Ahead of the start of the new season of Murder In The First tonight on FOX in the UK, Female First got the chance to put some questions to star of the show, Ian Anthony Dale. Read on to find out what he had to say...
What can you tell us about the new season of Murder In The First and what's in store for your character Lieutenant Jim Koto?
It's a whole new season, with new crimes and a new twist that will keep the audience guessing at every turn. In the first few moments of season two, Koto and the rest of the Homicide unit are thrust right into the middle of one of the most shocking crimes in San Francisco history, as a mass shooting on a High School bus spills into the streets of the city followed by a shootout with the SFPD and a manhunt for one of the assailants. While the season begins with this more thematically driven narrative, the real mystery begins when cops start turning up dead, causing a great number of law enforcement officials to become suspicious of each other.
What was it about this show and the role of Jim that drew you to getting involved?
There were a number of factors that drew me to this project. First, I've always been a huge fan of Steven Bochco's NYPD Blue and was intrigued by the prospect of working with him. Secondly, I loved the concept of a show in which each season is built around a new mysterious crime. And lastly, with Jim, I saw the opportunity to play a complex character that could really develop over time.
Can you tell us a little bit about a typical day on-set filming the series?
Recently I've been shadowing directors on our show, so a typical day for me lately involves wearing two hats. Once I complete my scenes as an actor, I change out of wardrobe and spend the rest of the day next to the director, observing and discussing the filmmaking process. Shadowing is really a great way to learn how the entire TV making mechanism works. I had the distinct pleasure of shadowing the gifted and talented Allison Anders who taught me a great deal about the importance of collaboration and trusting the talent around you.
How does working on Murder In The First compare to past work you've done?
It feels more grounded. [Steven] Bochco is known for his skill at using the dramatic series form to bring difficult issues to the forefront in a powerfully realistic way. In this season of Murder in the First, we portray events that are shocking and jarring, with similarities to tragedies that have unfortunately become a part of our lives. We are committed to telling the story with the utmost sensitivities that provoke questions and spark conversations in the hopes of ultimately understanding the "how" and "why" of these crimes, and what can be done to prevent them in the future. I like being a part of a show that isn't afraid to stir debate.
What are some of your favorite or memorable moments that have happened behind the scenes of the show?
Whether we're stuffing our faces with Kogi tacos or playing a pickup game of football outside the stages, there's never a shortage of fun behind the scenes on Murder In The First. One of my favorite moments this past season was having dinner with the cast while filming in San Francisco. It was the first time in two seasons we were able to get together and have that bonding experience. Those moments are precious to me, and they really help to create that sense of unity on screen. A number of us will be in London for the UK premiere of the show so I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of trouble we can get into together across the pond.
How did it feel when you were asked back for the show and a second season was confirmed?
I was absolutely elated! This season marks the first time in my career a show I've been on as a series regular has made it to a season two. It couldn't have happened on a better show and with a better group of people. I consider myself very fortunate.
What is it about the show that you think makes it so popular with the fans?
Murder in the First takes 12 episodes to explore the crime and the issues surrounding it, all in the hopes of answering the question, "How did we get to this point?" By following the progress of a case over 12 episodes, Murder in the First provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the causes of such crimes compared to other dramas that can spend only one or two episodes. The season long format really gives the audience an opportunity to invest, develop their own suspicions and theories, and be a part of solving the case. I think people like feeling that sense of involvement.
Finally what's next for you?
So many good fortunes have come my way, and I'm trying to pay it forward by helping to raise money to complete "Bulbul: Song Of The Nightingale," a documentary that brings attention to the social and human injustices suffered by the Banchara tribe in India. The Banchara has existed at the bottom of Indian society for centuries, relying on prostitution as their economic lifeblood, forcing girls as young as twelve years old into the trade. By sharing the story of the Banchara, our hope is to raise awareness and spark sustainable change within their community through healthcare, education, and alternative economic opportunities. To learn more visit bulbulthedocumentary.com.
Murder In The First starts tonight at 10pm on FOX.