M o y a ' s C a b i n

FEATURES >> INTERVIEWS >> ANTHONY SIMCOE:

MC: Have there been any modifications to your costume for the third season?

AS: I have a kick ass costume for season three that I start to wear in episode three. For the keen observer I am also carrying it in "Suns and Lovers" whenI enter the bar to show John my union tattoos - although I'm not sure if you can see it in the final cut. I didn't want it to come out of nowhere. I wanted to show the shopping briefly before I wore it. It's my favourite costume yet - v. cool.

MC: Looking back at season two, what was your fondest behind-the-scenes
moment?

AS: My favourite memory is of our "days of the week". These were invented by our standby props guy Andrew Playford. He's a very funny guy. It all started as a joke where every Friday we would all pretend that Andrew had all the power on set - anything needed approval or confirmation you had to run it by Andrew. Shots, f-stops, line changes - everything .I'm sure you had to be there but this led to some very funny situations and gags. Because of this Friday became "Power Day". After that other days followed - I'm afraid many of them are not suitable for print but boy does it keep us laughing down on the floor.

MC: Have any new directors or writers come onboard the Farscape production team for season three? If so, do you think they'll take Farscape into a different direction?

AS: Season three sees the return of our regulars as well as some people who have made brief appearances before. Our new boy on the block is Ian Barry and he is great. All the directors carry a great responsibility. This is not an easy show to shoot in 7 a-unit and 3 b-unit days. In fact it's very difficult!!! Our directors and cast and crew not only mange to do this within the very limited time they also manage to do it with flair and imagination. The directors are the captains of this chaotic process and not enough can be said of their wonderful and inspiring contribution.

MC: Lately, your character D'Argo has become the voice of reason for the crew. What are your feelings about D'Argo's transformation since season one?

AS: D'Argo has the potential to be a truly great individual - we're starting to get glimpses of this. He still gets upset but this is usually with good reason these days. I believe that since season one D'Argo has become more confident in himself, despite the setbacks. This has led to some great moments and scenes and has also led to more complex relationships with the "adults" - Chrichton and Aeryn.

MC: Where do you want to take D'Argo emotionally in the third season?

AS: I want to explode D'Argo into seemingly impossible extremes. I want people

to say "My God! This guy is being put through the wringer. It's never easy - high to low in one sheer drop and then way back up again. I can't keep up"

MC: How do feel about the latest edition to Moya's crew, Stark (Paul
Goddard)?

AS: Stark reminds me of a Shakespearean fool in some respects. To generalise, a Shakespearean fool is someone verging on madness who is in fact very wise and observant. Stark is no-where near as mad a Shakespearean fool but there are moments where Paul takes him to this edge - It's truly wonderful to watch. He is a complicated spiritual figure which really aids with the drama of the show. He is complex and full of contradictions - this inconsistency is how you create a great character folks. With someone like Paul at the helm Stark, Moya and Farscape can only get better and better.

Paul Goddard is a very well respected and established actor in Australia, so to have him on the show is a real privilege. Not only is he a wonderful actor he is a joy to work with and a very wonderful man. I can't say enough nice things about him. What I can add though is that he is a wonderful musician. You should try to pry some tracks from him.

MC: What do you like to do in your free time?

AS: I am a DVD fanatic. I love listening to commentaries and getting an insight into the workings of the creative team. Movies are my first love and you will often find me at home with friends taking in a few films. I also love exercising and reading. I'm currently reading "Captain Correli's Mandolin" which is beautiful. I've also just completed a Photoshop course so I'm enjoying using that wonderful programme. I play guitar and at the moment I'm enjoying watching the Australians play India in the Cricket test matches. (We're losing damn it!)

MC: Are you surprised at the popularity of Farscape here in the States?

AS: We are immune from the shows popularity because it is not popular in Australia, so it is

nice to hear that it is going well in the States. We all
put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the show to make it interesting,
dynamic and a hoot to watch, so it is nice to hear our efforts are not
going un-noticed.

MC: How does it feel to have your own action figure?

AS: It rocks!!!!!!! I loved my Star Wars figures as a kid so to think that kids now are getting into it is a real blast. I just hope that during battles no-one decides to replicate the damage of battle by burning my doll ( which is what I stupidly did as a kid. Boy did I get in trouble that day!!!;-)

MC: Do you have any other projects lined up besides Farscape?

AS: My life is pretty much Farscape at the moment. Once the show finally comes to a close I will be more active in pursuing a directing career here in Australia. I am also very keen to get back on the stage.

MC would like to thank Mr. Simcoe for taking the time to speak with us. Also, we'd like to thank Mr. Walbridge for help with setting up the interview.