Goodwin finds a rich character in her latest show

would be those women.

“Why Women Kill” is the latest in a long string of TV and movie acting jobs for Goodwin that span almost two decades. Her credits include “Ed,” “Walk the Line,” “Big Love” and “Zootopia.”

Her most recent work had her playing Mary Margaret/snow White in the fairy taleinspired “Once Upon a Time.”

Goodwin wasn’t seeking a project that would be radically different, but because that show was appropriate for young people, all Goodwin wanted was a project that adults could binge watch together.

The biggest thrill for Goodwin is she has felt challenged beyond her boundaries by the role. Playing Beth Ann, she said, has given her the opportunity to go to places emotionally and psychologically that she was never been pushed to in any other acting job.

At times, the Tennessee native had to show a tough side in “Once Upon a Time,” but it doesn’t compare to “Why Women Kill.” Goodwin said her brain hurt while filming the first few episodes of the new series as she tried to get a handle on the character. That kind of intensity is the biggest compliment that Goodwin can give.

“There were so many elements. There’s the Marc Cherry brand. The Marc Cherry tone of comedy and drama. There is a stylization and theatricality that led me to binge-reading plays because I needed my inner monologue to be as rich as what Marc was throwing at me,” Goodwin said.

“In general, I feel like once I got the hang of her, I found I can justify far too many of her motivations. So the darker places don’t feel darker to me. I am acutely aware that stepping out of the role, I will be traumatized.”