Check out our exclusive interview with Keiko Agena on the premiere of the pilot for ‘Prodigal Son’
Prodigal Son follows Martin Whitly, a NYPD homicide detective and the son of a convicted serial killer. Growing up with a serial killer for a father, Malcom has a unique skill set that allows him to understand the thought process of a serial killer, giving him a natural instinct and ability to solve crimes. Malcom, not only has to deal with the stresses of being a detective, but also the friction his father is causing on his mother and sister who would prefer to forget the past. The psychological exploration of Malcom, along with this Silence of the Lambs-esque relationship with his father is primarily makes Prodigal Son a compelling series, bringing a level of darkness on a classic detective drama genre. The Show stars Tom Payner, Michael Sheen, Bellamy Young, Lou Diamond Phillips, Halston Sage, Aurora Perrineau, Frank Harts, and Keiko Agena.
Keiko Agena stars in Prodigal Son as Edrisa. She is best known for her role in Gilmore Girls as Lane Kim, but more recently she has held roles in 13 Reasons Why and Better Call Saul. We got a chance to speak to her and ask her about the premiere of the pilot episode of Prodigal Son!
The Knockturnal: So we’re excited to see you back on TV once again!
Keiko Agena: Thank you very much.
The Knockturnal: So tell me what attracted you to this project?
Keiko Agena: As soon as I read this script I was fascinated by it. I mean it’s the kind of script that’s intriguing because it’s dark, it’s intense it makes sense, it’s about family, it’s a little bit funny but in a dark humor type of way. And so when you read something like that and you read sides that are about a character that’s a little quirky that you can really dig into, I find that’s exciting, so I was glad to engage with them.
Keiko Agena plays Edrisa in the new FOX show ‘Prodigal Son’
The Knockturnal: How was working with Tom and the ensemble?
Keiko Agena: I feel very fortunate because they are just really great people, besides being talented actors and dedicated to their craft. I like everyone you know and it’s just thrilling and right now it’s an exciting time for us because we’re on the precipice of something. Nobody knows, everything to create a show is all about a dream and a lot of gumption. I think we’re all in that place where we’re hopeful it can be something great and we’re just putting all of our eggs in that basket and I’m glad to be bound to these people because I really like and respect them.
The Knockturnal: How exciting was it to film in New York and have you filmed any projects here?
Keiko Agena: No this is my first time really filming in New York. I’ve visited New York for some comedy festivals with Asian AF a few times but this is the first time that I’m really working in the city and this is definitely the first time I’m relocating to the city.
The Knockturnal: That’s exciting!
Keiko Agena: Yes, yes! So it’s a little bit daunting. New York is a challenge for an outsider.
The Knockturnal: You have to get used to it! It’s fast paced.
Keiko Agena: Yes, yes. It’s a city with a strong personality, so I’m trying to find what my place in the city is. And so over the next few weeks and definitely months I’m sure I’ll find it.
The Knockturnal: Is there anything else you’re excited to do here now that you’re based here for a little while?
Keiko Agena: Well I mean, I just got in yesterday. And so I’m sure tomorrow I think I have a little bit of time in the morning, my husband’s gonna be with me for this first week and we’re trying to explore. I mean I think even tonight after this we’re gonna look out for some music venues. So he’s a musician and he’s been researching so I leave it all up to him and what venues we go to.
The Knockturnal: Are there any other independent films or projects that you’d like to highlight?
Keiko Agena: Well, Better Call Saul, I’ve been reoccurring on that a little bit so I have filmed some things that have yet to be released. There’s a film I’ve done called The Neverless that’s coming out. But also, I just have to give a great shout out to Rhea Seehorn and Bob Odenkirk who I get to watch work on that show and they are phenomenal. I mean, just really, really phenomenal it’s just a joy and a pleasure to um, to get to watch them work and everybody should see that show.
Check out the trailer for Prodigal Son below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26C6JqBdb20
