Todd Harthan – Rosewood

By starrymag | September 20, 2016

By: Nicole Smith

 

Q) Season one of “Rosewood” ended with some surprises, loose ends that need tying up, what are some things that fans can expect in Season Two?

 

A) The first few episodes are big in getting them, hopefully, back to a healthier place and a huge case is the linchpin for that in getting them back closer to where they were before the big blow up last season. For Pippy (Gabrielle Dennis) and TMI (Anna Konkle), it’s going to be about seeing if they can exist as friends before they can go back to potentially being a couple again. So, they have some trials and tribulations at the beginning of the season. Hornstock (Domenick Lombardozzi) handed in his badge and gun and is starting over so he has a huge uphill climb and Donna (Lorraine Toussaint) has this new person in her life that’s serving a life sentence for homicide. So, there’s a lot of drama in the first six or seven episodes, but I will say we’re still having a really good time and there should be a lot of comedy for people too. There are serious moments, but it’s still a fun Miami show.

 

I think what the audience will find this year is that we’re trying to take some even bigger swings and embrace Miami even more and just challenge the characters even more. The show is still going to feel familiar enough, but I think we’re trying to give a little bit of a “Rosewood” 2.0 effect this year and we’re excited about that. I’m really thrilled with these first three episodes. We really came out of the gate swinging and I think people are going to see that.

 

Q) There are some really strong characters on “Rosewood” and they’re all on some deep, emotional journeys. What character do you think will surprise us the most this season?

 

A) I think it depends on which part of the season. Early on, I think Villa (Jaina Lee Ortiz) is going to surprise them the most. I think in the mid-point of the season you’re going to get a combination of surprises. Rosie (Morris Chestnut) has a huge, life changing experience in the middle of the season that’s going to really challenge him. I think what we try to do this season is space them out so that the audience isn’t overwhelmed by all these big, life changing moments that are happening over the season. So, initially, Villa and then it transitions to Rosie and Donna at the same time and then Hornstock has a pretty big one as well. Everybody has something big this season.

 

Q) Are there any changes behind the scenes this season? New writers, etc.?

 

A) I got really lucky with my writing staff last year. I think all of them were invited back. I had one upper level writer who did transfer to a different show, but pretty much the same team is back. I added one new, upper level female writer because I have such strong female characters and while I did have two women on the staff, I wanted to add another strong, female voice. Our director of photography is the same; many of the same directors are coming back. Our TV family has stayed pretty solid.

 

Q) What are some guest stars we can expect to see this season?

 

A) Eddie Cibrian has been announced. He is here for the whole season. That was a big one and he throws a big wrench into everyone’s lives when he comes in. He’s been great. I don’t know if they’ve announced LeToya Luckett yet, but she’s came in and she is a potential Rosewood love interest. We added a wonderful actor, Eric Winter, who is a Medical Examiner at the East Miami ME’s office and he is a potential (although nothing has happened yet) love interest for Villa.

 

Q) It’s a big accomplishment for a show to get a second season. What do you think gave “Rosewood” the edge to continue?

 

A) My hope is that the audience found the show and the characters endearing and likeable and there are people that you’re rooting for, not just Rosewood, not just Villa, but Hornstock, Pippy, TMI, Donna Rosewood and all the characters we have on the show. I’m trying to have a show that when you come home and watch it after a long day of work it goes down smooth and you like the people you’re seeing on TV, they’re all at their core good people. Hopefully, they find the cases interesting and the serialized elements interesting. It has a good vide and aura, and I think it starts with Morris. He’s the easiest and most hard working actor I’ve worked with. It starts with him and we just have a good energy here. Maybe we just have good karma.

 

Q) Outside of “Rosewood,” do you have any other projects you’re working on?  

 

A) I’m just starting to paw at some things. I’m coming up for air for the first time in a year and a half and there are a couple of things I’m revisiting. Nothing has been solidified yet, but there’s a law show I have that I’m excited about and that I’ve been talking to James Roday about (who’s been my best friend for 20 years). I did “Psych” with him. My original baby is “Rosewood” and that’s where ninety-five percent of my time has been going so I don’t have a lot of time for other things. But I’m starting to look though.

 

The Season Two premiere of “Rosewood” will air Thursday, Sept. 22, on FOX. To follow Todd Harthan on Twitter search @ToddHarthan.