The Fix Is In
Robin Tunney stars in the Marcia Clark-produced drama, playing a prosecutor whose life changes after losing a high-profile case
Is this life imitating art? Not according to Marcia Clark. The attorney, best known for unsuccessfully prosecuting O.J. Simpson, steps behind the camera as cowriter and executive producer of ABC’s new drama The Fix (March 18, 10 p.m.). The series follows D.A. Maya Travis (Robin Tunney), who returns to work for a second chance at justice years after losing a high-profile case. “The first couple minutes of the show do speak to my experience with the Simpson case, but after that point, it’s all fiction,” says Marcia, 65. Lost’s Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, who plays Sevvy, the man in question for multiple murders,
RT breaks it down for Us along with Robin and Marcia.
Marcia, was it hard to watch any of the scenes being shot, since the story is so similar to yours?
MC The not-guilty verdict? Oh yeah. The day we were shooting that, I was like, “Oh, do I have to be here?” It was terrible. Writing it was terrible, but shooting it was worse. Seeing her go through the gauntlet with all the reporters screaming, that was a little bit more déjà vu than I wanted to experience. After that, no, because none of it was real. We got to take off and fly and do a completely fictional show.
Robin and Adewale, how much did Marcia help you guys prepare for your roles?
AAA She was very present, very useful. I could go up to her and ask for a point of reference. She showed me certain documentaries and evidence and I was able to get into that mind-set. She’s very dynamic.
Robin, were you nervous playing a role that was so close to Marcia’s real life?
RT I was relieved that I wasn’t playing her because there wouldn’t have been enough wiggle room. Playing your boss would be the worst job ever! It was established very early on, I was like, “I’m not playing you!” But it was great to have someone I could count on to help with recounting her experiences.
Is that what drew you to this?
Well, I get to play a woman in her 40s who’s not defined by the man she’s with or her job. Generally it’s like, “She’s tough as nails,” so she’s single. Maya has a man in her life and she’s really good at her job! It’s refreshing!
How special was it to work on this show?
RT It was created by three women; the pilot was written by a woman. It was produced by a woman. I never thought that would happen in my lifetime. It’s remarkable.
AAA And for me, it was a very different experience because of that. I really enjoyed it. There was no stress; it was really maternal. It was kinda cool.
Will we find out if Sevvy is guilty by the end of season 1?
MC Yes, it’ll be wrapped up in episode 10. This is an anthology, so this season is this case and next season will be a different case. In the finale, you’ll have the answers to all of your questions. However, during each episode throughout the season, you’re going to wonder whether he did it. Hopefully, we’ll keep you guessing until the end.