Peter Mooney – Beach Boy

Q) What are the recent projects that you’ve been working on?

A) Right before “Rookie Blue,” I came off a series called “Camelot” that was on Stars. Then, I went straight into “Rookie Blue.” When we wrapped “Rookie Blue” in January, I took a bit of time off. I just closed a play though called Gruesome Playground Injuries.

Q) Please tell us what is new this season on “Rookie Blue” and about your character.

A) There is a new Rookie named Nick Collins and he comes in and shakes up the dynamic a bit. There are a lot of things that happen this season as consequences from the first two. A lot of the elements of that which come to pass in this third season are the relationship with Andy and Swarek and Gail’s past kind of comes back to revisit her. There are lots of surprises this season.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) I had heard, even before reading for the role, of the dynamics of the show. I heard it was a really, really good dynamic on set and I saw the show and saw that the chemistry really comes across. Coming off of “Camelot,” with such a good group of guys on the show and we got along so well that it was great. It was super exciting to come on to “Rookie Blue” where I’d heard how much the cast gets along and how much fun it is on set. So, we have such a good time making the show. That makes all the difference for me. Life is short so it’s nice to look forward to going into work every day.

Q) What was your first impression of the cast when you met them?

A) We met at fittings and read throughs right before we started shooting season three. Right away, everyone was so, so welcoming, which was very cool. It’s kind of daunting coming in the third season where everyone already has their relationships and their dynamics are already established. Everyone was super welcoming and really cool right off the get-go.

Q) What has been challenging for you about the role?

A) You get to spend a lot of time with real cops and learn pointers from them. It’s always a challenge bring as much authenticity to it as possible. Everything that came up to the episode and figure out how a cop would tackle that is a challenge.

Q) Did Nick really not know Gail worked in the division when he was assigned or was that an excuse?

A) I like to think it was an accident. I think there is a big bit of surprise for both of them because they have completely dropped out of contact. They aren’t Facebook buddies. They’ve been estranged for years. I know Nick knew she was a cop, but I do think it is a surprise that they end up at the same division.

Q) What have been some of your favorite scenes to shoot?

A) There is something that I get just a kick out of – the chase scenes. Even if I’m running through a factory and tackling a bad guy, I get a real kick out of that. It’s just like being ten years old and playing cops and robbers. There is one later on in the season that I won’t spoil, but it was so much fun to shoot. Also, there are lots of banter in the cars and that’s a lot of fun. You’re out on the street, in a real cop car and the banter going back and forth is a lot of fun to shoot.

Q) Who are some of the guest stars that will be on “Rookie Blue” this season?

A) There is William Shatner, right off the top. Then, this season we were really lucky with our episodic guest stars. There are some Canadian actors that I’ve looked up to my entire life that work at the Stratford Theatre Festival and come on to our later episodes. I don’t want to give too many away, but there are some amazing performances in some of the later episodes from our guest stars.

Q) What do you think it is about the show that captures so many viewers?

A) I think it’s exciting to see people learning, trying, succeeding and failing. There is so much that these young cops are taking on and so much that they are trying to figure out. The show catches them at a time in their lives when that’s happening professionally, but it is also happening personally as well. It’s something about them being faced with those two things at once and seeing people who aren’t seasoned professionals. They are in the struggle, trying to figure it out, trying to grow and trying to get better. I think there is something very rewarding about watching that.

Q) Where can people go online to learn more about you?

A) I am not on Twitter. I am a little behind on the social media front. I know the ABC website and the Global website have little bits up about the show and it’ll expand as the season goes on. I’m starting to hear the arguments of Twitter people. So, maybe I’ll get on that sooner or later.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I would like to say a huge, huge thank you and I hope people like this season. I think it is going to be really fun and I’m excited to see it. A big thank you and I hope you enjoy!