A fitting location, given its the latest city upon which relentless serial killer Joe Goldberg has wreaked havoc.
And so, we journey back with him as he tries to piece together what hes done.
The near-unbelievable nature of what transpires is part of the beauty for Badgley.
People talk about realism… Shakespeare didnt concern himself with that.
Its high camp and high art, but amidst all the absurdity, we always bring it home.
Root is not a word I could ever use for him, the actor admits.
I dont want him [Joe] or anyone to suffer, but…
I guess its a pretty big moral or spiritual matter.
Intrigued by the thought, I ask Badgley if he ever had one growing up.
We know why anything thats graphic is compelling, but how can you be compelling with restraint?
For that reason, to me it’s very clear: lets just be scientific about it.
Badgley considers it a conversation with many facets, and one he enjoys exploring.
Im still interested in love stories and telling some from my own perspective.
I have some ideas for that in development right now with my production company.
I want to tell modern love stories.
The prevalence of sex in society expands far beyond the realm of TV and film, Badgley argues.
Our culture is so sex-obsessed.
And sex-inconsistent, by the way.
Its like, can we pick a lane?
To me, the way weve regarded it, is also reflected in the treatment of women.
Its like Cover them up!
then its Get them naked!
Badgley has always been very vocal in discouraging this.
In the age of streaming, people consume things so quickly, youre not always able to digest it.
Thats a really important thing to lose, especially for young people.
Of course, this isnt the first time that Badgley has encountered a passionate fanbase.
Although far removed from the heinous acts depicted by Joe, theGossip Girlcharacterswere ruthless in their own way.
It would be Blair [Waldorf], right?
I tell him Id most likely hedge my bets on Georgina Sparks.
I forgot about her!
She easily could, the actor enthuses.
Or maybe Dorota [Blairs long-suffering maid].
That would be satisfying.
Thinking hard, Badgley offers another possibility.
What about Dans brother?
Chris, was his name?
Hes referring to the often-forgotten half-sibling Scott Rosson, who was indeed played by Chris Riggi.
Badgley’s family life with Kirke, specifically them raising children, has informed the shows reflective nature.
Throughout the duration of the podcast, hes been in that [middle school] phase.
Reflecting on his own past is something that Badgley embraces, meanwhile.
During our interview, Im surprised by the ease at which he discussesGossip Girl,in particular.
Maybe to a fault, but Ive never been unwilling to talk about it.
It has, of course always, been a giant question.
