1. How did you feel about being thrust into the action more in Season 4? Has this meant more off-season training for you? Can we expect an equally active Charge in Season 5?
I loved being involved in more of the action; it’s lonely on the bridge sometimes. I never know what is coming in the next series, but I did go on a running regime during the break and that’s kept me fit. This year Charge has a penchant for diving off boats and fighting bad guys single handedly, so yeah, I guess we can expect a more action-charged Season 5.
2. If you had a choice between an action role and a comedic role, which would you prefer?
One of my favourite actors is Jackie Chan – who managed a career in both – so I guess I’d love them to be something that didn’t have to be separate. Comedy has such a wide spectrum that means it’s always challenging psychologically. Action on the other hand is always a challenge physically. So it just depends on what challenge I’m up for.
3. As a viewer your character comes across as loveable, reliable and generally easy going. What are the difficult aspects of playing Charge?
I’m glad he comes across as reliable, that’s definitely one of his main traits. I guess one of the things I love about playing him is his constant ability to make mistakes. I love that he’s not right 100% of the time. He’s made a lot of mistakes over 4 years and I’m sure there’s more to come this year.
4. Would you like to see Charge get a genuine romance or relationship in the future?
Personally I think a genuine romantic relationship is the best thing anyone could have. It’s about caring for someone else more than yourself, and that can only be a good thing. For Charge, I think it would be perfect. He’s happiest when he’s on his own and that’s very scary. If he were with someone, he could open up more and that would make for good drama.
5. Are there any exciting developments for Charge this coming season?
There are many cool things Charge gets up to this season. So far Charge has dived off a moving fishing trawler, taken out two gunmen unarmed, been dragged behind a boat and pulled himself aboard, and had an apparent heart attack – which didn’t require any acting!
6. What was your favourite episode in Season 4 to film? What was the most satisfying completed episode to watch? Why?
Definitely Episode 11 – ‘Brotherhood of the Sea’. It was the first time Charge really owned an episode. It was great to try and fathom out the mystery of the episode over the 6 months we filmed it, whilst filming 15 other episodes. There was also a lot of action. I loved the scenes with Benji McNair in Episode 6 – ‘Big Fish’, because I enjoyed the tension between the characters.
7. What skill/talent would you like to show off in an episode?
I studied Martial Arts for 9 or 10 years in my twenties. I’d love to see if I could still pull off a flying side-kick, but I’d hate to try it on the little boats we hop on. After acting for almost twenty years, I think I’d like to work on my writing and directing skills. I think television is such a great medium for exploring new ideas for drama and comedy.
8. Out of all the Hammersley crew members who are you most similar to?
I asked my wife and she said almost all of them, but definitely not Charge as far as mechanics are concerned. Mike for his head-strong defence of his crew; Kate for her doggedness when overwhelmed; RO for his single-mindedness; and, definitely Spider and Bird for their wide-eyed enthusiasm.
9. What’s something you have learned from being on Sea Patrol for 5 years?
Comradeship, how to work in extremely cramped spaces, and how to board a boat without killing your shins. Unfortunately I learnt the last lesson too late.
10. Can you let us in on any Series 5 storylines?
NO! Watch it yourself…just kidding!
Charge gets married and beaten to a pulp. Charge and 2Dads look for UFOs. Charge tries to save 2Dads from a watery grave. And more action than you could dream of.
