The Nanny State

Where is Vanya when we catch up with her in season two?

Where we find Vanya in the ’60s is she arrives and gets hit by a car, driven by a woman. She smashes her head on the cement and gets amnesia. Vanya doesn’t remember what has happened at all. She remembers her name, but nothing else. This woman, Sissy, who’s played by the amazing Marin Ireland, ends up taking her in. Sissy is out at this ranch house with her husband. They have a young child, and Vanya becomes a nanny out there. She finds a nice sense of peace and solace, because we ended a season where so much came to the surface for her. Vanya is definitely more comfortable in her skin. She’s more confident. It’s freed her in so many ways. How does Vanya’s relationship with her siblings change?

It’s different in terms of forgetting it and entering a space in a whole new way. Once she finally meets them again – which takes time, because Five comes and finds her – her relationship is new. She is curious. She is delighted. Vanya can’t believe she has these siblings. She’s having these moments that are more comfortable and fun and loving than we’ve seen before. There’s an excitement about finding her family and learning more about herself and understanding what’s been going on, having no context or concept of why she has this mysterious power. There’s much more of an ease and a closeness that she finds with almost every sibling. What has been particularly fun for you to dive into with Vanya this year?

There’s more action. I’m much more physical. Big chase sequences, more stunts and wires. I really enjoy all that stuff. What I love about this show is I’m getting to experience a certain depth and fulfillment as an actor. And I also get to have a blast! I was really excited to explore more of Vanya’s queerness this season.