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In the real world, Cobel stalks Mark by posing as his nosy next-door neighbor, Mrs. Selvig.
Cobel is such an enigmatic character, and theres a lot the audience doesnt know about her.
Are you sure you want me to play this part?
Dan and Ben would have a go at answer these questions, which would just lead to more questions.
Every layer became stranger and more confusing.
It was like there was no answer.
So I started digging into what the company meant for her.
This company is more than a company.
This is her family.
This is her religion.
Her whole self-esteem is tied to it.
But shes always on the outside in a way.
She thinks she knows whats going on.
Part of what I didnt understand, and you couldnt tell in the writing, was the tone.
With your character, it doesnt seem like youre going for laughs.
Everyone was like, How far do we go or not?
You do multiple takes.
Then, in editing, they decide which direction they want to go.
What I was doing became clearer and clearer throughout.
Dan created a really rich backstory, so there was a lot to anchor you.
It wasnt like, Lets just wing it right now.
But theres always, hopefully, a little bit of freedom to improvise within the character.
I like that its so contained.
It is very different from a lot of the characters Ive played.
She plays things much closer to the vest.
Cobels relationship with the board is similar.
There were takes where I was much more emotional with the board.
Really?The board was the one place that always pulled the rug out from under her.
As you were figuring out those scenes, were you concerned about conveying that Cobel isplayingMrs.
How does he feel about middle-age women?
Does he have mommy issues?
How does it feel to make friends?
It seems like Mrs. Selvig has lived next door to Mark since before Petey left the company.
It could ruin some things.
But there is an answer to that question?Yeah, there is an answer to that question.
Its also rooted in Harmonys deep inner self.
Mark is a special project shes working on.
Thats all Im going to say about that.
What does Lumon actually do?Early in the story, I asked that question too.
Not that Dan didnt already have a strong idea; he did.
Maybe they will if we continue on.
Let me just ask Cobel over here … Yep.
No, too bad.
No information for you.
Youve talked about how important Lumon is to Cobel.
What is she afraid is going to happen?
I dont think its necessarily adhering to all of Kiers ideas.
Harmony came up being indoctrinated by that school of thought not this new one.
There were moments when she was more on the inside.
Now, shes definitely on the outside trying to get back in.
She also wants to save the corporation from itself.
She thinks she has better ideas and knows more.
Even talking about reintegration: They dont believe her, but shes right.
People on the street are questioning the severance procedure and if it should be illegal.
She understands what a negative impact this could have on the corporation if they dont take her seriously.
Even though Cobel is not severed, she has no life outside of work.
It feels like the show is making the argument that work-life balance is impossible to achieve.
I dont really ever stop working.
This has been something Ive been struggling with, in one way or another, my whole life.
I think we all struggle with this.
A lot of people say when they ask people on their deathbed, What do you regret?
they never say, I wish I worked more.
They always say, I wish I had spent more time traveling, more time with people I loved.
Were coming to a point of critical mass where were working and its never-ending.
Im as guilty as anybody of that maybe more.
Im out of control.
With this conversation, I go back toMad Men.
Weve always been dealing with this pressure of what it means to be successful.
What is a good worker?
It resonates, because people struggle with this.
Do you hear me cleaning?
No.Im cleaning and talking.
I never do one thing at a time.
How much have you talked about what might happen in season two?
Do you have a sense of where things could go?Not really.
I tried, but I have no information.
Im like, If we do go to season two, do I die right away?
Nobodys telling me anything.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
