I think he’s growing on him, as much as one could when he is responsible for my father’s death. He is growing on me, as far as the character is concerned, but I think Murphy’s still hesitant towards him, and I think the relationship between Murphy and Jaha, going forward, is awesome to see. We change it every single episode. Every single little moment that me and Isaiah have with one another, changes our relationship. Even the smallest things change it in one way or another.
Can you talk about what it’s like to work with Isaiah Washington?
It’s awesome. He is one of my favorite people to work with. I love it. I’m going to refrain from swearing on this, but I effing love it. I love the guy, and he shows me so much respect. I love it, and I think we work together so well.
We challenge one another, and I love it. Great work relationship.
What kind of dangers are going to be seen on the way to the City of Light?
It’s an endless list. What Murphy said when he was going – “there’s a million ways to die out there.” There’s probably a million and one. It’s everything from the heat of the sun in the desert, to lack of supplies, to maybe we’re going to see some more creatures out there that we’re not used to. We don’t know. I’ll say that you have to look within the group, to trust everyone that we’re with, to make it that far, and have the patience and not kind of go stir crazy. There are a lot of tests, and not everyone has the kind of mental fortitude to handle it. Every single thing out there is danger, no matter how much you trust it. It’s all a danger.
We meet a new character, and it is one of my favorite twists that I’ve seen in the show, especially for Murphy. This person has a different sort of effect on Murphy than we’ve seen anyone have on him, and I think it’s really nice to see Murphy in a different way. But, again, you’ve got to be careful of everything. You’ve always got to be looking over your shoulder. So we’re meeting a new character, and I’m thinking the audience is going to be a big fan of what we’re going to do there.
That’s the thing: Would they have let him be a part of the storm on Mount Weather? You never know. They treat him like crap, and everyone now has done, in my opinion, just as bad as Murphy had ever did, and sometimes with less of a reason than Murphy had, but still, they treat Murphy like the bad guy, and I don’t think he is. I think the only difference between a good guy and a bad guy is how long the camera stays on them, and the score they use. I think this season, you’re seeing that. Yeah, they made him a bad guy. We were seeing the show through Clarke’s lens, but now Season 2 we’re seeing it through everyone’s scope, and everyone’s getting a chance to tell the audience their own story. I think he’s not so much of a bad guy when you really get to know him. Is he the best guy in the world? No. But he’s just a person.
I’ve got questions from fans asking if I like the good Murphy or the bad Murphy more, and I’m like “he’s the same person.” He’s the same person; there’s no change in him. You’re just seeing him alone now.
You mentioned the fans, and obviously Murphy has become a fan favorite… is there any chance of becoming a series regular for Season 3?
Well, I don’t know. We’ll have to see if I make it first. It’s a long journey through the desert. You know what? Maybe that’s my City of Light. Maybe my City of Light is being a series regular, and we’ll see if Murphy gets through the desert. Maybe I can make it there too.
What was your reaction upon hearing that the show was picked up for a third season so early?
I was ecstatic. I couldn’t believe it. I was talking to Dean White, our producer/director, the night before, at our wrap party. I was telling him I was nervous that it was not going to go again. And he was like “No. Just trust me. It’s fine.” And then, the very next morning, we found out that we got picked up. I was so excited. I still am very excited. It hasn’t worn off yet. I just didn’t expect to hear it so soon.
It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done in my life, and I’ve been doing this for almost 14 years now. I’ve never done a show like it. I doubt that I ever will. I was talking to our head of makeup on one of our last days of shooting this season, and I was telling her it’s different. It’s almost like not shooting film and television. It’s like its own separate little world that we’re in. It’s the best crew, such a great cast… I love ’em. I love every single part of it, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Do you have any final words for any of your fans who will be reading this?
Thank you for giving Murphy a chance! And for those who haven’t given him a chance yet, just wait. Just hear Murphy out!
The 100 episode “Rubicon” airs TONIGHT (February 11) at 9PM on The CW. You can see some preview images from the episode here.
