| Alex Roe Siren Interview Interview /Story by Lee Klamer |
| Siren is one of Freeform's hot newer shows. I spoke with Alex Roe, one of the stars of Siren. Alex plays Ben Pownall, a marine biologist who becomes thrust into one of Bristol Coves legends. He is torn between his family and life before the discovery of something rare and precious from the ocean, the mermaids. Alex is very articulate and describes his character of Ben Pownall as he progresses in Season 2. Alex said, "Ben left Season 1 with a lot to figure out and tries to come to terms with the potential danger to the mermaids. With the Siren song in his head it does warp his feeling for Ryn , his desire to protect her. He does believe he's doing the right thing. He wants to defend creatures that can't defend themselves." In describing his feelings of loyalty to his family but also following his own beliefs, He said , Ben is "A man who hates hypocrisy and isn't motivated by stature , he's a man whose quite moral, centered and grounded." He also said, "Bens' family are like a different breed to him. He feels like the Black Sheep of the family and in that separation his resolve is to protect his new family even stronger." Ben's relationships with both Maddie and Ryn have changed this season. Maddie, his girlfriend who he has known most of his life and shares a passion of the ocean with and Ryn, the unexpected Siren who he can't get out of his mind. Alex said,"He discovers another species that is vulnerable to humanities destructive nature and he has an impulse to protect that species. He falls in love with one of these creatures." Alex further explains why Ben is drawn to Ryn. He said, "She's so tough but so vulnerable at the same time, a complete force of nature especially the ocean." Ben doesn't know what his feelings for Maddie are. Alex said, "He struggles with being in love with his human partner. It could be incredibly complicated but with all the stuff that's going on trying to get the mermaids back in the water, finding out what's going on with his family and the effects of the Siren song." He added, "But it ends up being a place of refuge for all of them. Siren is a serious Sci-Fi show but that doesn't keep the cast from having a little fun. Alex said, " We all get on pretty well so there's always a lot of banter and jokes on set which is always good to keep it light. It would be pretty bleak if all you had was doom and gloom." Season 2 does have it's own light moments with the storyline and a difference within the characters , he said, "What's interesting in Season 2 is there's been an added situational humor. I think that adds little moments of levity in an interesting way. Like Ryn seeing land for the first time, finding her laugh and lying for the first time. I really enjoyed seeing those moments play out". Some scenes from the show look formidable but Alex actually does some of the stunts you see. He said, "The rock climbing was me in Episode 1 .I did the rock climbing with Will Stanhope , a professional rock climber, he taught me how to crack climb." The show does quite a lot of underwater scenes that requires the actors to participate. Alex said, " We go underwater in Vancouver in winter. It's pretty cold! They make a hot tub right next to the water for us. We jump in and pretty much get straight back out." He added, "The long scenes in the water are shot in a tank". That's why they look so realistic. Siren may have the mermaids as the main theme of the show but there is an underlying current of reality that the writers and producers are incorporating as well. The sonic cannons blasting for oil in the Atlantic are causing problems in the ocean. Alex spoke about the environmental issues and how he feels about the show taking on this issue. He said, "As the series started airing the news was reporting sonic cannons in the Atlantic Ocean had caused whales and marine life that communicate via sonar causing them to wash up or get lost. I think Sci Fi was such a cool way to raise awareness and also to entertain at the same time. I'm very proud to be a part of a show that does that." Alex also voiced, "Save the ocean save the Mermaids." It's a win-win! The Mermaids and their allies ban together in one brave move. The Spring finale promises to be full of suspense and explosive action and the perfect ending leaving you to anticipate what's to come. Freeforms Siren is on Thursday at 8 and once you watch you'll be hooked. |
