The Mysteries of Laura interview

I recently was invited to participate on a Q&A phone call with Executive Producer Amanda Green and writers Margaret Easley and Laura Putney of NBC's dramedy The Mysteries of Laura starring Debra Messing on Wednesday nights at 8/7c.

I agreed to do the interview since I was curious to learn more about the show since I hadn't seen an episode yet, but I immediately binge watched five episodes online and on-demand and really enjoyed it. Although they are already on the 16th episode in the first season, you can easily jump into watching the series like I did.

For those that haven't caught the series yet, Debra plays Laura Diamond, a brilliant NYPD homicide detective who balances her day job with a crazy family life that includes two unruly twin boys and a soon-to-be ex-husband (Josh Lucas) -- also a cop and her boss  -- who just can't seem to sign the divorce papers. Between cleaning up after her boys and cleaning up the streets, she’d be the first to admit she has her “hot mess” moments in this hilariously authentic look at what it really means to be a “working mom” today.

Overall, The Mysteries of Laura reminded me of the quirky crime-solving charm of Monk and a less edgy Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce.  I of course related to the chaos of parenting multiples too. I especially liked the recent episode with Debra's former Will & Grace co-star Eric McCormack who guest starred as her ex and a prime suspect in a case.

Here are some highlights from the interview:

Question from Fangirlish: I love the twins on the show. They’re so cute and adorable, and, you know, a little bit of trouble. But so I wanted to know, did you guys take any experiences from your own life of your children to use for this show - for any of the scenes?

Amanda Green:  I think your question could probably be paraphrased as did we take anything today of our children. It’s pretty constant and chronic, and between the three of us we have seven kids. And so they are a constant source of inspiration, of - I mean we’d be talking about them even if we didn't have the twins to write for because that’s what we talk about, right, as human beings, as mothers - what our kids do. It drives us crazy. It’s adorable. It’s ridiculous. It’s aggravating. It’s why we get up in the morning - why I got up at 5:00 this morning because my daughter just doesn't get daylight savings time yet.

Margaret Easley:  And I will say that in the time we've been writing this, there’s been a great turn in my life where I’m at home, at the end of my tether, almost sobbing. And then that little voice in my head goes, “oh, I can totally bring this into the writer’s room.” It’s been a good thing for my parenting.

Amanda Green:  I think - this is Amanda again. I think, and I bet you all know this in your own writing, is to be able to take the crises of our daily life with our children as - or with our mom’s help - and to turn it into art or comedy or relatable drama, is medicine. You know, as Margaret was just saying, it redeems those moments where otherwise you’d be saying that’s it, put me in a straitjacket and ship me off because I can’t take another minute, into knowing that you can share that experience and that vulnerability through this show with lots of other moms. And that’s fantastic.

Me: You've had some interesting guest stars. Are there any more funny appearances coming up, or any particular stars you’d like to see on your show?

Amanda Green: Oh wow, that’s a great question. I’m just trying to think of what we can tell you. I think there’s definitely some fun coming up.

Laura Putney: We’re not sure what we can say. We've got a great mom coming up. 

Me: Okay, great. And PS, I’m a mom of twin boys, so I like the twin boys.

Margaret Easley:  I’m so sorry.

Me:  (laughs) Thank you. 

Amanda Green:  It’s always great to hear from moms and dads too, you know? That’s what we’re trying to do with this show is to make a show that is honest to the experiences we’re all having. Whatever the job it is we do, whether we’re a cop like Laura or a blogger or a writer or we work at Wal-Mart or, you know, we drive a truck or a school bus or whatever that, you know, we’re all making the same juggle. And we’re just so excited that not only do we get to write this character, but that it connects for everybody else.

5 comments

  1. I really like this show with Debra Messing as a strong lead character! The stories are interesting and keep me wanting to watch more. I just hope that they do not cancel this show!

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  2. I really like this show, I so loved her on Will & Grace, one of my favorite shows, wish they would do a reunion show. Awesome interview.

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  3. I have not seen this show. Looks interesting

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  4. I actually enjoy this show! Sometimes it's a bit far fetched, but it's still funny and entertaining to watch!

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  5. I sat through four episodes before I decided to stop.

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