Mellany Barros – Motherland: Fort Salem

By starrymag | August 10, 2021

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) Penelope sure knows how to make an entrance, seems like she might be a candidate as a backup with Ursula since it didn’t work out so well with Ariel. Tally tells Penelope “You can’t do this if you hate who you are.” What is it about her newfound power that Penelope finds frightening and is apprehensive about?

A) This is all so new for Penelope. Being the only child and losing her mother earlier on in life, on top of being the Vice President’s daughter, she’s always been very sheltered and protected. She especially feels a lot of pressure from her father as well as the entire nation, now that she’s made national headlines, to not screw up! I think Penelope’s fear comes from the uncertainty of what it means to serve in the army, in addition to not yet having full control of her powers. It’s in her nature to put a lot of pressure on herself. Tally (Jessica Sutton), through her friendship and example, is teaching Penelope to embrace and accept her gift and to let go of her fear. She is capable of so much!

 

Q) For witches, their voice is a weapon, and Penelope’s first introduction showcases that sound can have a unparalleled power. As she learns to harness this power, what becomes the biggest asset that her voice has to offer? As the season progresses, how does her voice become a form of shield and sword for her?

A) Before learning that she was a witch, singing was something personal; an expression of what she was feeling. Now that we all learn that her powers lie within her voice, and being the VP’s daughter, she holds a public responsibility to be an example to all other witches out there. Hopefully Penelope learns to better control her powers!

 

Q) Tally makes a comment that memories are powerful, and that seems to be rooted in everyone’s individual journey. Will unlocking some of Penelope’s past play a role as a catalyst against the Camarilla?

A) Connecting to memories is not something new for Penelope, tapping into them is what she’s always done to connect to her mother, as memories are all she has left of her. Now that she’s discovered this gift with her voice, through Tally’s advice, she must learn to use her memories to fuel her powers.

 

Q) Fans are already theorizing about Penelope and her father the VP’s possible ulterior motives. From the hints we have seen over the few aired episodes, the two don’t seem to have much of a tight bond. What does their dynamic reveal about the underlying ties that bind them?

A) I think VP Silver (Victor Webster) is an overprotective father! I mean, aside from his responsibility as Vice President, Penelope is his whole world. However, for Penelope, this is the first time she truly feels a sense of belonging and purpose, beyond just being the Vice President’s “perfect daughter.” All I can say is that there will definitely be some father/daughter turmoil between the two.

 

Q) VP Silver is giving off some shady vibes, especially with the comment about Penelope’s mom had to know she had a little bit of witchy ways and tried to hide them. There has to be a reason they have manifested for Penelope that he didn’t want out or hoped wouldn’t be found. What might VP Silver value more than his daughter?

A) He does kinda seem shady, or maybe he’s just worried about the fact that Penelope will become a big red target. It makes sense that he wouldn’t be so gung-ho and trusting in having Penelope serve, knowing what can happen.

 

Q) General Alder can be shady herself. Tally can see sounds and Penelope’s voice has a mighty cadence. Seems like this is the pitch perfect pairing. How will these two grow closer as they provide a strong duality?

A) I love the Tally and Penelope duo! Penelope really trusts Tally as a friend and mentor, especially in this new crazy environment. There are definitely some parallels between Penelope and Tally in Season 1, and we see this beautiful bond grow between the two. Also, I must add that Jessica Sutton was such a sweetheart to work with!

 

Q) “Motherland” is constantly showcasing these complex characters but giving this gradient to their layers. Penelope’s last name is Silver which symbolizes purity, strength, clarity, focus, and the feminine energy. It’s one of the noble metals. How does this signifier embody the budding witch within her and as the season progresses her place amongst the army?

A) When we first meet Penelope, she is apprehensive and not fully confident of herself. We definitely see her struggle with her focus and control. With that being said, none of this is easy. I think she is a lot stronger than she knows! As the season progresses, Penelope will grow and embody all it means to be a Silver.

 

Q) Penelope is an only child, what does having a different form of familial bond through Tally mean to her?

A) This means everything to her. She feels seen and accepted for who she truly is. I don’t think she’s ever had a friend, with as big of a heart that could relate to her in the same way that Tally does.

 

Q) What’s it been like for you being so eagerly embraced by the MFS fandom and what’s that reception meant to you?

A) The fans are so sweet and lovely!! I love reading their messages and seeing all their edits and posts and beautiful art and theories. They’ve for sure made me feel welcomed and embraced, and I’m so thankful for that! Switches are the best. <3

 

Q) Is there anything else about the season and/or Penelope that you’d like to tease or share?

A) Get ready for some unexpected surprises is all I will say!