Canadian show Lost Girl is the most watched scripted series on Showcase. Far into its second season in Canada, the show will premiere in the US on January 16, 2012. The show is centered on the supernatural seductress, Bo (Anna Silk), a strong yet vulnerable Succubus who feeds on human sexual energy, and covers Bo’s journey toward self-discovery.
Syfy held a media conference on January 10, 2012, where Lost Girl co-stars Anna Silk, Zoie Palmer and Kris Holden-Ried shared their thoughts on the series and the upcoming US premiere.
What to Expect from Season One of Lost Girl
Anna Silk introduces her character Bo, her journey in the Fae world and the different people she meets along the way. She is strong and sexy yet intensely vulnerable, and Lauren (Zoie Palmer) and Dyson (Kris Holden-Ried) are the first two interesting characters she meets--one human, the other Fae. Bo grew up thinking she’s human, but learns she’s a Succubus, which opens the door to a multitude of questions.
Dyson, a Fae police detective, finds and protects her, while Lauren, a human doctor who works for the Light Fae, helps Bo control some of the things that happen to her as she learns who she is.
An interesting love triangle develops between Bo, Lauren and Dyson. Palmer explained that everyone who meets Bo is taken with her and not just because of her beauty. There's something about her that attracts people. Lauren is drawn to Bo's character immediately for reasons she cannot entirely explain.
In the interview, Holden-Ried joked about Dyson's attraction to Bo’s cleavage, but he also said that his character sees in Bo “an innocent, beautiful but vulnerable woman that he finds fascinating” and that there is a story that connects Trick (Rick Howland), Bo and Dyson which unfolds in the show. Dyson’s instinct is to protect Bo, and in doing so, his feelings for her grow.
Their Character’s Journey in Season One
In season one, we learn that Lauren is indebted to Light Fae, specifically to their leader, The Ash, for a reason we don’t know yet. It’s unusual that a human would work for the Fae. This is the discovery of her story and the development of her relationship with Bo and the rest of the characters.
For Dyson, who’s been in a Fae world for millennia, the new thing is the journey of getting to know Bo. As for Bo, her ongoing journey is huge. She comes from a world where she thought she was human and realizes her extreme teenage sexual urges have fatal results. Her learning process continues throughout the season.
Fairy Mythology and Inspiration for Their Characters
Silk knew what a Succubus was before taking on Bo’s part and says it’s an intriguing role to play. “The fact that [Bo] is a sexual being is another element that makes our show stand out and it’s a pretty fun power to have,”she said.
Holden-Ried, who was always fascinated with this genre, was immediately on board when he got the part. And although Palmer didn’t have much contact with sci-fi in general, other than watching Battlestar Galactica, she said she is absolutely thrilled by her experiences with Lost Girl.
The Political System of Light and Dark Fae
Silk believes the show has an intricate political system and there is a push and pull between the two. It is Bo’s world - the world of divided - with a precarious balance and an interesting system to be part of as actors.
Dyson is an age old member of the Light Fae. “The difference between the two is that Light Fae try to live symbiotically with humanity, while Dark Fae dominate the humanity," Holden-Ried explained. Aligning with one or the other is what is expected from Bo, but choosing a side is difficult for her.
Palmer thinks that everyone has a reason for their behavior and believes Fae would commit acts that would be considered both good and bad.
All Fae have to survive off some sort of human energy, whether it’s spiritual, emotional, sexual. “And one of the main rules about being Fae is to keep their world secret to the humans," Silk explained.
Detective Element of the Show--Mystery of the Week Stories versus Mythology
According to Silk, in season one, the mystery of the week led to learning about the mythology. There is a different type of energy as the viewers are introduced to each type of Fae.
Holden-Ried enjoys the police procedural, but also looking into the different aspects of the Fae. Most of the Fae creatures are pulled from humans’ superstitions, religions which he finds fascinating.
Palmer mentioned that the story of the week often delves into Fae history.
Kris Holden-Ried on His Character Seeming Restrained and a Spoiler into Season Two
"The restrained part in Dyson is somehow inherent," Holden-Ried explained. He believes this comes from the fact that in season one the episodes weren’t shot in order and the actors had to play an ambiguous sort of line. Also, his style of acting is more internalizing rather than externalizing.
“What I like is that people use their imagination to put onto your character what it’s feeling, which is often more authentic than having me try to demonstrate something," Holden-Ried added.
He also said that in season two, getting to play another character in the show, particularly one like Ksenia Solo’s Kenzi, was a great experience.
The Actors Discuss Collaboration with Writers
The show's creator, Michelle Lovretta, and the writing staff developed strong, believable characters. The actors also have a great relationship with the writers and there is realistic dialogue, which is beneficial for the show. They do write to their strengths as actors and are open to their input.
Holden-Ried used the example of bigger budget shows where there are so many network checks that actors don’t get the chance to sit in the writers’ room and discuss the scripts before the read-through. “It’s a real collaborative treat and I think we’re all really enjoying it," he said.
Challenges of Shooting the Pilot and Anna’s Training for the Show
Bo learns along with the audience who she is, but she also find the process of finding answers reveals more questions. The challenge was to get Lost Girl up and running and set the groundwork for where the show would go and, of course, introducing the Fae world to Bo and the audience.
Silk was asked if she had much fight training for taking on Bo’s role. She did some physical training and worked out on Bo’s fighting style - especially between season one and season two - with a martial artist in Griffith Park in Los Angeles.
The Expansion of Season Two from 13 to 22 Episodes
Given the success of season one, there was the possibility they would get to shoot more episodes, which is particularly rare in Canada. Silk explained once they were into the filming, it was decided pretty quickly that was what was going to happen, considering the success of the show. Holden-Ried added this might have also been triggered by the show’s upcoming exposure in the U.S.
Silk also stressed how glad she is that Syfy airs the Canadian version of the show instead of a remake, and affirms: “It’s such a unique show. It was so specifically cast and I can’t imagine anyone else in these roles. Maybe one day, who knows (laughs) Lost Girl: Next Generation.”
Bo-Lauren Relationship Inspired LGBT Fans to Come Out
Silk said it is important that the relationship between Bo and Lauren is authentic and relatable. The response to the show is a testament to how hard both Silk and Palmer worked to make this a truthful relationship. "The fact that it encourages people in any way to be their own authentic selves is fantastic,” Silk added.
Palmer pointed out there is little representation of same-sex relationships on television and the fact that she and Silk, along with the writers, managed to pull off such a relationship that resonates with so many people is a great compliment.
It’s also essential that Bo/Lauren relationship isn’t labeled at all in the show, it’s simply a relationship between two people who love each other.
Audition Process for Lost Girl
During the interview, the three actors demonstrated how comfortable they are with each other, but the discussion on the audition was hilarious. Holden-Ried said he picked up Silk and pushed her against the wall, and that’s how he got the part. Palmer took the cue from him and said that’s also what she did to get Lauren's part. Silk, on the other hand, was worried she would fall on the floor and lose her short dress, then added that she and Holden-Ried left a crack in the wall of the casting director’s office.
Silk actually sent an audition tape as she was in Los Angeles at the time, then went to Toronto for the screen test with Holden-Ried. They both got their parts. Later, Silk screen tested with Palmer, who she knew from the audition circuit in Toronto. Silk said she’s happy and considers herself lucky to be working with her co-stars.
Social Media Contribution to Lost Girl’s Success
The show’s media savvy executive producers and their familiarity with how influential Internet and media exposure can be contributed to the show's success. All three actors talked about their comfort level with the social media buzz surrounding Lost Girl and how they appreciated the overwhelming response of their fans on Twitter.
They also discussed how passionate their audience has been so far. Silk mentioned a French fan who constantly sends her tweets. Holden-Ried applauded the power of the relationships fans can build with the person behind the character.
The Actors on Talking to the Media in Countries Where Lost Girl Hasn't Aired Yet
With Lost Girl now in its second half of season two in Canada, one question that popped up was how hard it is for the actors to prepare for interviews with media from the countries where the show hasn’t aired yet, without revealing what happens later.
In a nutshell, all three actors agreed that it’s difficult, but fun. Although they are now at the point where they finish shooting the penultimate episode of season two, they remember fondly the time when they were getting to know each other and set the foundation for what was to come in season one. Now, they have a better understanding of the show and their characters and they look forward to the audiences response.
The Powers of the Characters They’d Like to Have in Real Life
Silk said she would definitely like to have Bo’s power because it’s such a big part of who Bo is.
Holden-Ried would like Vex’s controlling powers, but he also enjoys the idea of turning into an animal and living for a long time. Silk continues saying he’s already pretty “wolfie” with his animalistic way of moving, which he blames on wearing tight underwear. “An actor prepares”, he said.
Palmer would be happy with a mix of Vex and Bo’s powers just for a day, or maybe a week.
Similar Shows on TV
The fact that the show is often compared to Buffy or True Blood is considered a huge compliment, though Silk reiterates that “Lost Girl has a unique voice. There’s a lot of darkness and humour. It’s a pretty sexy show, it’s like nothing I’ve seen before on television,” she said.
Lost Girl premieres in the U.S. on Monday, January 16, 2012 at 10 p.m. on SyFy.
Anca Dumitru - A Romanian native, Anca has been living and working in different European countries for a long time. With over 16 years of corporate life ...
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