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I did not sign up for this is a clinic in aggrievement.
Bratt calls it one of the best jobs hes ever had.
But it isnt until the finale episode that viewers understand the full weight of your sarcasm.
It belies an emotional center that Cliff didnt necessarily display in the pilot.
He feels emotionally betrayed and disregarded.
That was the fun part finding the complexity within.
Rian and I talked about this idea of Cliff being an apex predator.
A shark is often mistakenly understood to mean theres evil intent.
But whatever a shark does in his element is just being a shark: They kill and they eat.
One of the scripted lines in the teleplay was that Cliff probably has a military background.
I broke that idea down for myself: What is the first thing a soldier is taught in training?
Its almost a monologue.
This interaction is so unexpected and menacing, and it adds another layer to Cliff.
But thats part of Rians genius.
How many villains do you learn have a favorite TV show?
Cliffs obsessed withBurn Noticeand reveals that he secretly fancies himself a real-life Michael Weston.
Although he works in this low-rent casino, he probably thinks, I could be on TV.
We already understand and recognize theres a quirkiness to him.
Part of my early conversation with Rian was, Look, I love the character in the pilot.
I wish there was more to do throughout the body of the show.
He really is this ticking-clock element that keeps her on the run.
I had no idea it was going to pay off on the level he gifted me with.
It remains to this day one of my favorite roles on TV.
We learn about this other inner life going on; it makes him human.
It reveals that his villainy is not born of evil intent its pragmatism.
Hes good at his job and hes very unemotional about it.
Theres no relish in the killing, but payback is a bitch.
How much fun was it to deliver the evil laugh at the end of Cliffs phone call with Beatrice?
[Laughs] The laugh is not something you practice.
You have a go at find something in the moment thats going to trigger it.
She and I and Janicza Bravo, who directed episode ten, spent a lot of social time together.
My way to sourcing that comedy is to play it straight.
Theyre choreographed, so there was no dick in the eye on any real level.
No contact was made.
I didnt get it, though.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
