Tag Archives: Sarah Carter

Falling Skies – Standing with the 2nd Mass

Falling Skies has been renewed for a 10 episode 5th season.  This is a show that captured audiences attention from the first season for a variety of reasons.

For me, what makes Falling Skies stand out is two-fold.  During one of the early episodes I suddenly realized here was a show that was accomplishing what I had been frustrated other shows had failed to do — creating the sense of community among the characters.  In scenes where the 2nd Mass (the main group of characters we have followed for four season) was moving from one location to another, or preparing to move, the camera would start on a fraction of a conversation between several characters, then drift to another grouping, sometimes following someone making deliveries, other times the camera seemed to be staying stationary and the group was marching past us.  But we were being given a glimpse of these seemingly insignificant moments, the joking among comrades, the tension releasing teasing among friends that reinforced these were people — and good times or bad, they were making it through, together.  When someone needed a shoulder to lean on, we saw someone give them words of encouragement, and a hug, and when they needed another weapon to help fight the good fight, we saw them given ammo and the confidence boost they needed.

It was not until I saw episode after episode with these scenes casually woven in that I realized other shows that had left me wanting had in fact left me wanting this.

The other major stand out quality of this show for me is family.  It does not strictly define family as blood relations and those who share DNA, but it does reinforce, time and again that willingness to go the extra mile for those you love.  A belief that those who love you will go to the ends of the Earth to find you and support you.  That the people you trust will have your back.  And those you aren’t entirely sure you trust (Pope) and yet, you find by your side time and again… somehow you realize, in the end they want to get to the same place you do, and maybe, just maybe, an alliance can be formed, a pact can be made, and to a degree, you can trust one another after all.

The show may, at first glance, seem to center on the Mason Family and the 2nd Mass.  But look beyond that, and see how this is a family that embraces their community, and defines community as those who are with them on this journey, not simply those who live in one place at one time.

The Masons are a people of hope, of faith that a better future can be worked towards and achieved, and week after week it makes other characters want to follow where they and the 2nd Mass leads, and viewers tune in.

FALLING SKIES – SUNDAYS AT 10 P.M. (ET/PT)

Falling Skies

TNT’s epic drama Falling Skies – from Amblin Television and executive producer Steven Spielberg– tells the extraordinary story about life and survival in the wake of a catastrophic alien invasion. Noah Wyle stars as Tom Mason, a college professor who became an unlikely resistance leader. Moon Bloodgood is Dr. Anne Glass, a pediatrician who became the survivors’ primary physician and eventually fell in love with Tom.  Will Patton is Colonel Weaver, the gruff and emotionally scarred commander leading the battle against the invaders.  Also starring in Falling Skies are Drew Roy, Connor Jessup, Maxim Knight, Colin Cunningham, Seychelle Gabriel, Mpho Koaho, Sarah Carter, Doug Jones and Scarlett Byrne. Falling Skies premiered as basic cable’s #1 new series of 2011.

Drew Fuller – When he was Black’s Sash’s Nick Reed

Nick Reed – Drew Fuller

Unlike his character Nick Reed on Black Sash, 22-year-old Drew Fuller doesn’t know the first thing about being a martial arts ace. But that doesn’t mean this California native is a stranger to seeking levels of excellence in other areas of his life. With two ultra-athletic parents (his dad surfs every morning), Drew practically grew up pushing the envelope on speed, whether he was on a pair of skis, slamming tennis balls, or racing down the basketball court. As for stepping into the shoes of a character who’s meant to be a full-on girl magnet? Fuller admits he could use some practice. “I have no clue what a ‘hottie’ is. To think of myself in those terms is absurd.” Just you wait, Drew … just you wait.

My job on Black Sash is to: “Cause as much trouble as possible. When Nick first shows up on the scene, he is not very popular. He’s angst-ridden, cocky, and he’s really, really good at martial arts. All of these things don’t go over too well.”

You won’t find me: “Complaining about my life. [Black Sash] is such a gift. I work all the time and don’t have time to obsess about anything but work, but I’m having the best time. I get to show up, pick some fights, flirt with girls, and have fun.”

My martial arts skills could use a little: “Improvement. The first week of working, I accidentally decked this guy. I split his temple right open. He was gushing blood all over the place. It was not funny.”

I think Nick’s biggest problem is: “His need for attention. His parents are diplomats, so this guy has had to move every few months. He’s not very comfortable. He’s constantly trying to push buttons and get a reaction out of people. I can relate. Even though I haven’t moved from school to school or anything, I’ve been known to push some buttons.”

Why grace is not my middle name: “I found out the hard way about the wax on the floor of the dojo [where we shoot]. I walked in one day and my shoes were wet [with rain] and I went to do this spinning jump kick or something and wound up in the emergency room.”

 Nick Reed on Black Sash

Drew Fuller stars as Nick Reed, a rebellious new student who enjoys crossing the line between right and wrong. Filled with anger and resentment, Nick becomes Tom’s (Russell Wong) ultimate challenge.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Fuller was discovered by an agent when he was 12 years old after a family friend put him on the cover of UCLA magazine. After deciding to wait a few years, Fuller entered the modeling world at age 16 and quickly became a top model for such prestigious companies as Tommy Hilfiger, Prada and Club Med. His good looks helped him make the transition to commercials easily and he booked numerous commercials including J. Crew, Subway and Toyota and Pepsi opposite Britney Spears.

Fuller can be seen later this year playing real-life criminal Rod Farrell in Vampire Clan. He plays the drug-crazed killer who claimed he was a vampire and brutally murdered an innocent family in Florida in 1996. His next film, The One, just won the audience award at The Sundance Film Festival. Other film credits include Angels Don’t Sleep Here and Close Call.

In his spare time, Fuller enjoys playing basketball, surfing, rock climbing, snowboarding and tennis. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his cat “The Chad.”

What does Nick bring to Black Sash? Drew Fuller gives you his take on his character. Watch