Arlene Fowler’s Character Has Evolved but Remains a Source of Comic Relief:

Carrie Preston, who plays quirky and prejudiced waitress Arlene Fowler, answered questions from fans about Season 5 of HBO’s series True Blood. Ms. Preston is a graduate of Julliard, is married to actor Michael Emerson (Person of Interest, Lost), and is also a director and producer. In her interview, she answers questions about all of these topics, as well as Arlene’s role as a source of comic relief.

Season 5 has shown fans the evolution of Arlene’s character, according to Ms. Preston, giving her a deeper storyline and more emotional depth. She also says that she has faith in the show’s writers, and has no problem putting Arlene’s character in their hands.

“One can even say that she stands for a little bit of intolerance which we see a lot in society. But what has been fun for me is seeing how the writers are starting to trust me as the seasons have gone on, with more a dramatic story line, a deeper story line, more emotional accessibility to Arlene and from Arlene.”

Vampires and Werewolves Seem Real with the Context of Humans

Ms. Preston believes that what makes True Blood a believable show, despite the presence of supernatural beings, is that it is rooted in reality. Despite the fantasy aspect, True Blood explores the human experience, which gives fans a believable context.

When asked about Arlene’s relationship with Terry, Ms. Preston explains that she is happy with the consistency that relationship has provided the show. Still, she confirms that Arlene and Terry will have problems in Season 5, due to Terry’s past.

“Arlene is someone who wants to always have a man in her life and Terry is the best one yet. So she does everything she can to fight for it.”

While she has never considered the mash-up of True Blood and Lost that her marriage to Lost star Michael Emerson suggests, Ms. Preston does recognize the mash-up of fans of the two shows. She suspects the fantastical elements of both shows are what attract the same fans.

“I love it, I love doing it, I love being able to see something start from an embryonic stage and then just grow into a full grown being.”

Ms. Preston is a producer and director, in addition to being an actor. She loves all three jobs and never wants to have to choose between them. She counts herself lucky that being an actor has given her access to so many good directors. Ms. Preston is very proud of the film she directed last year. That’s What She Said has debuted at Sundance, as well as other film festivals.

You can watch the video below, or read the transcript by clicking on the source link.

Source: UInterview.com

(Photo Credit: HBO Inc.)