The August 22 episode of Roswell New Mexico titled “Follow You Down” is a big one for numerous reasons: For one, it is the 50th episode of the series, which is a milestone for any TV show. Secondly, its directed by one of the series’ stars, Heather Hemmens, who returns to the director’s chair for another go-round in addition to her continuing performance as Maria on the show. Finally, and sadly, it’s two episodes before the very end of the show, as Season 4 has been revealed as the series’ last.
Before we get to the end, though, KSiteTV spoke with Heather Hemmens herself about directing this big episode, what it’s like approaching the finale, and some other burning questions fans of Roswell New Mexico may be having. You can find the interview below.
KSITETV’s CRAIG BYRNE: When you shot this episode, did you have any idea that you were so close to the end of the series?
HEATHER HEMMENS: No, we didn’t. We didn’t know until we had filmed the entire season. There was a goodbye because we were done with the season, but we really haven’t had an official goodbye yet.
When we were filming this episode, I think the energy and the love that we have for the show shines through, and I’m kind of glad that we didn’t know. I think it would have brought an air of sadness to the set, so I like that we were shielded from that news. [If we had known] during the shooting, I think maybe it could have been a little defeating or distracting to our work.
Is there any particular shot or moment from this episode that you’re particularly proud of?
The opening shot is on the planet Oasis, which is their home planet, and I love this location. It was stunning. It was like a big canyon quirk giant rock walls that we were able to bounce light off of. We had all these little fires burning, which is what we established for the whole planet… we got to establish the look, the colors, and all of the design of what this home planet would be like in its essence. That opening shot is really just a moment of awe for me. It was really, really fun, and I’m very proud of the way that it came out.
For me, it’s always been about the team. I had the most wonderful collaborators that became friends that became family on this show, from the cast to the most magnificent crew that were able to handle anything. We just had such a good group of people. And I was just honored to know them, and humbled to work with them.
Do you think that helped you as a director, also having worked with him for so many years, I know you’ve directed them before. But you know, just having these people that you knew you could rely on.
Can you tease anything about the possibility of having Tyler Blackburn back as Alex, or anything that the “Malex” fans may want to know?
I can’t say. But I would say for a teaser about the episode as a whole is that we are waiting for certain moments in the development of all these characters, so we will have a culmination of some dynamics we’ve been waiting for. There are big payoffs that come in this episode. We wanted the 50th episode to be a celebration episode. It was very special to us, and it has special moments that live up to that expectation of one of our grander episodes for the series as a whole, because we were celebrating the 50th. So, everyone who has been with us on this journey is going to be cheering in front of their televisions when they watch this episode.
Can you preview what Liz is going through in this episode?
Liz is reeling from not having the Mist. She had a massive dose, and now she’s kind of in what we would call like a withdrawal phase. There’s a big point of contention within the gang, that they don’t want her to have the Mist anymore, and she is determined to get it, so we’re gonna see them have a little intervention for Liz.
The official description for the episode teased a big confrontation for Max this week. Can you talk about that at all?
I will say that there are some very unexpected alliances, so he’s got some challenges, but he’ll find help in unexpected places.
Is there anything in the four years that you wish you could have done as Maria that you didn’t have the chance to do?
I don’t think so. I was always so appreciative of the fact that Maria had so much fun, and she had really intense emotional journeys. She had love, and loss, and she took on each of those battles with grace, and grit, and loyalty that I admire in her. It was an honor to play. I feel like Maria lived, and I was I was happy to live through her.
What kind of directing work would you like to do next?
I just directed something that I also created. I can’t say too much about it yet, but I have already been back in the director’s chair, and that’s something I’ll continue to do. Probably. Maybe something for Warner Brothers definitely something for Hallmark. As far as as my journey directing, I’m just beginning, and it’s really exciting.
Is there anything you can tell us about what might be coming for Maria before the series ends?
We’re going to see Maria have a little flirtation. She’s been a while without romance in her life. She’s been very focused on getting through one tragedy after another. But, we’re going to see a little bit of ease come into Maria’s life. No earned peace.
Is there anything you’d like to say to the fans who will be reading this?
I just want to thank everyone for going on this journey with us. I will miss it just as much as them. So, thank you for being on the ride. And we’ll see you on the next one!
HEATHER HEMMENS DIRECTS – As Liz (Jeanine Mason) begins to see the error of her ways, she is quickly faced with a new threat which forces her to make a difficult decision. Meanwhile, Max (Nathan Dean) finds himself in an intense standoff and Michael (Michael Vlamis) begins to lose hope of ever reuniting with Alex (Tyler Blackburn). The series also stars Lily Cowles, Michael Trevino, Heather Hemmens and Amber Midthunder. The episode was directed by Heather Hemmens and written by Steve Stringer & Danny Tolli (#411). Original airdate 8/22/2022. Every episode of ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO will be available to stream on The CW App and CWTV.com the day after broadcast for free and without a subscription, log-in or authentication required.
