MONICA RAYMUND

The Chicago Fire alum, 33, does a 180—from heroic firefighter Gabriela Dawson to hard-partying Jackie Quinones, a National Marine Fisheries Service agent, in the new crime drama Hightown (May 17 on Starz). The series takes place in Cape Cod against the backdrop of the opioid epidemic, and when Jackie discovers a body on the beach, she decides it’s up to her to solve the murder.

What are the differences between Gabby and Jackie?

Jackie’s not a firefighter-paramedic; she’s the girl that Gabby Dawson would try to save on the street. This role is really about battling inner demons and trying to find redemption.

What’s it like to play someone who starts at her lowest point, like Jackie?

It’s a gift. It’s always nice to be able to play complex, layered characters. Having conflict, having challenges, having those circumstances—it makes the experience of exploring a character so fulfilling.

Have things changed for women in TV?

We’re beginning to have the conversation of what inclusivity looks like. We want to have characters that represent America, that are examples of true, rounded characters, who are people of color, who are women, who are LGBTQ—and so it’s wonderful to start to see that kind of inclusivity.

You returned to Chicago Fire briefly. How important was it to give Gabby and Casey [Jesse Spencer] a real end to their story?

It was a personal thing. I was like, “Let’s give these characters the respect that they deserve. Let’s figure out where they are now.” Also, I wanted a chance, selfishly, to see my friends again, and to make the audience happy.