Mackenzie Astin – Teenage Bounty Hunters

By starrymag | August 21, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) They say that father knows best, but it seemed like both parents weren’t that aware of what their daughters had been doing both in school or outside activities. As much as Mr. Wesley cares, he seemed to be too influenced by his wife and not able to find his footing and backbone with his family until the finale. What is it about Mr. Wesley that makes him reach his breaking point personally and professionally?

A) I think Anderson fell into a comfortable lifestyle resting on his father’s laurels and living in leisure and mostly just wanting to hunt or go carve decoys in the garage (Who doesn’t love faux gras?). But he’s got a good heart. Decency and kindness and love for his wife and kids drive him. He and Debbie (Virginia Williams) did the right thing when it came to taking on the responsibility of raising the girls together as one family. But often, in life, “doing the right thing” doesn’t make the problems go away entirely. When the skeletons from the past inevitably return, his number one goal becomes protecting the sanctity of his family. His breaking point comes when the bubble in which the Wesleys lives are threatened. Like any decent father, the safety of his children comes first. And what may appear on the outside as a lack of spine when Anderson acquiesces to Debbie’s unraveling plans is, in my opinion, perhaps better expressed as faith in his wife’s ability to lead. For better or for worse, like the vows say.

Q) The underlying love for family and the secrets we keep for and from them is a recurring theme. What is it about the ties that bind in the Wesley family that both connect them together and consistently attempt to tear them apart?

A) “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive,” goes the saying. The ties that bind this family are true – love, faith, service – but there’s a fatal flaw… the deception inherent to their origin story. It’s like a ship built of strong woo,d but sealed with compromised pitch. Eventually the saltwater truth is gonna eat its way through and, friends, you’re gonna take on water.

Q) I loved the evolving tensions and dynamic between your character and Virginia’s. It was palpable and perpetually building as we see each character open up more and let their guards down little by little. Talk about working off of her and how you were able to construct this tender yet tumultuous relationship we see play out on screen.

A) Can’t get much luckier playing a marriage than for your actor-spouse to be Virginia Williams. I’ve worked with a lot of people over an almost forty-year career and I’ve met few as dedicated, hardworking and committed to developing her character as Virginia. We spent a great deal of downtime figuring stuff out together. And when I say “together,” I mean “Virginia did it.” I listened and I learned. And occasionally made her giggle. She’s a dynamo. Never settling for less, and constantly creating new and interesting choices. She raised everyone’s game. I’m fortunate to be a teammate.

Q) The hunting trip with Blair hunting with her father seemed to bring push them farther apart and create more for the twins to investigate. Did the father divulge the information on purpose or accidentally because he was distracted by family drama?

A) Anderson got tricked! Lured in by Blair’s (Anjelica Bette Fellini) detective skills! She laid the trap and he got caught. I don’t know if the writers aimed for the metaphor to be so precise, but the predator became the prey out there in the forest that day.

Q) When it came to tracking down the girls in Nandina, was Wesley more concerned about what they would discover or finding out that Sterling wasn’t really his daughter?

A) I think Anderson’s main concern was their safety. By that point in the story, it’s clear that the girls are in over their heads – at least in the parents’ eyes – and whether or not the truth of Sterling’s (Maddie Phillips) patronage gets discovered takes a back seat to the twins’ wellbeing.

Q) Maddie and Anjelica have such intrinsic chemistry, which really feels like the two are in fact actually twins. When you began filming, what was it like firsthand watching their connection develop both on screen and off?

A) About thirty seconds in to the very first scene I shot with them I realized that I was in special company. Very special company. Chemistry is a very difficult thing to arrange, but, jeepers, it’s unmistakable when you see it. No matter what cosmic filing system you use, there can be no doubt that these two actors were meant to be together. Having a front-row seat to that kind of electricity is exciting.

Q) “Teenage Bounty Hunters” is this fast-paced quirky dramedy that seemingly doesn’t stop ever for a breath. How does the writing balance so well the quickness of the pace with the sharp dialogue that is riddled in social and cultural commentary all at the same time without sacrificing losing its core spunk?

A) The writing. The writing, the writing, the writing. Yes, we as actors do our jobs and bring our elements to it, but it all starts with the words. And we’re incredibly blessed to be in such capable hands. From the top down. Kathleen Jordan’s vision is what you see on screen.

Q) We leave off Teenage Bounty Hunters on such a shocking season finale where this family dynamic takes a huge twist and turn. What were your thoughts when you read the finale script about the reality of the Wesley family?

A) Tears. My heart broke for the girls. I’m not quite sure how we’re gonna get out of the fix we’re in, either. It’s a mess.

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film for the series?

A) Can I say “Every single scene?” It’s just a fantastic group of actors, a top-notch team of creatives, and such a wonderful crew. I had a ball. Hard work at times, but like Jimmy Dugan says in A League Of Their Own: “It’s supposed to be hard – the hard is what makes it good.”

Q) What do you think it is about this series that has made it such a fast fan favorite?

A) The writing. The writing, the writing, the writing. Add to that the pure magic that is Maddie and Anjelica, the deep and grounded truth that Kadeem [Hardison] brings, sprinkle in the ridiculously gifted supporting players, and you have something that people want to spend time with. Did I mention the writing, though?

Q) What kind of feedback have you been receiving to the show?

A) A lot of people have wondered about the scene in episode three where Anderson has a little trouble swaggering his way up the stairs. Friends have asked if I tripped on purpose or if that was a literal misstep. A magician never reveals his secrets, but I can say this… Anyone who has ever spent considerable time with Ken Marino can tell you exactly what happened on that staircase.

Q) What did you personally take away from your time working on “Teenage Bounty Hunters?”

A) Two Diet Cokes from craft service every night at wrap.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who continue to be such fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

A) Infinitely grateful for so many years of love and support and, stay tuned, the best is yet to come.