Simon Helberg talks Poker Face Season 2 Finale

Summary

In this engaging interview, the actor discusses his role as Luca, a quirky yet endearing FBI agent who rises through the ranks in unexpected ways. He shares his excitement about portraying the character, from cracking cases with Natasha to navigating thrilling action sequences. The actor reflects on the challenges of wearing FBI gear and performing intense stunts, highlighting the fun and technical aspects of his role. With humor and enthusiasm, he teases the season finale and the future of his character, leaving fans eager to see what comes next in this high-energy, twist-filled show.

Takeaways

• 😀 Luca is a character with a unique and endearing rise through the FBI ranks, starting from the lowest level and progressing through various roles.
• 😀 His journey involves a symbiotic partnership with Natasha, who helps him crack cases thanks to her ability to detect lies.
• 😀 Their relationship is described as a mix of professional cooperation and a sort of forbidden romance, adding a layer of complexity to the storyline.
• 😀 The actor playing Luca finds joy in participating in action sequences, car chases, and situations that offer a new type of experience for him.
• 😀 As an actor, there's excitement in seeing the progression of the story, especially the final season developments, without knowing exactly what will happen next.
• 😀 The actor's surprise at the twists in the script, especially during the finale, highlights the skillful storytelling by Ryan Johnson and the unpredictable nature of the show.
• 😀 The finale of *Poker Face* includes significant action sequences, such as car chases, explosions, and moments of heroism, which are thrilling for the actor to perform.
• 😀 The experience of wearing FBI gear, including the bulletproof vest and coat, gives the actor a sense of security but also presents physical challenges, like restricted movement.
• 😀 The actor also mentions being harnessed during certain scenes, adding a layer of complexity to the physicality of the role.
• 😀 Learning how to handle a gun and performing technical tasks associated with the FBI role has been a fun and challenging aspect of the role for the actor.
• 😀 The actor humorously mentions their 'sunglasses work' in reference to iconic TV moments, referencing the 'David Caruso school of acting.'

Q & A

Can you tell us about Luca's character progression throughout the show?

Luca starts at the lowest level in the FBI, where he's handling tasks like driving retired gangsters and dropping off their dry cleaning. With the help of Natasha, who has a unique ability to detect lies, Luca begins cracking cases. His progression is endearing as he rises through the ranks in a somewhat clumsy yet charming way.

How would you describe Luca's relationship with Natasha?

Luca and Natasha share a symbiotic and somewhat forbidden relationship. Their partnership is built on mutual support, with Natasha helping Luca crack cases due to her special skill in detecting lies, while Luca assists her in other ways. This dynamic adds an intriguing layer to their connection.

What makes playing Luca such a joy for the actor?

Playing Luca is a joy because of the variety of experiences the character undergoes, from action sequences to car chases, and the excitement of being involved in something so dynamic and fun. The character's rise from a low-level agent to a more prominent position adds a sense of growth and fulfillment.

As an actor, how do you approach the buildup towards a season finale?

The buildup to the season finale is thrilling for an actor because of the excitement in seeing how the story culminates. As a fan of the show, the actor is also in the dark about what will happen, so discovering the twists and turns along with the audience is a fun and rewarding experience.

Do actors have any idea of the plot ahead of time during filming?

No, actors don't typically know the outcome of the show. They learn about the plot when they open the scripts, which keeps the experience fresh and exciting. Even the finale, with its twists, surprises the actors, just as it does the viewers.

What is it like for Luca to wear FBI gear on set?

Wearing the FBI gear, including the bulletproof vest, is a unique experience for the actor. It provides a sense of security but also adds complexity, as it's physically restrictive. At times, the actor even wears a harness, making it feel almost like putting on a Victorian-era suit with many layers.

How does Luca handle the technical aspects of being an FBI agent, such as using a gun?

Luca has to learn how to handle a gun and deal with other technical aspects of being an FBI agent. The actor found it to be a fun learning experience, as it required mastering new skills and performing action sequences, adding an exciting dimension to the role.

How does the actor feel about participating in action sequences like car chases and explosions?

The actor enjoys participating in action sequences like car chases and explosions. It’s a new and exhilarating experience for them, providing a sense of excitement and joy to be involved in high-intensity scenes that they hadn't experienced in previous roles.

What kind of action scenes is Luca involved in, and how does the actor feel about them?

Luca is involved in various action scenes, including car chases, saving the girl, and explosions. The actor finds these scenes thrilling and engaging, and it's a new experience compared to previous roles. The excitement of the scenes makes each day on set an adventure.

What are some of the iconic moments that the actor looks forward to in the finale?

The actor is excited about the twists and turns in the finale, particularly the big reveal of who the iguana is. The action-packed moments, including car chases and explosions, are highlighted as being particularly thrilling, and the actor can't wait for the audience to see these exciting developments.