From the brilliant mind of Matt Nix, creator and executive producer of the iconic hit series “Burn Notice,” comes USA’s new and unpredictable thriller, “Complications.” Starring Jason O’Mara (“Vegas”) as Dr. John Ellison, the 10-episode original series premiered this summer.
Complications centers on a disillusioned suburban doctor who, while still dealing with the emotional effects of his daughter’s death, unexpectedly becomes a vigilante hero when he intervenes in a drive-by shooting, saving a young boy’s life. When John learns the boy is still marked for death, he’s compelled to save him at any cost. Through this journey, he must compromise his morals, often doing the wrong thing for all the right reasons.
The series also stars Jessica Szohr as Gretchen, a reckless but capable nurse; Beth Riesgraf as John’s wife, Samantha, who while attempting to support her husband, is struggling with her own issues; and Lauren Stamile (“Burn Notice”) as John’s by-the-book coworker, Dr. Bridget O’Neil, who finds herself dealing with the aftermath of his actions.
The Knockturnal caught up with series star Chris Chalk. Read our exclusive chat below:
Lets talk about your new show Complications. How this project different from your other roles?
The role of Darius in Complications is important to me because he’s a human first. Before he is a gang member, he is a person that cares very much about maintaining peace and balance in his environment. He spends so much of his energy keeping peace and trying to make everything easy for the people he is taking care of. darius is the same as Dr. Ellison just through a different filter
What made you want to audition for his role? What was your connection to the character?
After I saw the pilot of Complications, I was very excited about auditioning. For one, it’s not what one might consider a USA Network show. It’s a darker show that still maintains levity at appropriate moments. After meeting with Matt Nix, the shows creator, the desire to play Darius expanded. We had an eye opening conversation about how Darius is a full human being with fears, desires and love just like anyone else. We both want to avoid any stereotypical one dimensional portrayal of Darius. He cannot be boxes in by his blackness or his gang association. He is a man one choice away from a college degree. Life led him a different way. Matts awareness of this excited me very much.
How is it transitioning into this character, for you everyday?
Transitioning into Darius comes very easy to me. He’s a man that loves his family and wants nothing more than those around him to succeed. He’s a protector and a provider. We have many things in common.
Do you feel this role differs from other characters you have played before?
Every role is different. Everyone wants similar things but different obstacles are in the way of them reaching their goals making them vastly different.
People tuning in, what can they expect from season 1?
Season one of complications will be a thrilling and surprising ride for the audience. It’s great fun and also a great lesson in how similar we all are despite our external differences.
Having done TV & film do you have a preference?
I am grateful to act. Stage. Television and film all present awesome opportunities to flex different muscles. I love my job.
You’ve been a part of some iconic TV shows, what shows do you watch?
I have been on some fun shows for sure. Right now, sheesh, I watch all of the shows. Broad church, Luther, Daredevil, GoT, Gotham, Black-ish, Fresh off the Boat, Orange is the New Black, I’m loyal to SNL, House of Cards, Empire, SYTYCD. I try to watch everything twice.
Which part of your personality have we yet to see on the screen?
We haven’t yet seen the lover. I love everything and everyone. I love love and inspiring folks to be their best selves. We haven’t seen that yet. I’m a big motivator. We will see it soon, maybe.
Check out the trailer for the show below.
