Exclusive: Z Nation’s Pisay Pao Talks What’s Ahead for Cassandra this Season
Debi Moore
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Yesterday we brought you our exclusive Q&A with Keith Allan, aka Murphy on Syfy’s “Z Nation,” and today we’re back with his partner-in-crime, Pisay Pao, who plays Cassandra. Now that Cassandra is a semi-zombie, turned by Murphy in order to save her life, we thought it was the perfect time to check in with Pisay to see what’s in store for her during the rest of the season.
Photo Credit: Vince Trupsin
Dread Central: Your relationship with Murphy is so interesting now that your character has semi-turned. Can you shed a bit of light on that and let us know what it’s been like working with Keith in such a different way this season?
Pisay Pao: Cassandra is deeply loyal to Murphy. Not only did he extend her life, but she has his saliva running through her bloodstream from the bite he gave her last season. I cannot help but think of “True Blood” when Bill bites Sookie and is forever connected to her no matter where she may be. I am not comparing Cassandra and Murphy to Bill and Sookie; I do not think that Cassandra and Murphy have a romantic future ahead of them. (There is still a place in Cassandra’s heart for 10K.) What they do have is a strong, physical connection that will be hard to break. I loved working with Keith. He truly cares about the show and every detail. He even taught me a few things about taking a hit off the Z-weed. 😉
DC: After we learned so much of your back story, your character is basically cut off from her cohorts now, not speaking, etc. How hard has it been? You’ve even had to watch some of them die off; yet, you’re unable to express any emotion about it.
PP: I worked on Cassandra for a couple of months before we started shooting. I knew going into it that she was not going to have many lines, and I was perfectly okay with that because I loved working on the other aspects of her: her physicality, her breath, and how she reacted to her environment. There was so much there for me to explore and continue exploring even while we were shooting. At certain points it was actually hard to say the few lines that I had because I had not really practiced speaking as Cassandra at all.
DC: In the last episode Murphy’s baby daughter, Lucy, was born. How is that going to impact your relationship? You’ve exhibited a bit of jealousy already with regard to him so this baby could be a threat… or vice versa maybe?
PP: Murphy is the master so whatever he says goes. Given that, I do not think either of us will be a threat to each other, but I would definitely question Cassandra’s babysitting skills.
DC: So far Season 2 has been a pretty wild ride! You’ve been hitting the Z-weed pretty heavy – LOL. Can you tell us anything about what’s ahead during the second half of the season, especially as it relates to Cassandra?
PP: So far we have only really seen the primal side of Cassandra’s new state. There have been some moments between her and 10k, and even when she is smoking the Z-weed, we get to see a little of her human side again. Cassandra is really battling with that. She cannot help but follow Murphy, and yet, she also has not completely lost who she is yet. The question is: Which way is she gonna go?
DC: Are you a fan of zombie movies and horror films in general? Can you share a few of your favorites, and have any of them influenced the way you portray Cassandra on the show? The way you’re crawling around is really more animal-like than the shambling zombies we typically see.
PP: I am actually a big scaredy-cat when it comes to zombie and horror movies – BUT I love movies so much that I will honestly watch any genre as long as the movie is good. 28 Days Later was very good. On the flip side so were Warm Bodies and Zombieland. As far as horror movies… just thinking of The Shining gives me the chills. Cassandra is a whole new being in zombie folklore history. Her brain and her logic might be deteriorating, but her desires and needs are very heightened, which is what made me relate her more to an animal than a zombie. In fact, I watched a lot of YouTube videos of animals hunting to prep for the role.
DC: Aside from more “Z Nation” (we’re rooting for another season or two at least!), what else is coming up for you?
PP: I have Comic Cons in both Milan and Germany that I am super excited about. It is amazing to have so many fans from all over the world.
DC: Halloween is quickly approaching… is it a popular holiday at your house? Do you have any annual traditions you’re looking forward to?
PP: My only tradition for Halloween is to create something fun. So far I have made every costume I have ever worn since middle school. My favorite was my “Crazy Cat lady” costume. I got a pink bathrobe and attached a bunch of stuffed animal cats all over the robe. Then I put on giant fuchsia eyeglasses and teased my hair like I had not run a comb through it in years. It was totally last-minute but easy to put together, and I was very warm running outside in October.
DC: Is there anything else you’d like to mention that’s not covered here? And thanks so much for your time, Pisay!
PP: I would like to mention that if you are not watching “Z Nation,” then you should be! And also, do not forget to be good to one another. Those are totally two separate thoughts but both important to remember. 🙂
“Z Nation” Episode 2.06 – “Zombie Baby Daddy” (10/16/15)
While Murphy (Keith Allan) is falling for his baby girl, the rest of the team is suspicious of her. Vasquez (Matt Cedeno) sneaks away for a meeting; 10K (Nat Zang) makes a difficult decision.
For more info keep your eyes on “Z Nation” on Syfy.com and follow @ZNation on Twitter.
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