TVOvermind: So you came on to Chuck for one line in season 3 initially. Were you aware of the show at all before that?
Mekenna Melvin: Yeah! Of course I was aware, I’d see the billboard every time I went into Burbank. But yeah, it was one word, it wasn’t even a line, and the word was “mom.” So I definitely could not have, even in my wildest dreams imagined that it would turn into what it turned into for me.
TVOvermind: Yeah, and considering the show itself, and all the drama surrounding cancellations and renewals, all that it’s been through, what’s your take on the show achieving its incredible cult status? First it’s in jeopardy, then renewed, in jeopardy, renewed, now it has a final thirteen episodes, or *final* thirteen episodes to wrap things up.
Mekenna Melvin: It is one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had. The fans are so incredible, it’s beyond my wildest dreams. They reach out to you on Twitter (@MekennaMelvin), they fight so hard, and it feels really wonderful to be a part of something that so many people take ownership of. So when I come onto the scene, I’m totally the new kid, and as my character starts to grow I really want to make sure they like what I’m doing, because in a lot of ways they’re the reason I’m here. It’s their show, you want them to like what you’re doing. It’s overwhelming, in such a wonderful way.
TVOvermind: Why do you think the show struggled to find its audience as much as it did?
Mekenna Melvin: That’s a really good question, I’m note sure. Maybe because it dances within two genres, publicity maybe, a million different things, I’m not sure. I really enjoyed it, although I have to say that my family back home didn’t really know about the show until I did it, and then they got hooked on it! I feel like for whatever reason, there are some people who haven’t gotten the secret yet, not only that it’s a great show but that it’s even out there, and why that is I’m unsure. Generally, they love it
TVOvermind: While it would be great if Chuck could go on for years to come, now that they have these thirteen episodes more or less set in stone, is it a relief to know how Chuck plays out conclusively?
Mekenna Melvin: I guess it’s fun to find out how they wrap up the story, but obviously I’m sad to see it go. This was a huge, life-changing experience for me, I was a waitress before I got this job, getting guest stars here and there. So for me, it’s sad, but it’s always exciting because of that saying, “the end of one chapter is the beginning of the next,” but the writers do such a good job of wrapping it up that I think everybody’s going to like it, and I definitely enjoy the way its all happening
TVOvermind: What have been your favorite Chuck moments to play?
Mekenna Melvin: Obviously that one with Adam, the chocolate scene from last season with Morgan for Valentine’s Day (Chuck Vs. The Masquerade) was probably one of the most awkward and hilarious things I’ve ever done And this season, without giving too much away, this season I’ve had so much fun. Maybe because the energy on set is different too, because A) I know everybody a lot better this year, and B) I think because it is the last season, everybody’s having a lot of fun with it…so pretty much every scene I’ve worked on this year, I’ve really had a great time.
TVOvermind: The chocolate thing actually reminds me of something…fairly interesting…now that Morgan has the Intersect, I couldn’t help going to the awkward place of how that might come in to play with…special…skills for him and Alex. In the boudoir, let’s say.
Mekenna Melvin: Well, a woman never tells, okay!
TVOvermind: Ha! I’m sure Chuck would be hesitant to use a billion-dollar brain supercomputer for nefarious purposes, but I could see Morgan sliding into that pretty easily.
Mekenna Melvin: Oh, I’m sure he does. I am sure he does.
TVOvermind: What can you tease us about this ongoing season?
Mekenna Melvin: Just that it’s going to be “awesome,” and such fun, fun, fun. A lot of great action and crazy twists!
---------------------------------
What would you like to see from Chuck's fifth and likely final season? Sound off in the comments section below!
