We had a very enjoyable chat with Henry Thomas a few days ago about his role in the hot, new TV drama, Betrayal, which airs on Sunday nights on the ABC TV Network at 10 PM. A few weeks back, we spoke with one of his cast members, Stuart Townsend, and they both had the same comment about the series, that it takes time to unfold the complexity of the characters and they are pleased with how the series and fans are now reacting each week.
Another interesting part of our interview was that I felt like I knew Henry, like a son, as I watched him grow up from his unforgettable role in the Steven Spielberg classic “E.T.” which just had it’s 30th anniversary (oh, yikes, that kinda reflects on my age… but I’m only 29?!). I digress.
About Playing T.J.
We asked Henry about how he got the role on Betrayal. He tells us he initially read for another character but was called back to read for T.J. Henry said that he hadn’t thought about doing that character initially, he was trepidatious because he really didn’t want to see the character become a caricature.
Photo Credit ABC/Jean Whiteside
What Do You Like About T. J.?
Henry told us that he likes that T.J. is struggling with himself, he’s at the controls and is clever and more capable than people give him credit for. He may make mistakes but Henry likes that his character is a “good guy” who is a loyal, good-hearted person.
Turning the Tables
Now that we’re seeing more of T.J.’s character in the past few episodes and his interactions with Stuart Townsend’s character, Jack, and the death of his “girlfriend” Brandy, we’re seeing how he starts to rebel against his support system of family and friends.
We asked Henry an off the wall question at this point in our interview – “what if your character overcame his disability and turned the tables on his father because of Brandy’s death?” and Henry started laughing and said, yes, that would be coming up in Season 6. (spoiler alert – LOL).
T.J. and Thatcher Argue About Brandy
But seriously, Henry tells us in terms of the devastating blow of losing Brandy, there are other things like Jack and his Dad talking down to his character T.J. and excluding him from family business that has pushed him to this point. He has had enough – and its this desperation of wanting to have complete control over his life even though he knows he has a disability, he is trying to deal with life in a healthy way.
It’s a bold move for him and threatens his relationships with his family.
Do You Like How Your Character is Developing?
Henry told us that he really works hard to not make his character T.J. a “rain man” type personality or caricature and is very protective of him. He says the writers are good about working with him on making sure that his character is treated with kit gloves and respect, so if there’s anything grim that he has to be a part of, he collaborates with the writers and then puts that scene in context with T.J. so he can handle whatever they throw his way.
Best Scene
Henry tells us the best scene for him so far has been when he shows up to talk to Carsten (his dad, played by James Cromwell) with Brandy and a ring and a plan.
Photo Credit ABC/Jean Whiteside
Act or play music…
Finally, we ask Henry – what would he prefer to do full-time? Then, we had to add the caveat that he would be paid the same (he’s a hard negotiator when interviewed) and he said “I would do music, then it could be on my own time and be whenever I wanted and I could work from home.”
Well, Henry, we hope you get to do that some day – but we hope it’s several years from now after your character T.J. has turned the tables after being healed by some new medical procedure in season six of Betrayal.
About Tonight’s Episode
“It’s just you and me now…” – Jack whisks Sara away for a romantic road trip, even as the FBI is tracking him down. As T.J. is unable to cope with Brandy’s death or find his place at Karsten Allied, his reckless behavior turns dangerous. Karsten decides to settle the score with Jack by making a deal with an unlikely ally, on “Betrayal,” TONIGHT, DECEMBER 8 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
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Watch full episodes and find out more about Betrayal on ABC’s website. http://abc.go.com/shows/betrayal
“Betrayal” stars Hannah Ware as Sara Hanley, Henry Thomas as T.J. Karsten, Chris Johnson as Drew Stafford, Wendy Moniz as Elaine McAllister, Elizabeth McLaughlin as Valerie McAllister, Braeden Lemasters as Victor McAllister, with Stuart Townsend as Jack McAllister, and James Cromwell as Thatcher Karsten.
Guest starring are Sofia Black-D’Elia as Jules Walsh, Brendan Hines as Aidan, Erin Way as Megan and Ora Jones as Quincy Theringer.
“It’s just you and me now…” is written by David Zabel & Lisa Zwerling and directed by Bethany Rooney.
