Haven’s Emily Rose – CliqueClack interview

I was lucky enough to interview Emily Rose, Haven’s Audrey Parker, while she was in New York for New York Comic Con two weeks ago. For those who don’t know, Haven surrounds the mysterious “troubles” of fictional small town Haven, Maine. During season one, FBI agent Audrey Parker tracks a criminal to Haven, only to stay upon discovering her hidden links to its mysterious history. Throughout season two, the audience (and Audrey) discover the “troubles” are far greater than previously expected.

For fifteen minutes, after her NYCC panels, autograph sessions, and press room discussion, we chatted about Haven’s second season, its Christmas episode and what might happen next year.

She described Audrey’s character growth as a “direct result of her world shifting” to an entirely new level. She juxtaposed the similar shift in the show’s overall tone to a viewer relationship. Season one surrounded a sweet, innocuous-seeming town with a dark core while season two features a dark town with an even darker core. Like most relationships, she stated the first stage focuses on getting people to like you. But, once the couples feel comfortable with each other, they start going into deeper places, much like Haven itself. She admitted the darker tone also reflects the collaboration of the actors and production staff to create the type of television they enjoy watching. Regarding Nathan and Audrey’s relationship, especially after the kiss, she viewed it as the anti-romantic comedy romance. Neither is the most “socially aware person” and Audrey is a “walking awkward moment.” Rather than watching two people easily connect, the audience observes a woman with a fractured identity and a man who can’t feel try to reach other.

When asked what might occur next year, she admitted she hadn’t heard back from the writers, yet; but, she no longer guessed after season one’s finale. However, after season two’s portrayal of Vince and Dave as more than cuddly older gentlemen, she wouldn’t mind if her character hopped back and forth in time to reveal glimpses of her past relationships.

We briefly discussed the holiday episode and if it might fit into the continuity somehow. She assured me it wouldn’t. It’s basically a “feel-good gift to the fans” to serve as an intermission-like “appetizer” until season three rolls around. She remembered watching the Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), Full House (1987-1995) and Family Matters growing up. Those types of films and 22-episode shows gave viewers a peek into the characters at the holiday time, which doesn’t happen as frequently on 13-episode shows.

So, I thank Emily Rose again for taking the time to sit down with me. Between finishing Haven’s aforementioned second season, attending SyFy’s press tour, preparing for Uncharted 3’s publicity, and her recent marriage, I’m surprised she has time for keeping active on social media like twitter. But, I’m glad she sets aside time to review the sites that review her shows.

I’ve said this many, many, many times before, but I’ll say it again. Haven is a good show. The writers, actors, and producers have done a phenomenal job. As a viewer and a TV critic it’s always exciting when a show becomes tighter, stronger and more cohesive as the seasons progress. I hope Haven maintains that momentum for season three.

For part two of the audio interview and a partial transcript of our conversation, click to the second page.

Clacked by An Nicholson
on Oct 27, 2011 @ 16:00 EST5EDT