Ben Bass – Rookie Blue

Q) What can you tease will be new this season on “Rookie Blue” and with your character Sam?

A) We got a new rookie (Duncan) that proves to be a challenging and disturbing character in ways we’ve never seen on the show before. Andy gets into unexpected hot water with him. Sam recovers from his gunshot and is faced with making a choice: Am I going to do everything I can to try and get back and keep Andy McNally? It’ll take him into some dark, personal territory. We had some fabulous guest star performances with terrific actors I got to share the screen with.

Q) How does getting shot and almost dying change Sam’s priorities and the relationships in his life?

A) For one thing, I think it makes him realize if he can survive that, he can survive opening himself up in ways we wouldn’t have wanted to or just couldn’t. Getting shot has also given him perspective on what’s really important in life and what isn’t. And the question is quietly asked: How can you be true to yourself and your dreams?

Q) This is the first season that “Rookie Blue” has gotten a twenty-two episode order instead of twelve. Has that made a big difference in terms of how storylines evolve as opposed to previous seasons?

A) It makes a big difference in terms of the overall work load, particularly for the writers, but also for us and the long haul. Doing a lead in any kind of project, from theater to film/TV, takes so much time and diligent effort it just takes over your life. In terms of storyline development, I think doing twenty-two has afforded the writers a chance to think in longer arcs for the characters and given them the opportunity to conceive of a bigger  picture of the “Rookie Blue” world and where they’d like to see it end up. Which is more work, but hopefully leads to a bigger pay off at the end.

Q) With Oliver now in charge, how does Sam take to having him as a boss?

A) It’s easy as pie. In some ways, I think it makes Sam relax a little because he knows Shaw will always have his back, even when he has to bend the rules. And he doesn’t have to hide that so much from Oliver. Oliver is game, they came up together, they are brothers and they always will be. No two cops in the division have dirt on each other and love for each other the way Shaw and Swarek do.

Q) What scene from Season 5 did you note at the table read that you had a feeling fans would really love?

A) That’s an interesting question. Anytime Andy and Sam get a really challenging and emotional scene, if the writing is in good shape at the time of the reading, I usually get a sense they will enjoy those scenes. Missy and I have a unique chemistry that really informs and enlivens our scenes and we both really enjoy doing them. And there is a familiarity with each other as people and as actors that keeps us very connected. It’s very powerful.

Q) What are some qualities in Sam that you have enjoyed getting to explore the most this season?

A) I think he may be loosening up a bit. I hope so! I’m trying to bring more of that to the table and, hopefully, it will manifest in a somewhat humorous way. I’m trying to get him outside the box.

Q) It seems as though Andy will be in a love triangle with Nick and Sam at the beginning of Season 5. Will there be a constant back and forth all season or will Andy make a definite decision early on?

A) Ooo! Good question! To answer it in an old-school spy speak, “I’m afraid if I answered that, I’d have to kill you.”

Q) Sam and Andy have quite a bond together. Do you consider Andy to be the love of Sam’s life?

A) ABSOLUTELY. That is the core of it, it is a modern-day Romeo and Juliet set in a police station, with a potential happy ending thrown in.

Q) If Sam and Andy are given a second chance at romance together this season, how do you think it will be different than last time?

A) Well, given the fact that they’ve both grown extensively over the seasons, the near death experiences they’ve had AND having been and NOT been with each other (i.e. life is better fro them when they are together) I think they will be very committed to doing EVERYTHING they can to try to make it work, come hell or high water.

Q) As time has gone by on “Rookie Blue,” do you see more of your personality and temperament in Sam or have you become less alike?

A) Interesting question. I see more opportunities to give him a little more dimension. And that, I would say, comes from me. In other words, it’s interesting to me to see how I can give the character more scope and personality while remaining true to the character. It surprises me how sometimes I’ll be thinking in terms of “Classic Swarek” and “New Swarek.” But those are terms that come into my head occasionally which, as I say, I find surprising, but fascinating.

Q) With the success of the show, have you gotten used to the fame that comes along with it?

A) Life really feels the same. It’s nice to run into people that enjoy the show. There seems to be an identifiable common bond that “Rookie Blue” fans share. I was talking with some fans recently and you get the sense that they all know each other, even if we have got two people from New Mexico, two people from Nova Scotia and one from Vancouver. They come across like they have been friends forever. I like that.

Q) You have mentioned your tattoo “Luc” honors a beloved character you played. After playing Sam for so many seasons, any plans to honor him in a similar fashion?

A) Ha! That’s a funny question. Unexpected. I hadn’t thought of it for Sam. One of the reasons I got the “Luc” tattoo was because I’d had a specific dream to attain something special with that part. And quickly dismissed it, as one must in order to stay connected to reality, rigorous with their discipline and ALSO not set oneself up for a let down. However, the dream pretty much came true and it resulted in a very special, once in a lifetime experience for me. On my last in Montreal (where I performed the play The Orphan Muses) I was walking home from the theater with my belongings thinking, “I must immortalize this experience somehow.” As I walked by the Super Rock Tattoo Parlour on St. Catherine (there no more) I couldn’t think of anything, kept walking, got to St. Laurent, the light turned green and I thought: “Luc!” And turned around.