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Chloe rocks! Here is a new interview with Chloe herself (Mary Lynn Rajskub. She is hillarious...

The Secrets of '24'

Jennifer McDonnell
Dose

Mary Lynn Rajskub, who plays the sullen and neurotic Chloe O'Brian on Fox's hit drama 24, chats with Dose about what the future holds for television's favourite counter-terrorist unit. Beware: spoilers ahead!

What are your thoughts on the current season of 24?

I'm into it. It's getting really exciting. It's getting bigger and better all the time.

It seems to be killing season on that show. Do you feel safe?

I'm afraid, I have to say. This is the first season that I was a regular, meaning that I signed on for the whole year, but even that does not make me feel completely safe, because if they wanted to kill me, they would.

What was it like reading the script in which Edgar died?

It was really sad. The wardrobe and makeup read the scripts before we do so that they can prepare stuff and the wardrobe guy had read it a couple of days before me and his face was all white and he was like "did you read 13 yet?" And I was like "no, what? What?" And he said "it's really sad."

What was it like filming that scene?

It really affected people because this character was so innocent. It was sad to film and it was sad to watch. Especially being in that room and not being able to do anything. It was a very odd day because also, a lot of the extras that were on that show had been there for a few years so the lead-in to Edgar dying was filming all these people just dropping to the ground. It's disturbing. I mean, it's make believe, but it's still... it's like "oh, ok. Your job's over."

What's coming up?

I get a puppy. And a bouquet of flowers sent to my desk. [laughs] No, but Chloe needs a puppy. I mean, can't we just take a break and let some puppies around, after all the death and destruction?

I don't know how they do it, but things get even weirder. I can't even remember what happens. I get confused, 'cause we're filming 22 right now. And what just aired? 15? It gets weirder. That's all I can say, really. There's more good triumphing over evil. And uh, Jack's gonna go crazy. He'll lose his mind, yeah.

Have you read the finale yet?

No, I've actually only read up to 23. I'm about to read 24.

Have we seen the last of Kim Bauer?

Well, you know, she said she didn't want to talk to him anymore. I think it's going to be left alone for this day. That's my feeling.

Does Chloe's love interest come back?

Well, I don't think he's completely gone, but I get the feeling he doesn't come back. It is only 24 hours and he got in a lot of trouble. I'd like to say we have a little more time to get it on but I don't think it's gonna happen. Oh, but there is somebody else.

Like another love interest?

Yeah, maybe. I'm not saying a love interest, but something along those lines.

Is it a character that we've seen already?

Nope.

How awesome is it to play Chloe's personal side?

I love it. I look forward to that happening more. You know, I think that's what makes Jack Bauer powerful, ‘cause you know his personal struggles. So I think that would make Chloe more interesting once you get to see the personal stuff.

Will Chloe grab a gun and kick some ass again, like in last season?

I would love for that to happen again. I didn't think that I would like it, shooting a gun. But I have to say, I was pretty into it. It's kind of bad ass. I think she's gonna become a gangster, and insist on carrying a sawed-off shot gun. It seems cumbersome but...

That's a spin-off idea, right there.

Yeah, I'm pitching it to the writers right now.

"Chloe + sawed-off shotgun." That's all you need to say.

From WWII. That's the only gun she'll use. And I'm going to insist on wearing hair extensions.

And changing your outfit every five minutes.

Exactly.

Although you're stuck in a pretty cute outfit this season. I dig the sweater set.

Thank you. I've really been working on it for a couple years, 'cause my first outfit was bad. Let's not remember it. You have to choose wisely.

So, have you heard the rumour that Edward Norton was approached to take Kiefer's place next year?

What?? Who said that? [Turns to her publicist] Did you hear the Edward Norton rumour? We'd never heard that. I just talked to my publicist Courtney and she'd never heard that. Where did you read that? What kind of stuff are you reading? [laughs]

The producers denied it.

Oh, wow.

There's also the rumour that 24 will move to London next year.

I've heard that.

Can you see 24 without Keifer as the lead?

No! He's the guy. He's the man. The only one I could see taking his place is Chloe. I mean, let's get real. Edward Norton? Or Chloe? [laughs]

How tight is the cast?

It's a pretty familiar place. As well as the crew, spending the whole time with them. There's a lot of joking around and familiarity. But I don't see Keifer as much as you might think.

Is there any character that was on before that you'd like to see back?

Hmmm, I've never thought of it that way. I'll go with Sherry. Or the whole terrorist family from last year. I forget their name. I'd love to see them.

So what's your ideal 24 hours for Chloe?

I don't think she's ever too far away for the computer, so it'd probably be designing some software or breaking some code, just for fun. Sadly, I think she'd be doing that anyway.

Are you computer savvy like Chloe?

No, I don't even know how to turn my television on.

So, what's coming up for you besides 24?

I was looking for a movie to do this summer, but I haven't really found anything yet. So there'll probably be some live performance. Comedy stuff. Where should I perform in Canada?

Hmmm...Second City is always a safe bet.

Yeah! I might go to NY and do some live performances. Maybe I'll hit Toronto.

Speaking of movies, what was it like starring alongside Harrison Ford in Firewall?

Terrible. No, it was awesome. I would love to do some big movie, but maybe be the action star. I think it's time for me to step into the power position. I don't want to play depressing, weird characters. I want to play powerful characters fighting for good...or evil!

Is it hard playing a character like Chloe, who never smiles?

No, that comes very easily to me. There are times where I come in in the morning and read the script and say "I can't say that!" and then I remember that it's Chloe. I like that she's rude and blunt to people, and she says things to people that I would never say.

So, how long do think the concept of 24 can continue?

You know, people had hang-ups about this year, but I think it's exceeded our high expectations. So you wouldn't think it could go longer, because of the limitations of the concept, but I don't know. It could happen. Why not? It's worked so far.

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