Ask Lee main page

From Roxana:

Hi, Lee. Thanks for your answer. I'd like to know more about you!
How would you describe yourself?

Hmm. Funny, intense, loud, and thoughtful.

What do you think about "OZ" fans?

I think they're great. I've never really had a bad interaction with one. 

What´s the craziest thing have you done?

Fuck! That is a *really* hard question to answer! Craziest. Wow. I can't answer that. I can't answer the craziest. Let's come back to that.

Do you like pets? Have you got one?

I happen to have, in my house, three of the greatest animals ever to grace the planet. Two cats, one named Buddha, and one named Xavier -- and that's with an X because he has cross eyes, and so then you would say it's "Zay-vier" but we still say "Hah-vier" -- and Rafta. The cats were Leslie's before we got together, and the dog was mine before we got together.

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From Bill:

When you worked with Vanessa Angel on Weird Science, was her beauty so distracting that it made it hard for you to concentrate on your lines or your character? I once had a lady boss who stood in front of me in a gold satin blouse and I nearly went insane.
  
No, that wasn’t really my thing with Vanessa; we were pretty good friends. And although I was very aware that she was beautiful, because she is beautiful, it was not something I was always thinking about.

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From "P. Daddy":

One of my all time favorite Oz scenes of yours is the "I am supposed to glean what from that story" scene from season 4. Once in a while, there is a scene between two of your favorite actors in which the chemistry between them just seems to spark right off the screen, when you can see how much they they give each other and how much they love working together, and as a fan of you and Meloni, that was really one of those scenes for me. Were the two of you having as much fun in that scene as you seemed to be? Was it one of those occasions when you both knew you just nailed it? What are some of *your* favorite scenes with Meloni, when it really felt electric to you?

I have to say no, that scene -- I did not feel like we nailed it. And I have to say that most times I don’t think to myself, “Oh, I nailed it, “ because things move so fast, and we haven’t rehearsed it, really. So a scene like that comes along, and you rehearse it once, you’ve got some ideas, the other actor has ideas, the director hopefully has some ideas, and then you start paring down. You immediately realize that some of your ideas are no good -- because, you know, to do a cartwheel in the middle of the scene doesn’t really seem to fit and there’s no room in the pod -- so really, you have more of a sense of, “Oh my God, I’m trying to hang on to this thing that’s running away from me”. You’re trying to understand, because for the first time you’re seeing the other actor do whatever they’re doing, so that really informs a lot, for me. 

A lot of what I do comes from what I see happening in the other actor. I have an idea about my intentions, but as soon as I get my first line out, I don’t know how the other actor is going to respond, and depending on that, everything starts to shift on my course as we go down toward the end of the scene. Or not, if sometimes you know how it’s going to play out. Especially with Oz, it’s usually surprising. And then you’re done with it, and you’re like, “What did we just do? Was that any good? Did that suck?” And I try not to actually go to that place at all. I try not to really second guess, or judge myself, because then you’re stuck, in your head. Because inevitably you’ll start telling yourself that you fucked it up. “Oh, I should’ve...” And that’s another thing. I'll have moments when I’ll do some scene, and then a day later I’m like, “Oh, I should have gone for the...“ but it’s way too late. Also, it’s the kind of thing that is completely hindsight. It’s like having an argument with your wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, mother, whatever, and you sort of get... 

Here’s a good story, here’s a good example of this. I go to OzzFest with one of my really good friends, Ivan. And we’re standing there, and we’re now in our mid- to late-30’s, and the crowd goes from sixty to eighteen, and these two young girls go walking by, and he goes "Hey!" And the girl stops, and she turns around and she looks at us, and she goes “How OLD are you?” Which totally crushes us! Well, *him*, because I was just sort of looking at him like, “What are you doing?” [laughs] So anyway, like four hours later, it’s dark out, Ozzy’s on stage and so we’re totally into that, and he turns to me, all fired up, and he goes, “I should have said, ‘I'm younger than Ozzy!’ ” And I was like, “Dude, let it go!” 

So yes, you can one-up the eighteen year-old girl four hours later, but the reality is, in the moment, you’re just sort of sitting there, crying. You don’t want to second-guess things, because to work the way we do, you have to have some clear ideas of what you want to get out of the scene, and then hopefully walk away with your dignity. Because in an hour, you’re done with it. Nobody cares that you wanted one more take.

There is one scene -- I just recently saw it again, one of the scenes that I felt really good about. Well, there were a couple, actually. There's the scene where I found out my wife is dead. "Did she leave a note? I bet she left a note!" And the scene where I come back in the beginning of the third season, where I’m sharpening my nails in the cell with Chris, and he’s like, “What do I do to get your forgiveness?” and I’m just such a frigging prick.

You said in a previous set of questions that at first, you thought Meloni was "a dick". When did you decide he wasn't (you know, assuming you have)? And do you remember when you realized that this acting partnership was going to be, as you've said, "magic"? 

What happened was, he came in, and you know, I’m somebody who... observation is a big thing for me, and I really check people out. And sometimes that can be deceiving, the old book/cover thing. With Chris, here was this guy who's... well, as I’ve gotten to know him, my take on him is he was this guy who was a jock, he was a football player in high school and college, and so he’s got that, that body position that’s like... (Lee makes this big, macho-man sound that I cannot figure out how to translate onto the page. Sorry! ) And to me, initially I think it was just a little intimidating. It seems like it’s so, you know, hard-assed. But one of the first turning points was the second or third day that he came to work he had a Tool shirt on, the band Tool, and I’m really into Tool. And so I was like, okay, yeah, maybe this isn’t going to be so bad! And I think I’ve mentioned this, but he and I got together and talked about that first scene where we kissed -- and you know, we really got thrown right into the fucking mix, we had him touching my dick, all that stuff -- so we talked a lot about what we wanted to do with it and all that. And despite all that stuff that I felt when I first laid eyes on him, he and I have some connection that’s unexplainable. So as soon as we got to start talking, or hanging together, that became apparent. And we were very comfortable with each other. And then we did work to spend time with each other, and we built a friendship as we built the two characters. 

Is this a chemistry you've ever felt before with any other acting partner? 

I couldn’t say that I’ve experienced anything quite like what I’ve experienced with Chris because of the things we’ve done. You don’t usually get to be that intimate. And the highs and lows of our relationship have been rather extreme, you know? But, just the other day I had a scene -- which I cannot disclose the subject matter of -- but in that scene was Terry Kinney and Rita Moreno, and Rita and I also have that. I mean, she’s an amazing woman, an amazing actress. And I called her later that day just to tell her how sometimes for me, and this probably sounds... well, I don’t know what it sounds like, but I’m on my way home from work and I’ve just done this scene with Rita Moreno, who LOVES me, and I’m like – it's fucking *Rita Moreno*!! I’m doing scenes with Rita Moreno! And she’s awesome! I mean, you can’t really comprehend her! She’s 70 years old, and she’s maybe the most vital...she loves this business so much, and she’s so into it. And so I said to her, "I just wanted to call you and tell you how much I appreciate working with you." And there *is* electricity.

Basically, I would say with her and Eamonn and Chris, because I’ve gotten to deal with them so deeply, and the stuff we get to do, it’s always great to be in a scene with them, and then there are times when it’s just electric. And there was this moment when Rita was off-camera, and I said something, and she did something which caused such a true reaction in *me*. So anyway, I said, "Working on this show, I always feel like I’m learning because of the actors I’m working with." And she said, "You know what, Lee, I feel the same thing. I feel like I have learned so much since I came to this show five years ago." This is Rita Moreno! She was 65 when she started the show, now she’s 70, and she’s talking about how much she’s learned! And at the end of it -- and this killed me too, it’s just, like, *ridiculous*– I go, "I just want to tell you that I love you, Rita." And she goes, "I love you, Lee Tergesen." That woman CRUSHES me. Yeah. It was amazing. 

Thanks so much for your taking the time to answer fan questions in such a thoughtful manner. We really do appreciate it. :)  

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From Jenne:

Dear Lee, I just read that Oz will wrap after this next season. I am so devastated to hear this. I would like to thank you for the wonderful work you have done bringing Tobias Beecher to life, and into our hearts. I will never forget him. On that note, my first question is this. Are you and the other cast members of Oz aware of just how much the fans love the show and love all of you?

Well, my initial reaction to that would be yes, I know how much the fans love the show. But after my conversation with Dori last night where she told me quite a few times that I have NO IDEA ... I guess I'll just have to go with what Dori said. I have no idea. [laughs]   But yeah, I feel like I'm pretty aware of how much the fans love the show. I talk to a lot of people every day.

Yesterday I was in the store, and these three -- I'm purely guessing, but let's say they were eighteen -- three guys, tattooed, you know... Well, maybe they were twenty, maybe a little older. Everything under 25 seems like eighteen to me now. And I see one of them sort of like look at me as I walk by, and then there's that little hubbub that will happen... (it's either they're going, "Let's kick that guy's ass!" or, "That's the guy from Oz!"), and I'm walking around and I go by them again, and there's another, you know, *thing*, where I think the one guy was trying to convince them it was actually me, right? And so all of a sudden they come up to me, and these guys were so...you know, that young, pulling-it-all-together, "Let's talk to the guy from Oz!" type thing. And it was really great. I mean, they were so, like, "Whoa!" And they go, "Are you Beecher?" And I'm like, "Yeah." I was just how I am, you know, I don't really get too freaked out. And they didn't know how to take me. And so I was like, "The show's pretty fucked up." And they're like, "Yeah! That's why we love it!"

And I don't know what that story's about, but... it happened. So, yeah, I think I know how much they love the show. I love the show too. 

Now see, that question, right there? I don't feel like I nailed it.  [laughs]

For me, Beecher is one of those memorable characters that just really resonates on a personal level, taking hold of something inside and staying with me long after the show ends. He makes me laugh, he makes me cry, and damn it, he makes me think. Has there even been a character (from a book, a show, a film, whatever) that made an impact like that on you? Or do you just think I'm insane and need mental help? *G*

Well, I don't think they're the same question. Yes, there have been characters that have done that to me...and yes, I think she needs help. More importantly, I think *she* thinks she needs help, otherwise why would she mention it? [laughs] 

Anyway, I'm sure I've mentioned this before -- (because like I've told you before, Dori, I only have five stories) -- but Saturday Night Fever was a movie that really moved me. I've probably seen it thirty times. I saw it when I was twelve, and it was one of those movies where I really... I've always loved movies, I used to go when I was little, and when my dad would pick me up, from the time he got me in the car to when we got home, I would run through the entire movie. "And so then the guy, he goes in..." Right? So I was always into it. But then that movie, just what he did emotionally, and stuff like that... People always laugh when I say it's my favorite movie, but it's just so, it's just such a beautiful movie. And it really didn't have to be. It could have been this unbelievable cheese-fest. But there's just some really amazing moments in it. And he was really vulnerable. And that is something I've tried to emulate. And also, we were talking last night about this movie I saw just the other night, "Inside Moves," with John Savage.

And of course, in a series: Gilligan's Island. That "my little buddy" thing is gonna stay with me. Actually, I'm coming up with a really funny idea right now. I'm Gilligan, right? Beecher is Gilligan, Keller is the Skipper, O'Reily is the Professor, Schillinger and Robson are Mr. and Mrs. Howell. Oh, and Cyril is Ginger! And who would be Marianne, the farm girl...? Hmmm, that's a tough one. Maybe Claire Howell. That'd be good! I mean, the subtext between Gilligan and the Skipper! And I believe that instead of "Little Buddy," it will be "Little Buttie." And when they go, "Oomph!", you'd know why they were doing it...

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From Shauna:

Ok, as an actor who has "officially made it" what advice can you give a person, well uhhhh like me, "dreaming to make it"? Was there a time in your career that you thought, my god am I ever going to make it? 

Today. Just thought it today. [laughs] There was a time in my life after I got out of acting school, back in like 1985, there was this period where I wasn’t really doing anything... and I had this conversation with my brother Chris, and I was like, "Dude, I don’t know what to do." And I was questioning everything. And he was like, "Well, man, if you really want to do it, if it’s the only thing that you really want to do, then you won’t put any restrictions on it. You’ll do it when you can do it, and you gotta know this is the kind of business where guys are kicking around for years and years and suddenly they’re 45 and things are starting to happen for them. Don’t get discouraged." The only thing that makes you an actor is the desire, the willingness, to do whatever comes your way. I don’t know if that’s exactly true, but try to find and way to do it.

I have a friend who writes a lot of poetry, and he’s never been published or anything, but he’s a poet, you know? And he’s a wonderful poet. And there will be times when he will come over and he’ll read poems he’s been working on, or that he wrote, and right now that’s how he does it. With any of the art forms, what you do is the only expression of it that there will ever be. No one else will ever play Tobias Beecher. What I have done with that character is what I have done with that character. And the way he put those words together in that room, you know, and how it affected us – to me, that’s success. If you can do it despite your fears, and if you really get into it simply because you love it, not because you want fame or money... if you get into it, if you get into anything for any other reason other than a true desire to do it, you’re gonna end up in a weird place. 

When in you career did you finally realize, my god I made it? 

I don’t know exactly what “make it” means. Although, definitely during Oz, I have felt like I have a place. I mean, I had it ever since day one, even when I was doing plays in high school, but you know, you’ll tell yourself -- like when I was working on Point Break. You’ll think, "Oh, that was a fluke, it was a fluke" – but then the career keeps going, and whether you want to admit it or not, that’s what I’ve been doing for 12 years. I never did anything as long as I've been doing what I wanted to do.

After reading some comments, not worth mentioning, what are your views on your fans? Spoilers? Cult followings? <g> And no wise cracks about my questions. I wouldn't ask these of just anyone.

Well, I know that Tom loves the fans. I think that what happened with the stuff showing up on the Internet, the information getting out, that pissed him off. Because if you're a fan of the show, why would you want to do that? Why would you want to spoil it? I mean, they're called *spoilers*. I have to say, people always ask me "Hey, what's gonna happen?" and invariably, I don't tell them. And I don't mean to offend anybody, but if you have a desire to know what's going to happen before it happens, there's only one reason for that, and that's because you want to be a smarty-pants. It's like looking in the closet to find out what Christmas presents you got. I never did it. I wanted to be there on the morning, I wanted to be surprised, I wanted to have it happen, you know? I think it's a problem with life, too... that people want to know what's going to happen, and they want to be able to predict. And you know what? It's better if you just let it happen. Aside from that, the whole spoiler thing -- I just don't know why you would do it. If you love the show, it's working *against* the show, because part of the show is the element of surprise, and the whole "Oh, my God, that just happened!"

The 'cult' thing -- I have to say I love the way the show has grown over the years. We were never overcome by hype, there’s just been a steady growth. Even though maybe we didn't get as much publicity as other shows did, the appeal of the show is undeniable.

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From Jerry:

Lee; Are you upset that Tom Fontana the creator of Oz is going to be the final season? What will happen to you when Your character beecher and keller will have a last kiss of the show? What will happen to the other actors of the show? 

What did I just say? I don’t talk about that! [laughs] You’ll have to find out. I'm sad that the show’s going to end, but at the same time I know everything comes to an end. So I'm not hanging on too desperately. I’m trying to let go gracefully.

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From Danielle:

Lee, Chris said that he really didn't know much about his character when he took the role of Chris Keller, my question is, did you?  

Yeah, I sat down with Tom before we started, and we talked about it.

If not, did you ever read some of the scripts and say, "What the hell have I gotten myself into?"  

No.

If so, did you ever read some of the scripts and say, "Damn, Tom, what the hell did I do to you to deserve this?" 

No. I know what I did. [laughs]

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From Fiola:

Hello Lee. I have to tell you that you're my favorite actor and I love your performances. Well, I'm curious. Have you got any brothers and sisters? Are you elder brother? 

I have one brother. He’s older.

Are your ancestor from Sweden? 

Not the majority. The majority are Norwegian. There’s a little bit of Swedish in my background, like I’m an eighth Swedish or something. The rest is Norwegian.  

Do you like blonde or dark?

I don't understand...?

webmaster:  I think she's talking about women. 

I think she’s talking about brownies. Yeah. Yeah. I like the chocolate brownies. But every once in a while I’ll have a blondie. I don’t really like ‘em with nuts. Well, my wife has blondish hair and my ex-wife has black hair. So, you tell me. At the moment, I like blondish!

Please, answer me. A bunch of kisses to you.

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From Mav:

Finding myself in a retrospective mood today, I thought I might ask a few serious questions this time.

How has prison most changed Beecher? And have those changes been good or bad?

Well, first of all, Oz didn’t make him a bitch. He was born one. So I can’t say that was a big change. [laughs]  I think it made him more aware of – I don’t know how to put this. He had to really re-evaluate himself. There’s this book, I think it's called “The Way of Transformation,” and there’s a thing in there that the guy talks about, the person who opens himself up over and over again to annihilation. The concept of whatever we think is "me." Right? When we bring that stuff up to a point where it can be destroyed, eventually we’re left with what is truly us, what is, you know, our essence. And I think... I mean, obviously it made him a cocksucker, but on the other hand, it made him really take a look at why he does what he does, what he’s doing. I think he had to start asking himself questions that he hadn’t been. He was just sort of running through his life, sort of going through it by rote, and all of a sudden everything is switched and he has to begin to rebuild based on what he’s got. Which is why he can love Keller after all the terrible things that have happened. Does that make any sense? 

And I think that overall, it’s been bad!  He’s come to try to forgive himself and forgive others, but, I mean, ultimately he’s lost a majority of his family. And it takes its toll.

Do you think Beecher is a better man now then when he entered Oz?

No. No. Because I think who he is now was who he was then. I think we walk around with ourselves, we walk around with what we think is the truth about us, so there is the concept that we have about ourselves -- and I think generally, people don’t see that, they see what is true about us. So his kids were probably looking up to him like he was a father, he was strong, he was all that stuff – even though he felt weak. You know what I’m saying?

Tom Fontana says that Oz is a story about sin and redemption. Do you believe that Beecher has redeemed himself in regard to the death of Kathy Rockwell?

I don’t think I can answer that. I don't know. I don’t know who signs off on things like that. I think it’s something he will always carry with him. I don’t know...can you redeem yourself for something like that? Maybe trying is enough.

And because I can't stay serious for long. <bg> If you ever end up in prison, what lessons will you take with you from your time spent in Oz?

Always fight for another take on your close-up.

Thanks again for your time

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From Nic:

Lee, once again, Thanks for answering these questions. Just a note that your answers to the 3 small but great moments question was very touching. You made me cry. Are you happy now? Anyway...since we got to hear your wonderful voice in "Variety, " do you think you'd ever consider doing a Broadway play if the chance came along or do you strictly want to stick to doing movies and TV?

I definitely would do that. Yeah. I have been thinking about that for a long time now. And I think something eventually will come my way... When I really started in high school, really started getting into it, musicals and plays were sort of my outlet, that was the only thing going on. When I came to New York I had this moment where I sort of turned my back on all that. Well, not turned my back, but I was sort of like, these musicals, it doesn't really make any sense! And I started to get more focused on the acting part of it. Recently, probably while working on Weird Science because every once in a while we'd get to sing or something, I got that flowing again. 

What is your favorite Broadway show (if you have one)? 

I think it's Jesus Christ Superstar.

If you were to find yourself in a karoke bar, what one song would you pick to sing?

Well, let me answer that by saying, the last time I sang in a karaoke bar I sang the "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin.

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From Beth:

Hi Lee, 
Your farting scene with Harold Perrineau was hysterical! Did you guys laugh after filming it? So 'fess up...... Do you deny it when you supply it? Claim that the one who smelt it, dealt it? Blame it on the family dog? Enquiring minds want to know.

No, I never lie about that. I usually throw out an emergency warning to people. And yeah, we laughed. It was a funny scene.

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From dalphine112: 

Have you ever got aroused doing a love scene with Chris. 

No, it's not like that. Aroused, like sexually aroused where I’ve gotten an erection? No. Do those scenes cause something to... I mean, it definitely gets your mind, but not.... I think I sort of said something about this once before, about when we were in the scene where I was kissing his wound, and how the interaction between the two of us was like, with all the images flying through my head and how it was like man and woman and it was really weird. But not aroused, no.

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From Sharon:

Dear Lee,
I cannot begin to tell you how much I've enjoyed your performance as Beecher throughout the years. The changes this character has gone through creating "new Beechers" each season was always incredible and fascintaing to watch. you my friend, are most definitely "WATCHABLE". Also I'd like to thank you for answering all our questions. We're enjoying you immensely :-)

OK lets get down to some serious business: What is up with this McClain woman? Seriously, the people need to know, 'cause we *really* don't like her (and by "we" I mean my ozish bunch and myself). Think you could talk Fontana into having Keller pull a Ronnie Barlog on her? C'mon you know Beecher wants it too. 

You know...these people say they care about Beecher, but then a woman comes along that he's attracted to, and they've just got to have an opinion about her! You know what? It’s more about you than about her, okay? [yelling]  She loves me!! If she makes him happy, well, why would you begrudge him?

I've read more than once about how hysterically funny the guys on the set of oz are. Any bloopers you can share with us? Anything that stands out in particular? 

Well, it’s all pretty funny. It’s hard to pick something that stands out as the Hysterical Moment. Oh, actually, there is one that comes to mind. Rita and I, when I was up for parole that first time, and she and I are in talking after I’ve gone to the parole board, right? And I’m saying something like, “They asked me about shitting in Schillinger's face, and biting the tip off of Robson's penis. I don't think they liked my answers.” And her and I did a take where I go, “Shitting in Schillinger's face..." and I crack a smile, and then she smiles, and then as I said "biting the tip..." I started to belly laugh, and we high-fived. That was pretty funny.

Best of luck to you, you're a peach!

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From Anne:

Lee, It was a treat to talk with you at the GLAAD lunch in Washington. Thanks for taking the time. I enjoyed meeting Leslie. She's a doll. I have three totally-unrelated questions for you.

Some of your fans get nervous and tongue-tied about meeting you. Is there anyone you admire who would make you nervous to talk to?

Well... I went out with Dean Winters the other night to Spa, this nightclub, and there was a vivid-video party, this porno video party, and as we walked up, this guy stopped us and he goes, "Guys, guys, would you take a picture with Jenna?" And he takes us over to this limo that Jenna Jameson, who's this porn star, was in. And, uh, I have to say... I was sort of a little tongue-tied. [laughs]  It really brought out the fourteen year-old in me. I was like, "H-h-h-hi..."

If you could change one thing that Beecher has done or said, what would it be and why? 

I wouldn't change a thing.

When you appeared on "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" t.v. show, it seemed liked Carter was written to be a recurring character. Where there plans for you to return? If so, why didn't it happen?

I can't really remember exactly what happened with that, but part of it was definitely that I felt like it was just more Chett. And I had just started Oz.

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From Fruity Nut:

Dear Lee,

I have met you a couple of times at public appearances and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for going out of your way to be so friendly and generous with your time. Now, to my questions:

You have been a part of two lasting televisions shows, Weird Science and OZ. Would you be willing to do another lasting television series? 
  
No! Now I only want to do six episode bursts. [laughs] Yeah... I don’t know. I generally am willing to do what’s in front of me. And you know, only time will tell. Maybe they won’t let me! 

Other than the prospect of having a steady paycheck, what kind of series and character would you want to play for the 5 years or more? 
  
That’s hard to say. They asked me... when Weird Science was ending, the writers asked me if I had any... you know, they were trying to develop some ideas, and they asked me if I had any ideas for something I'd like to do. And I had this idea about sort of a half-hour kind of sitcom like Weird Science, but the guy is like a private detective/master of disguise kind of guy – sort of like the whole Clousseau thing, but I wouldn't be that brilliant. Just something goofy. But...I don’t know. I’d have to see it. Before I did Weird Science I definitely wasn’t thinking, "Oh my God, I'd LOVE to do a series for four years where I got to be a loud, obnoxious, militaristic asshole!" And certainly when I finished that, I didn’t think, "Oh man, if I could play a lawyer-turned-convict who gets anally raped and learns to love it..." You know, I didn't think that. I think that's one of my problems -- I don’t have a lot of big picture ideas, you know what I mean? Well, it's not a problem.

Of the many well known and great actors you've worked with, did you gain any tips, advice or other things just by watching them? 
  
Well, like I was saying about Rita earlier – that sort of continued innocence about it, and excitement about it. Not to ever get too comfortable. And know your lines. 
You know, I do learn things, working with people – it’s the kind of thing that’s hard to put into words. For example, Eamonn Walker -- who I mentioned before, he plays Said -- he and I started hanging out during the first year, and he and I have different approaches to it, but he stirred something in me. I don’t want to say that I was taking it all for granted, but to really allow myself to... I don’t know how to say it... to see it as an art? Just to take more care of it, of the acting. And permission to be passionate about it. Something like that. 

Do you have aspirations to write, direct and/or produce movies?  If so, what would you like to do?  Any particular story you think NEEDS to be told? 

I guess I could see myself directing. I don’t know how that would happen, or where it would happen, but... I read this book once called "Swift Justice" that was a pretty interesting story, about these two guys that kidnapped this kid in the '30's in California. It was the last known lynching -- well I'm sure there have been lynchings after that, but it was a lynching in regard to a crime.   

Do you think that Keller's storyline should have ended when he was shipped out of OZ? 
  
Yes! I hate that fucking prick!

Thank you for your time. I look forward to a new season of OZ and your next project.