'Pearson' star Chantel Riley says her character Angela will have her own tales to tell in series
'Pearson' was one of those anticipated series this year and was received warmly by the audience. The political drama also averages a healthy 72% on Rotten Tomatoes. The show follows Gina Torres' Jessica Pearson, a recently disbarred powerhouse attorney ('Suits') leaves her law firm in NYC and travels to Chicago to work under Mayor Bobby Novak (Morgan Spector) as his "problem-fixer."
The ten-episode series also sees Jessica trying to reconnect with her estranged family while also coming to terms with the down-and-dirty politics of the city. As far as family and relationships go, Jessica is yet to rebuild her bond with Angela Cook (Chantel Riley), her cousin, for not really being there when it mattered most for the family.
In an exclusive with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), Riley sheds light on Angela, the future of the character and working on 'Pearson.'
Talking about her character, Riley said Angela was someone who was protective of her family and her community. "She has a huge heart for the people she has known her entire life," Riley explains. "So, when a threat is thrown their way, there is an automatic safeguard that is triggered. Angela can be stubborn, but I feel that some of that come from wanting the absolute best for her family and community, even if it means taking matters into her own hands."
Of the four episodes that have been aired, it is seen that Jessica and Angela sort of reconnect. When asked if the duo would bond better over the course of the series, Riley opined that there would be more of an 'in-depth story' at Jessica's life and that it was relatable to a normal household. "We can go from a good one day to not-so-good the next, which I think is normal in a functioning family unit."
The actress also added that her character's story will be told through the family life aspect of the show. "Along the way, we will get to see Angela grow and have her own story to tell as well." She also hinted that all the fighting that Jessica does in the series impacts Angela as well.
"As we get deeper into the drama, we will see how all the fires Jessica is fighting will affect Angela and the families around her. Because Angela is a fighter, I can’t see her taking this laying down," she remarked.
Riley was all praise for her co-star Gina Torres and admitted that she was nervous when it was announced that she would be part of 'Pearson. "Gina is a veteran with an extensive career and resume, so, of course, I was nervous working with her", she said.
"However, meeting and spending time with Gina during filming proved I had nothing to be nervous about. Gina was so warm, kind, hilarious and made me feel right at home. I had the chance to watch a master at work and pocket some gems along the way," she signed off.
'Pearson' airs on Wednesdays at 10 pm on the USA Network.