'Emergence' star Alexa Swinton on her superwoman co-star Allison Tolman and the 'amazing chemistry' they share

The entire show has been focused on Piper (Alexa Swinton), an AI who everyone — including herself — believes to be a little human girl, searching for answers after it becomes evident that quite a few people want her
PUBLISHED DEC 18, 2019
Alexa Swinton portrays the AI Piper in ABC's 'Emergence' (Emily Assiran)
Alexa Swinton portrays the AI Piper in ABC's 'Emergence' (Emily Assiran)

Most of us are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from our favorite TV shows after all of them went on a fall break together, and with all the mid-season premieres scheduled for 2020, the wait promises to be frustrating and long.

Fans of ABC series 'Emergence', for example, are looking for many answers thanks to that brilliant cliffhanger of a finale that was aired last week.

The entire show has been focused on Piper (Alexa Swinton), an AI who everyone — including herself — believes to be a little human girl, who is searching for answers after it becomes evident that quite a few people want her.

Thankfully, she, along with her foster mother/ police chief Jo (Allison Tolman) is getting to the root of the mystery at a faster pace than you would expect from any mystery thriller series.

"Jo and Piper are an amazing team. Jo is searching to get to the bottom of this very large mystery – and Piper is at the center of the mystery. Piper is also searching – but – of course – she is a kid – so she needs the adults to help her," Swinton tells MEA WorldWide (MEAWW).

She added that she loves the relationship between Jo and Piper. Praising their "amazing chemistry" as characters, Swinton goes on to add how lucky she feels to be working with such an "amazing actress and person" as Tolman.

"She is so funny, real, capable, and just a very down to earth and positive person. She keeps everything grounded," she says.



 

"She is a superwoman – truly! I also love the other cast members – each of them has a unique relationship to Piper," she gushes further elaborating on her relationship with the rest of the cast members.

"Alex and Piper end up going on an adventure together, which makes them get closer – I was happy about that because Donald [Faison] is so funny and such a brilliant actor. And Ed – the grandpa – Clancy Brown – he is a legend, and I am super excited to learn from him in each take."

"He is hysterical but also super down to business when it’s time to do a take. He also shares his own acting technique. When Ashley [Aufderheide] who plays Mia and I get the giggles, he’s like, girls – FOCUS! He has us take the air out of the lines so that we are very comfortable and just real in the scene," she adds.

Swinton goes on to add that the whole set reflects that positive philosophy. "From the catering people to the cinematographer Bob Humphries who is always calm and nice and confident and the HMU."

"And you learn from everyone on the set – John the key hair artist is always teaching me how to do my hair – well – really – the main trick is to actually brush it. I don't love to do that, so I am happy to get my hair done on set every day," she points out.

"Ande – who was key makeup gave me a care packet. Really – it's one big family, and I am so sad that we are almost done with Season 1. I will miss working and spending time with all these amazing, talented, generous people," she adds.

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