Some of you may be aware of my absolute affection for the Freeform show entitled Siren. I do tend to post about it rather frequently. While it is not necessarily a Hallmark-friendly series, my daughter and I simply adore it. Last year, I interviewed several of the cast members, including the amazing Rena Owen. This year, with Rena making her triumphant return as Helen Hawkins in the second season of this highly-rated show, I am honored to share with you my second chat with this lovely woman!
Photo by Monique Lively © Rena Owen
RH: Rena, it’s so wonderful to talk with you again this year.
RO: Same here, Ruth, thank you for reaching out. We are already starting to film season three of Siren, and tonight is the season two finale!
I am so excited to see it! We recently got back from vacation and we are just about caught up.
Well, you have to get caught up before the season finale.
We will! My daughter and I are making Siren a priority! As much as we enjoyed season one, we have loved season two even more. It has been just incredible.
Photo by Jack Rowand Freeform © 2017 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
I’m glad you think so, Ruth. There was so much that went down in last week’s episode.
I couldn’t agree more. It’s taken so many turns that we didn’t expect. So many surprises this season. Have you found season two surprising for your character?
Oh, yes, for everyone! Like you guys, we don’t get the script too far in advance! {laughs} None of us ever know what’s gonna go on in each episode, so it keeps us on our toes. It keeps you fresh, and you don’t pre-program stuff. You might hear rumors about what might be happening, but you don’t really know till you get the actual script. Sure, our writers know what’s going to happen with each of our characters and they plan it out, and every time, they provide us with a very strong storyline. But they don’t let us in on the secrets, which is good. You don’t want to be given certain information too soon. And of course, we know that things are always subject to change. We are often discovering new things right along with you guys, and we sometimes don’t realize everything that is going to happen till we are actually filming the episode. In fact, just last week, we finally got to read the first episodes of season three.
Well, that will be something to look forward to for sure. As my daughter and I reflect on this season, we were both so devastated when we found out Helen’s love interest was really not coming back…he was really gone! We both had so hoped that somehow we would find out that he hadn’t died. And for us, this whole season has been an emotional rollercoaster. You never know what’s gonna happen next.
I know exactly what you mean.
with Hugo
But the tribute you made to the actor who played Helen’s love interest–Hugo Ateo–I thought what you wrote was just beautiful concerning the character he played–Sarge. I mean, that is so like you as a person to do something like that, and it was such a lovely sentiment.
Thank you. That will always be one of my most special season two moments. Hugo was just beautiful to work with. We both waited for that moment because we didn’t get to shoot it when it was originally scheduled because of time restraints. You just can’t rush tank shoots because those shots take time. And so because we didn’t do it in a rush, when we finally got around to it, we had all the time to prep for it. It was a really emotional thing for me and for him. I’m so grateful we got to shoot that scene, and it will always remain a season two highlight for me personally and for my character, Helen.
With Brendan
You know, I’ve had some great stuff to shoot this past season. I’ve had an absolute blast working with Brendon Fletcher, who plays Rick. He has been my sidekick! Whenever we work together, we just enjoy working with each other. We always spend a lot of time laughing.
Oh, and then of course, there’s Caroline {Cave}. She is just so wonderful! She plays Beth. In fact, I just saw a comment on Instagram where someone said, “I don’t really like Beth, so that must mean she’s doing a good job.”
I just love Caroline! I have been following her career for a while now, and I knew she was going to be on the show. I kept waiting for her this season, but wow, I never expected this kind of character from her!
with Caroline
And that was the great thing for me too. We didn’t know either what her character was going to be like. I don’t want to give anything away, but you will see for yourself just what side she’s on, and you’ll find out the truth about Beth. So be sure to watch out for her! The last three episodes of season two give you lots of hints about who Beth really is and where her allegiance lies.
Speaking of the season two finale, I have to say that it’s got to be one of the best scripts I’ve read in a very long time. I was blown away by that script. I was like, “Oh my gosh, you’ve got to have an additional episode to unpack everything in the season finale!” The cliffhanger is just such…it’s an incredible episode! It’s going to leave everybody on the edge of their seats. People are gonna want answers, and they’re gonna wanna know what’s gonna happen next. That’s how I felt when it read it. I mean, oh my gosh, this is EPIC!
With Hugo
Of course, our mid-season finale for season two was kind of like that too. There were some “James Bond” moments happening in that episode with the oil rig and everything else. But this episode tonight–episode sixteen–this season finale is even bigger. And of course, the studio just loved this season two finale of ours, and now they want every episode to be as big and as exciting as episodes eight and sixteen. But you know we only have so many days for each episode.
Looking toward season three, the studio has already ordered ten for this upcoming season. We’re supposed to find out later on this month if they add six more episodes to that number. I think they want to see how the rest of the season plays out in terms of viewers.
So this means that if the fans want more episodes in season three, they really need to turn out and watch the season finale and make sure they watch the entire season.
Photo by Eike Schroter © 2017 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.
That’s right. For Freeform, Siren has been one of the top-rated shows. But it’s not breaking through ceilings. People need to watch the show, and it needs to generate some buzz.
Exactly. It’s always good to remind people to watch and support their favorite shows. Sometimes fans assume their favorites will be renewed, but it’s pretty competitive out there. Every time you turn around, favorite shows get canceled by studios.
That’s right. This show has a fairly big budget, and it’s not cheap to film, as you can probably imagine.
Oh yeah, my daughter and I can tell. She is very artistic, and something she has always noticed are the amazing special effects. We thought season one was pretty incredible, but wow! Season two is even more amazing! They have definitely upped their game.
Those special effects are amazing, but they are also expensive. In fact, that is one of the most expensive departments connected with this show. As is the tank work and all that water used for shooting those scenes. So the studio has to continue to justify the money necessary to make this show. And that’s true for any show. The fans are very important, and they need to be tuning in and supporting the show whenever they can. If there’s no audience, why would any show spend the money to keep making the show?
Well, it sounds like you’ve given us a good promo for tonight’s season finale without giving anything away. Definitely, people need to tune in and watch it for themselves.
Photo by Jerod Harris
It’s gonna take everyone by surprise. No one would have guessed what’s gonna go down in tonight’s episode, not even us. We all were like, “Wow, wow, wow, wow!” For all the characters of Bristol Cove, it’s just mind-blowing. I honestly can’t wait to see the episode myself! Everyone is gonna get shook up. It’s gonna be quite the journey. It’s hard to shake me up, and I am not blown away easily. But I’ll never forget when I first read the script, and it made me cry and made me feel all sorts of things. And then at the end of it, I just went, “Wow….” It’s just stunning. Last week was pretty great, but this week…be sure to tune in…everyone!
I wanted to let you know that my daughter and I just love your portrayal of Helen. In fact, when I said I was going to be talking to you, she was pretty excited.
Aw, that’s sweet. Be sure to give her my love.
Indeed I will.
And, Ruth, we all really appreciate your constant support. You have been such an incredible support for us in each of our shows, and it is very much appreciated.
That’s my pleasure, Rena. You guys are all amazing. I have spread the word to some of my actor friends about Siren as well as my readers and friends. So I will continue to do so. And I’m so happy that you are already shooting season three.
Yes, we started shooting this week.
I noticed you also came back to The Orville for season two, isn’t that right?
The Orville
Yes, I am a recurring character on that show. I was first in season one, episode three–“About A Girl”–and they loved what I did, so they actually wrote an episode for me called “Sanctuary.” It’s season two, episode twelve. I just loved playing that character, Heveena. I know that The Orville has been renewed for a third season. I’m kind of hoping I’ll be able to get back and do another episode for season three, but it really depends on how things go with Siren and all that. But now that the Mouse {Disney} has eaten up the Fox {Fox}…
That is true!
The Gloaming
With both shows now being under the same umbrella, you never know. It’s always good when shows shoot during my hiatus with Siren.
In fact, I’ve got another show I did for Stan–which is like Australia’s Netflix–and now it’s being distributed by ABC International. Which means it’s under the roof of the “Mouse” again. It’s an exciting eight-episode mini-series called The Gloaming, and I’m so glad I got to be a part of it. It’s a totally different genre. It’s kind of a horror/supernatural thriller. My character in that one is a totally different character. And really, that’s what I do. I am always playing totally different characters and totally different genres. I wouldn’t want to be doing something similar to Siren or Helen. I enjoy playing roles that are totally removed from each other.
And that is something that you have done throughout your career, Rena. You’re not one who is typecast, and I always appreciate actors who work hard so they are not typecast like that. I know that is one of those traps that is very easy for actors to fall into, sometimes without even realizing it. But you’ve always made it a point to portray a wide variety of characters.
The Gloaming
You know, I recently got asked a question about playing so many different characters from all different walks of life, so they wondered what roles I was naturally drawn to. My response was that for me, it’s all about strength of story. The story has to be something I want to invest my heart and soul in. And I want to portray characters that will challenge and stretch me. Otherwise, I don’t grow and expand. If you keep playing the same thing, you’re not really having to tap into anything else within you. Trust me, for this other character in The Gloaming, I had to go other places I don’t usually go myself. {laughs} You’re essentially being yourself in an imaginary situation. So I do look out for those roles that will expand me professionally and personally. But I also have to ask myself if I can do this role justice. In fact, for me, it’s the spiritual first and foremost. I have always lived by this principle where I say, “God, my ultimate Creator, is my Numero Uno Agent.” I will play the roles that I have been put on this planet to play.
Honestly, for a long time, there weren’t that many diverse opportunities for me, but as the time went on…you know, when you’re right, you’re right. Once ethnic diversity became the popular thing, it just kind of blew it all open. And now people like me are finding back-to-back jobs much more readily than ever before. It’s a really good time to be ethnically diverse. And that’s the world we live in. We live in a world that is all mixed up with different cultures and countries and creeds.
I also just like working with different filmmakers. And working on different genres and playing characters I’ve never played before. Now there are characters that I’ve played that I wouldn’t necessarily want to play again since I’ve done that particular role. There was a film that I shot in Toronto, where I played a very dark character. I’m glad I did it, but I don’t think I’d ever want to do it again.
But with Helen, I’m very content to play her for as many seasons as possible. I love that character.
Photo by Monique Lively
I have to say that my daughter and I love Helen too. And coming from a woman who is in her mid-forties, I want to say that it’s nice to see older women having such great roles in shows and movies like this. It wasn’t always that way. I know that traditionally, young women have gotten the better roles. And nothing against them, but seeing an older woman in Hollywood playing a great role is very refreshing to see.
You know, more and more often now, a lot of shows are adding in these great characters played by mature women. In fact, just recently, I was chatting with someone about when to have children. I recommend having children when you’re in your forties. The forties are kind of like no-man’s land in the industry. Once you get into your forties as a female, you’re too old to be the chicky babe. You’re too old to be the wise, old sage or grandmother. In fact, my mother always told me, “Never forget that Judy Dench and Helen Mirren never got their big break until they were in their fifties.” And it’s true. By the time you’re in your fifties, you’re comfortable in your own skin. You’re like, “Take it or leave it. This is who I am.” If you’re in your fifties and you’ve got some skills and your face still moves, you will get work. In fact, there’s more and more need now in various genres for people who are human. That is what our youth are demanding. They are demanding realness.
I remember after season one of Siren…I was a little worried because Helen is the old girl on the show. And this show is on one of the biggest young networks. From my own experience, the young people that I know aren’t really into old people. When you’re past thirty, you’re old. So I was really happy that the fans dug Helen! I heard that one of our young bosses chose Helen as her favorite character in the show. I asked why she liked Helen. Her response was, “Because she’s real.” That’s our young generation. That’s where they are at. They are very proactive in wanting to shape their lives and shape the world around them. So I am very glad to see so many young people just loving Helen.
Well, we can hardly wait to see the season two finale. And yes, my daughter and I both adore Helen. Thank you so much for your time tonight, Rena.
My pleasure, Ruth. And thank you so much for all your support. I hope everyone tunes in and enjoys the season finale tonight!
Photo by ATC
I cannot tell you what a thrill it was to connect with Rena again. To be honest, I was somewhat astonished she remembered me since it had been over a year since we last spoke. But to have her take the time to chat about Siren as well as her other works was an absolute delight for me. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that her words of wisdom and observations about the industry and society today resonated with me on such profound and intense levels as well. I never tire of chatting with those who have lived on this planet longer than I because I always come away with a sense of genuine, often stupefying enrichment. Rena is one who has seen and lived it all, and yet she still desires stimulating roles that continue to challenge and define what it means to be an authentic, somewhat flawed human. It makes perfect sense that Helen would be a favorite amongst all ages because whenever her character is on-screen, the viewers can sense the wisdom, strength, harmony and positivity that radiate from her inmost being. Moreover, the fact that Helen is portrayed by a woman who is so down-to-earth, effervescent, humble, and benevolent only makes us love Helen all that more!
I hope that everyone will tune into the season finale of Siren tonight (August 1st) on Freeform (or catch up online via Freeform or Hulu). Additionally, I would invite my readers to visit all of Rena’s links below and consider following her where applicable. Rena consistently shares the absolute best news, pictures and more across her social media channels, and she regularly interacts with her fans. If you have not yet experienced the majesty and grace of Rena Owen, I invite you to look her up immediately so that you can comprehend just what a treasure she is in the film and TV industry. I cannot thank her enough for her generous spirit, her sweet persona, and her dynamic gifts that she is invariably quick to share with all around her, and I look forward to season three and beyond of Siren and more from the wonderful character of Helen Hawkins as portrayed by the one and only Rena!
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