The ABC drama, which debuts Thursday at 9 p.m.
ET, hails from frequent Shonda Rhimes collaborator Jenna Bans.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY:The Familyis a mysterious show that takes viewers on a suspenseful journey right from the start.
Credit: Jack Rowand/ABC
When you joined the cast, how much did you know about the entirety of the plot?
Did Jenna let you in on all of the its secrets before you finished shooting?
JOAN ALLEN:No.
I knew some things, and then she [revealed the rest] on a character need-to-know basis.
She and her staff of writers have been able to keep us all intrigued for sure.
How did having or not having all of the pieces to the puzzle impact your performance?
The Familyis premiering at a time when the nation is focused on the race for President.
Should audiences even be viewing Claire through that lens?
Jenna did say in the beginning, Should she be a Republican or a Democrat?
and I said, I think a Republican could be more fun and interesting to play.
How do you prepare for those two opposing elements of your performance?
Another character can go, What, you thought you were saving me?
Yourekillingme!, you know?
I think all the characters are trying in their own way and are damaged in their own way.
The movie industry, I think, has really taken a turn and a hit since the recession.
Theres more interesting material in television these days, even for men, but really for women.
There just arent as many stories being told in [more dynamic ways] on the big screen.
There are a lot more interesting, complex things happening in television right now.
Meryl Streep once said she was offered three witch roles within a year of turning 40.
Im going to TV?
I think the Brits have always had it right.
How did you draw from the experience of playing Nancy inRoomto playing Claire inThe Family?
[Laughs] Well, there were some similar scenes.
Actually, you dont see my reunification with my daughter inRoom; you see after.
As joyful as reunification is, its a really difficult thing.
