Reacher vs. Paulie: The New Empire.
SONYA CASSIDY: That was quite tricky, actually, especially with the Boston accent.
But it was quite a nice hook to get in.
So, quite bizarre, but helpful at the same time.
And just taking the R off the end of Reacher was good fun.
Joining a show like this and stepping in alongside Alan Ritchson could be intimidating.
Image via Prime
Were you nervous about joining this season of the show?
CASSIDY: I was so game for it.
I was really excited.
Im a fan of the show.
I watched Season 1 and 2 and thoroughly enjoyed them.
I had a blast.
Image via Prime
I try not to get too in my head about things.
And Alan is a lovely actor to work with.
He works so hard.
He brings his A-game every single day.
It was a pleasure to join these guys.
Reacher pulled no punches on his third outing literally.
Image via Prime Video
How did you come to this accent?
Was there a description of what she sounded like?
Did you model it after anyone in particular?
When retired Military Police Officer Jack Reacher is arrested for a murder he did not commit, he finds himself in the middle of a deadly conspiracy full of dirty cops, shady businessmen and scheming politicians. With nothing but his wits, he must figure out what is happening in Margrave, Georgia. The first season of Reacher is based on the international bestseller The Killing Floor by Lee Child.
It was really old-school and gorgeous.
It was definitely more heightened than what Im doing in the show, but very helpful.
Its the core of who she is.
And so, I really loved that extra challenge, adding that layer as well.
What did you love about playing Susan Duffy?
Did you bring any of yourself to her?
Is she a character thats fun to play because she is very different from you?
I just love how she comes in fully herself, and then maintains that for the entire season.
CASSIDY: Yeah, I loved that about her, as well.
What you see is what you get.
Shes not here to pander to anyone.
Were also meeting her at such a critical point.
Shes worked very hard to get where she is.
She loves her job.
But this is unlike anything shes ever experienced before.
Its off the books.
Shes breaking all the rules.
Shes responsible for people in the day-to-day, like Billy and Elliot.
Shes responsible for Teresa, who is vulnerable.
She takes responsibility and she cracks on with the job at hand.
And I am someone that takes responsibility if Ive done something wrong.
I do get that in her, and I admire that in her.
If Ive done wrong, I will admit it, accept it, and take responsibility for it.
Thats where our paths separate.
Its always fascinating to watch characters be tested, even Reacher.
Hes so capable that we trust that hell be fine.
Why are you doing the things you do?
Where did you come from?
There was so much for me to get my teeth into, which was really good fun.
I love that she just calls him an asshole because everybody else is always thinking it.
When she first meets him,I love that shes not impressed by him.
Of course, he is impressive, but shes like, Ive got a job to do.
Youre on my turf.
What the fuck are you doing?
Its only later that we see her go, Oh, hi.
Okay, I see you.
Lets crack on, but also, youre great.
There’s an even bigger guy this time!
CASSIDY: Yeah, 100%.
I loved that I was playing a woman whos very choosy about who she sleeps with.
Shes also under a lot of stress and a lot of pressure.
Honestly, I think the Duffy way is not unusual for many women.
Its like, Yeah, youre great.
Lets just have fun, and then you might go afterwards.
That really works for me.
Thank you very much.
I think its also lovely to see that she is caught off guard by it.
She is trying to fight it.
Shes trying to be a professional.
But shes very happy for him to pack his bags and head off again afterwards.
Its not just Reacher that gets to do that.
That was lovely to play and to see on screen.
What do you think is next for her?
Where does her life take her after the end of this season?
CASSIDY: I dont know.
Bless her, I think she needs a bit of a break.
She needs a holiday.
If theres a line that sums Duffy up, its, I dont let bad guys walk.
There is something in her.
I see a touch of Reacher in her.
Shes maybe doing a bit more P.I.
work, catching the bad guys off the books and getting to be her own boss.
Either that, orshes just on a beach in Hawaii for the rest of her days with margaritas.
With nothing but his wits, he must figure out what is happening in Margrave, Georgia.
The first season of Reacher is based on the international bestseller The Killing Floor by Lee Child.
Reacheris available to stream on Prime Video.
Check out the Season 3 trailer:
