People often need to find comfort in others when they experience dramatic, life-altering events. That’s certainly the case with pre-med college student Lourdes, played by Seychelle Gabriel, in TNT’s hit sci-fi action thriller ‘Falling Skies.’ Currently airing its second season on TNT on Sunday nights at 9/8c, the series showcases how Lourdes and the other survivors of an alien invasion on Earth cope with losing their families and civilization as they know it.
‘Falling Skies’ follows a group of civilians and soldiers struggling against an alien force that has invaded earth. In the chaotic aftermath of the alien attack, most of the world has become completely incapacitated. In the six months since the initial invasion, the few human survivors have banded together outside major cities to begin fighting back. Not only must the citizen soldiers left have to protect the people in their care, they must also engage in an insurgency campaign against the occupying alien force.
Gabriel generously took the time to speak to us about filming ‘Falling Skies.’ Among other things, the actress spoke about what attracted her to the role of Lourdes, what it’s like with co-star Noah Wyle and why she enjoys the sci-fi genre.
ShockYa (SY): You’re reprising your role of Lourdes, a young pre-med college student whose education was cut short by the alien invasion, on the current second season of TNT’s ‘Falling Skies.’ What was it about Lourdes, and the show overall, that attracted you to the role?
Seychelle Gabriel (SG): I actually really dug one of the audition scenes. Lourdes and little Matt Mason are chatting together doing laundry with some river water, and Lourdes kind of opens up to him about losing her family. I just liked that dynamic between the two of them, both not equipped to fight, but finding each other to talk to. It was definitely a bit motherly for her, but also an unexpected friend. The show brings a lot of those weird or unexpected dynamics out between people, which I like.
SY: Since her college education was cut short, Lourdes now helps Anne Glass, played by Moon Bloodgood, as a medic. What is your working relationship with Moon like?
SG: It’s pretty awesome. We’re really close, and whether it’s letting steam off or just being there for the other, she’s a friend and actor that I really revere. We do indulge in the occasional after-work-kareoke-sesh. So that’s never bad.
SY: Steven Spielberg has executive produced 12 episodes of ‘Falling Skies.’ Did you get to work with him on any episodes, and if so, what was the experience like?
SG: No, but that would be sweet though. He’s come to set only a couple times, but we’ve also had a couple instances where we’ve gotten to chat with him and hear him talk about what’s in store for the show and those were great. He’s a really cool guy.
SY: Noah Wyle plays Tom Mason, the current second in command of the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment, on ‘Falling Skies.’ What has the experience of acting with Noah on the show been like?
SG: It’s been very cool. Noah’s a straight up pro, and can definitely lend a hand medically for when Moon and I need it. Plus, we can both gush on how sexy Bonnie Raitt is, so he’s a friend.
SY: The first season of ‘Falling Skies’ garnered generally positive reviews from critics. The show has also been nominated, and won, several awards, including the Critics’ Choice Television Awards’ Most Exciting New Series. What’s the feeling like, knowing that people have been accepting the show?
SG: Oh snap! I didn’t know that. That’s awesome, doesn’t feel too shabby.
SY: ‘Falling Skies’s first season premiere was cable television’s biggest series launch of 2011. Have you been receiving positive reactions from fans who you’ve spoken to?
SG: Definitely! We have some pretty devoted fans. I love hearing their reactions to cliffhangers or my friends’ defensive reactions to that alien bug on my shoulder.
SY: Are there any details about what’s going to happen during the rest of the season of ‘Falling Skies’ that you can discuss?
SG: You’re gonna see that skitter with the red eye hang out a little bit more probably, and some new characters, alien and non-alien…
SY: ‘Falling Skies’ is an action sci-fi thriller that follows the alien invasion of Earth. What is it about the sci-fi genre that you enjoy so much?
SG: The fans and the whole enthusiasm of the genre. Everyone is just so stoked about it, it’s awesome.
SY: Besides ‘Falling Skies,’ you’ve made a name for yourself on such shows as ‘Weeds’ and ‘The Legend of Korra.’ What is it about television series that you enjoy so much?
SG: That they keep hiring me! Just kidding. But not really. But really though, it’s fun because you never really know what’s around the corner. It challenges you to be a better adapter, which I think has really helped me grow as an actor.
SY: Aside from television, you’ve also starred in several films, including ‘The Spirit’ and ‘The Last Airbender.’ Do you have a preference of one medium over the other, or do you enjoy acting overall?
SG: I mean, not really. I love how in television you have the opportunity to get so close with a cast because of your constant work together. But work-wise, I do love the boundaries of just one film script, and just living with those scenes for a long time.
SY: Do you have any upcoming acting projects that you can discuss?
SG: Not particularly, but I may possibly be in a cool indie comedy my friend wrote. But definitely Season 3 of ‘Falling Skies’ and Season 2 of ‘The Legend of Korra!’
Written by: Karen Benardello
Photo Credit-Andrew McLeod