Interview with Eddie Marsan (Alistair Underwood)

9 July 2024

What drew to the second series of Suspect and your role?
Well, the scripts were very good but it was also an opportunity to work with Anne-Marie, who I’ve known for almost 20 years but have never worked with before – I’ve always wanted a chance to work with her. It’s been a brilliant experience, everything I thought it would be. She draws you in. She makes acting easy because she’s so authentic. Because acting is all about listening and concentrating, all you can do is listen and concentrate on her which makes your performance better.

Tell us about the unique format of Suspect and challenges of filming an episode in a relatively short period?
The long scenes can be challenging.  There’s lots of showpiece dialogue, so it’s almost like working on a play - but I quite enjoy that. When an audience watches long scenes between actors, they can see the characters go through an emotional journey in real time. That puts the audience on the edge of their seat, as if they’re watching it for real.

Tell us about your character?
Dr Alastair is a compromised man. He’s addicted to opioids and the organisation are blackmailing him to do their bidding. He’s a good man but as much a victim as any other victim in the show.  He’s both compromised and corrupted.

How do you find playing him?
I find it easy to relate to him, as I always seem to play damaged characters!

Tell us about the location of your episode?
We find Dr Alastair in the hospital where Susannah’s ex-husband Danny is being kept.  He’s trying his best to do as much good as he can but when the organisation calls upon him, he has to comply.

What’s it’s like working Carolina, the director?
She’s full of energy. She has a naughty sense of humour and is full of enthusiasm which is very infectious.

How do you find working in Belgium?
Well I wasn’t a big fan of Brexit so whenever I get the chance to come over and be a European, I jump at it.