Interview: Seychelle Gabriel Talks Fall Skies

Interview: Seychelle Gabriel Talks Fall Skies, Written by: Karen Benardello People often need to find comfort in others when they experience dramatic, life-altering events. That’s certainly the case with pre-med college student Lourdes, played by Seychelle Gabriel, in TNT’s hit sci-fi action thriller ‘Falling Skies.’ Currently airing its second season on TNT on Sunday nights at 9/8c, the series showcases how Lourdes and the other survivors of an alien invasion on Earth cope with losing their families and civilization as they know it. ‘Falling Skies’ follows a group of civilians and soldiers struggling against an alien force that has invaded earth. In the chaotic aftermath of the alien attack, most of the world has become completely incapacitated. In the six months since the initial invasion, the few human survivors have banded together outside major cities to begin fighting back. Not only must the citizen soldiers left have to protect the people in their care, they must also engage in an insurgency campaign against the occupying alien force. Gabriel generously took the time to speak to us about filming ‘Falling Skies.’ Among other things, the actress spoke about what attracted her to the role of Lourdes, what it’s like with co-star Noah Wyle and why she enjoys the sci-fi genre. ShockYa (SY): You’re reprising your role of Lourdes, a young pre-med college student whose education was cut short by the alien invasion, on the current second season of TNT’s ‘Falling Skies.’ What was it about Lourdes, and the show overall, that attracted you to the role? Seychelle Gabriel (SG): I actually really dug one of the audition scenes. Lourdes and little Matt Mason are chatting together doing laundry with some river water, and Lourdes kind of opens up to him about losing her family. I just liked that dynamic between the two of them, both not equipped to fight, but finding each other to talk to. It was definitely a bit motherly for her, but also an unexpected friend. The show brings a lot of those weird or unexpected dynamics out between people, which I like. SY: Since her college education was cut short, Lourdes now helps Anne Glass, played by Moon Bloodgood, as a medic. What is your working relationship with Moon like? SG: It’s pretty awesome. We’re really close, and whether it’s letting steam off or just being there for the other, she’s a friend and actor that I really revere. We do indulge in the occasional after-work-kareoke-sesh. So that’s never bad. SY: Steven Spielberg has executive produced 12 episodes of ‘Falling Skies.’ Did you get to work with him on any episodes, and if so, what was the experience like? SG: No, but that would be sweet though. He’s come to set only a couple times, but we’ve also had a couple instances where we’ve gotten to chat with him and hear him talk about what’s in store for the show and those were great. He’s a really cool guy. To continue reading this interview, please click here.