Amy Acker

Amy Acker Talks About Her Work On ’Alias’

Says its unlikely that a spin-off will move forward

(May 17 2006) - At one time she was known as the innocent Fred Burkle on The WB’s "Angel," but these days she’s working for the forces of darkness on the hit spy-drama "Alias,"” which is heading for its final episode in May. The show’s producers have promised an unforgettable finale where everyone’s fate is up in the air. But last weekend at the Not Fade Away convention in London, Amy Acker shared some details about the future of her character.

When asked whether or not she is likely to survive the blow-out finale, Acker remained tight lipped about the actual events of the episode, but indicated her Kelly Peyton character might not be amongst the casualties.

"I think you can assume I’ll be there in the end," Amy Acker told SyFy Portal’s Alan Stanley Blair. "But I really can’t say."

The idea that Acker’s Peyton character will survive the final episode, however, does tie in with rumours that an "Alias" spin-off was proposed, centering around the three main villains from the series. The idea behind the spin-off was that Acker, along with Ron Rifkin and David Anders, would once again reprise their roles as part of an evil trio. "I know there was a story with the three bad guys," Acker said. "But Ron Rifkin is now in a pilot with Ken Olin, so if it’s picked then it’s probably not gonna happen."

Acker also discussed the transition from "Angel" to "Alias," particularly what it was like joining the cast of a show that was on its fifth season.

"I was a little nervous at first," she said. "Ron and Victor (Garber), they’re really great actors that I’ve seen on stage, but they made me so comfortable. So I think its more of an initial thing you get the first time you walk on a set.

"I had a little family there though, because Drew Goddard and Jeff Bell were there and if I needed help they were like my little niche."

The actress also mentioned that her previous time with Goddard and Bell on "Angel" actually helped with her performance, as at certain times she was required to revert to her "Angel" character as part of her alias.

One example that Acker cited was in the opening moments of "Horizon," as Kelly Peyton eats Chinese food before identifying her target and executing him. "They were like, ’Try and be like Fred in this part.’

"She’s definitely not like Fred. It was fun and I actually laugh at myself. I’m just so mean and I’m like, who would believe that? We didn’t really shoot people on ’Angel,’ not with guns, anyway. Joss (Whedon) was kinda opposed to them."

Despite walking onto a set where everyone has worked with each other for over four years, Acker (who is now six months pregnant with a baby girl) was able to gel with the rest of the cast, and in particular Jennifer Garner.

"Jen is a great mom," said Acker. "She’s a good person to copy from. We actually shared stories about what its like to be up all night and stuff. But she’’s great."

Apparently, during the audition phase for the show, Amy Acker was asked whether or not she had any experience shooting things.

"I was like ’I can shoot a crossbow or a flamethrower.’"

Originally, Acker had auditioned for the role of Nadia Santos back in the third season, weeks after the announcement was made that "Angel" would not be returning for a sixth season.

"The year ’Angel’ was cancelled, I auditioned for the role of Nadia, which was down to me and Mia Maestro, who actually got the part. For my call back, I had to drive across town in my Ilyria costume."

Acker later went for the role of Rachel Gibson, but was not right for the part. However, after seeing her previous auditions, the actress was offered the role of Kelly Peyton for three episodes. Due to her popularity with fans and also how much she brought to the series, her contract was later extended for the full season.

"Alias" airs Wednesdays on ABC, with the series finale slated to air as a two-hour event on May 22. - Article by Alan Stanley Blair