When you asked, is it a cloud over her life?
Absolutely, it is a cloud that hangs over her and will forever.
‘Happy Face,’ starring Annaleigh Ashford and Dennis Quaid, premieres March 20.
Its such an interesting take on this kind of story because the main crime itself has already been solved.
We already know hes the Happy Face killer and hes being punished.
But then, this new revelation comes up, which is what sets off this whole new mystery.
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ASHFORD: I would often put myself in her shoes.
What would you do with the love that you have for the person before they committed that act?
That was a really uncomfortable, complicated thread of her character that was interesting to play.
Image via Paramount+
That is a constant conflict.
It revictimizes and retraumatizes not only the victims, but the victims families.
That is something that we learned from Melissa.
Melissas story in our show is real.
Everything you hear and see about Melissa is real.
ASHFORD: I love playing moms.
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Im a mom of two, myself.
I think the parental-child relationship is always so unique and complicated, depending on whatevers happening.
That is so uncomfortable and complicated.
It made me heartbroken for her, and I was also angry on her behalf.
ASHFORD: I thought it was great writing.
They continually attempt to manipulate people on the outside, and people that they love on the outside.
The abortion is a real thing from her real life.
The rape is a real thing from her real life.
What does that feel like?
you’re able to have empathy for me, but you cant have empathy for these women?
What is wrong with you?"
That is the thing that is so different for her.
Her dad has none, and she has it all.
Melissa Moore, the daughter of serial killer Keith Jesperson, serves as an executive producer.
Another moment that really stood out for me is when Melissa goes back to see Ash.
He first shows up at her house, which is so scary because of her own family.
And then, she goes back to see him to say that shes sorry.
What was that scene like to do?
ASHFORD: That was also pulled from Melissas real life and real experience.
We had a great actor.
Teach [Grant] was incredible.
I thought it was beautifully written.
The moment when she says to her father, I dont understand you.
I keep trying, but I never will, feels like it encompasses their entire relationship.
What do you think it is that just kept her from not letting go of that?
How do you navigate that for the rest of your life?
How do you reconcile that?
That was something I had to continue to navigate with the character.
She just keeps asking the question, and so do we as the audience.
It really makes you question what you would do.
What would you do if somebody close to you did something like that?
Check out the trailer:
