesn’t always happen when things are moving so quickly. The challenge makes it all the more compelling.
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Adam: Did you watch the original mini-series before getting involved with the show?
David: I get asked this question a lot. I did watch it when I was young and I remember being very scared. That’s about it. I’ll watch it again when I know I’m through with Georgie. As I’m still developing little details about the character I tend to stay away from anything that might influence performance. I’ll do my own research but tend to stay away from watching other actors.
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David Richmond-Peck as Georgie Sutton
Adam: You play Georgie Sutton, who was introduced in the pilot as the leader of the resistance movement. Would it be right to call him a “conspiracy-theorist”? Tell me more about him.
David: I don’t think he believes he’s a conspiracy theorist at all; I’d say he’s a realist – but then, I’ve had the benefit of reading the script. (Laughs). There’s nothing about the visitor’s arrival or plans that isn’t 100% real to him. I could talk about this for hours but I prefer to not give away too many character details or thoughts. It’s way more fun to keep them secret. It gives people the chance to interpret as well. However, I will say this: I think Georgie would choose to have a normal life if he could. Kelly-Ruth and I talked about this for hours. He’s squeezed into this life he is forced to lead. He’s caught between his higher purpose and his right to have a normal life. It’s a great place to forge a character.
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Adam: What intrigued you to this character when you read the script for the first time?
David: I think I might have already answered that on the last question. The fact that the character is trapped keeps him in a constant state of struggle. It makes him extremely interesting. I was also drawn to the fact that the possibilities for Georgie were endless. I was fairly certain I wasn’t going to get bored.
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Adam: We learn that Georgie’s hate towards the Visitors is stemmed from losing his family. What’s it like to play an intense character like him?
David: First and foremost it’s a lot of fun. It’s always interesting to figure out how Georgie will react to his current circumstances. I will say it’s also extremely challenging. That’s a positive for me. There is, however, a tremendous weight to the character. You have to carry that loss and mental conflict with you throughout the day. You carry it into every scene. It can sometimes be tiring.
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Adam: We don’t know much more about his past, no doubt we’ll learn more about this mystery in the following episodes, right?
David: I can’t really answer that question because I have no idea. Some of my family really do believe that the cast always knows what’s coming in future episodes but, trust me, we really don’t. We find out what’s happening when we get each script. No kidding.
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Morris Chestnut as Ryan Nichols
Adam: Georgie does have allies, including Ryan who is a Visitor himself. Tell me about the dynamic between the two characters.
David: Saying too much about the relationship would give too much insight to what’s going on in Georgie’s mind. I will say that while he wants to work with Ryan but there are some trust issues that need to be resolved. How they get resolved and how long it takes is what I find interesting.
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Adam: In episode 4, Georgie gets shot. When you read the script and you saw that, what was your first thought?
David: Unfortunately I already knew that was going to happen. I had a conversation with (Executive Producer) Scott Peters about the story arc that morning. I did, however, think it was a fantastic read. I love being surprised when I first read a new script. It’s the only time I get to actually see the story as an audience member. I sit by myself with no distractions and just let it take me. You know it’s good when the actors enjoy reading the new scripts as much as working on them.
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Adam: Despite Ryan telling him not to, Georgie went after the Visitor and gets shot. Is that a lesson to all don’t mess with the V? (Laughs)
David: (Laughing). I think it’s a lesson not to mess with Georgie!
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Morena Baccarin as Anna
Adam: High Commander of the Visitors Anna has been one of those characters that lures you in one seconds, and scares you the next. How great of a job is Morena Baccarin doing playing her!
David: I think Morena is fantastic. She has truly captured Anna. I can’t see anyone else playing the role. As an audience member I find her fascinating. As a character I think she should be very careful.
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Elizabeth Mitchell as Agent Erica Evans
Adam: The show features a great cast all around, including Elizabeth Mitchell, who plays Erica. What’s it like working with the “Lost” star?
David: I have always been a massive “Lost” fan. I really enjoy watching Elizabeth Mitchell, Matthew Fox, and Terry O’Quinn. It’s a great cast all around. If you can believe it – working with her is even better. She’s a brilliant actor and a ton of fun.
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Adam: Speaking of “Lost”, “V” will most likely be airing following Lost when it returns. What do you think about this tag-team?
David: Obviously, a night of “V” and “Lost” would be one of the hottest nights on television. It’s unfortunate for viewers that “Lost” will be in its last season. I’ll certainly miss it. At this point in time I plan to enjoy both.
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Adam: The Fall Finale finished with several cliff-hangers. The wait will be brutal! What will you be doing until production begins again in January?
David: Working. I started an episode of Fringe about 9 hours after wrapping “V” so it’s already been quite busy. I’d also like to get away. Somewhere hot. Kelly-Ruth and I still haven’t decided where to go, but we’re headed to the Whistler Film Festival in early December so at least I know there’s some big snow in my future. I’m an avid snowboarder.
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Adam: “This is only the beginning” Anna said as the episode ended. What can we expect when “V” makes its return?
David: “V” is just getting started. I think you can expect one crazy ride. We have an amazing cast and the storylines are getting better and better. There will be nothing like it on television.
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Adam: Last we saw of Georgie, he survived the gunshot wound, and told Jack to be a soldier. What’s next for Georgie, do you know?
David: (Laughing). This is a question I am being asked repeatedly. It’s very much beyond my control. Personally, I see nothing but endless possibility for Georgie. He’s an extremely interesting character with a lot of internal and external conflict. Georgie’s future will depend on the direction of the show and whether or not viewers want to see more. We’ll have to wait to find out.
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Adam: This is a special treat for our fellow Canadian readers, how do you take Tim Hortons (laughs)
David: I used to be a double-double kind of guy. I know lean toward 1 cream 1 Splenda. Georgie’s in training.
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Special thanks to David for the exclusive interview. “V” makes its return in March of 2010.
Posted by Adam Wright
on November 24, 2009. Filed under Features.
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