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[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Found Season 2 Episode 17 “Missing While Manipulated.”]
In a pivotal moment of Found, Margaret (Kelli Williams) uncovers a surprising twist regarding Heather (Danielle Savre) when she meets Trent (Brett Dalton) outside of the prison after visiting Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar). The revelation that Heather is, in fact, Sir’s sister, Lena, adds an intriguing layer to the storyline. Gosselaar, who directed this episode, shares insights on the evolution of this moment and what viewers can expect moving forward.
During the scene where Margaret makes her realization about Heather, the delivery was powerful. What was your intention for hinting at this twist during their initial encounter outside the prison?
Mark-Paul Gosselaar: Initially, the script called for Margaret to go into a flashback at that moment, but I felt it could detract from the immediate story. With the buildup surrounding Sir’s accomplice, revealing this too early would disrupt the narrative’s momentum. I proposed to showcase Margaret’s realization later, during a conversation with Gabi (Shanola Hampton), which allowed the suspense to build. Thankfully, the creative team was receptive to the idea, and the decision paid off, maintaining the audience’s engagement until the end of the episode.
Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed working with McKinley Belcher, whose background in stage acting brought a rich depth to his character. His professionalism and energy complemented the talent of Shanola, creating a dynamic atmosphere on set. It was crucial to me that we had a performer capable of handling the complex emotional scenes, and McKinley certainly delivered.
Reflecting on directing the scenes where Margaret and Trent visit Sir, what unique challenges did you encounter?
Directing these intense prison visitations required careful attention to the interactions and the underlying tensions at play. By now, we have developed a strong understanding of our characters, so the focus shifted to the nuances of each scene. My role was to establish the shots and ensure that every actor’s performance aligned with the emotional gravity of the moment. Collaborating with the crew, including our directing team, allowed us to explore creative angles and capture the essence of those interactions effectively.
Having spent considerable time in the prison basement setting during filming, did anything about the set surprise you while directing?
Given my familiarity with the space from previous scenes, I wasn’t surprised by much. However, I aimed to create a nod to our history in that set, particularly during a key exchange between Gabi and Dhan (Karan Oberoi). The visual design harkened back to previous moments, evoking an emotional connection for me as a director.
With the truth about Heather revealed, how will Sir and Lena’s relationship evolve moving forward? How does it differ from Sir’s dynamics with Christian (Michael Cassidy)?
The relationship between Sir and Lena will reveal more complexity than previously seen. Lena demonstrates a stronger resolve and a unique affection for Sir, shaped by their shared history. Future episodes will delve into how Sir’s influence on her life has been both protective and transformational, establishing a new layer to their connection compared to Sir’s relationship with Christian.
What implications does this revelation have for Sir’s interactions with Gabi going forward?
This new dynamic heightens the stakes for everyone involved in M&A. With Lena’s newfound assertiveness, we will see her making choices that could challenge Sir’s authority, leading to more intense and possibly dangerous situations for the team. The narrative intensity will escalate rather than wane as the season progresses, driven by our talented writing team’s ability to maintain suspense throughout the lengthy season.
Among all the visitors Sir has in prison, who stands out as his preferred guest besides Gabi?
In truth, Sir holds little regard for any visitor aside from Gabi, as I’ve chosen to portray him as emotionally detached from others around him. This perspective will be reinforced in upcoming episodes, showcasing Sir’s perception of others as interchangeable, a critical aspect of his character development.
Found airs Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC.
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