{"id":15795,"date":"2011-07-22T02:48:02","date_gmt":"2011-07-22T09:48:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.csifiles.com\/content\/?p=15795"},"modified":"2011-07-22T17:15:07","modified_gmt":"2011-07-23T00:15:07","slug":"interview-a-j-buckley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.csifiles.com\/content\/2011\/07\/interview-a-j-buckley\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview: A.J. Buckley"},"content":{"rendered":"

The CSI: NY<\/em> cast is back to work this week as production for the upcoming eighth season starts \u00a0up. Taking time out of his busy filming schedule\u00a0AJ Buckley<\/strong>, who plays geeky lab tech Adam Ross,\u00a0spoke with CSI Files’ Shane Saunders<\/strong> about the odds of season eight being the series’ last, details surrounding the upcoming season premiere, and… actors from Twilight<\/em> guest starring. Spoilers inside!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: You just started back at work for the new season on Wednesday! How did you spend your hiatus?<\/p>\n

AJ Buckley<\/strong>: This break was a lot different than most breaks were, you know I was acting and doing stuff in front of the camera. This break I spent a lot of time sort of doing stuff that had to deal with behind the camera. I\u2019m one of the partners of a magazine that\u2019s based in Louisiana, Scene Magazine<\/em>, and I was dealing with that. Trying to put a couple projects together and I was doing a web series that I was producing with L.A. Entertainment, so it was interesting. It was just a lot of stuff that was behind the camera. I have a project that I want to film right now that I want to direct. So\u2026 it\u2019s not so much changing gears, but trying to open up more doors for myself. I\u2019m really enjoying this part of the business.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: For a while it seemed like you would have an especially long hiatus, since there was a possibility CSI: NY<\/em> would not be returning this fall.<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: Yeah, it was a little scary there. Look, when any show gets this far along I think every season after that is a gift. We\u2019ve been fortunate enough to say that we\u2019ve been part of the CSI<\/em> franchise for such a long time and to have seven seasons\u2014 let alone, eight\u2014is such a rarity. The biggest thing that would have been a bummer is the ability of not having the proper closure and being able to say goodbye, so if this is the last season, and I think a lot of people sort of feel this may be the last season, I mean, you just never know. It would be great to get to ten seasons, but I think it\u2019s a blessing either way. You can\u2019t really be too bummed about it. I mean, of course you\u2019d be sad because the people you\u2019ve basically grown up with and spent so much time and shared so many memories with, that would be a real big bummer. But I think when it gets this far along, there\u2019s nothing wrong with change.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: When did you find out the show was coming back?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: I found out the show was picked up, but then I hadn\u2019t heard if I was coming back, you never know. You find out the show is [picked up] and go, \u201cyay, the show is coming back!\u201d and then you\u2019re waiting for your agent or manager or lawyer to call you and saying you got your official pick up letter.<\/p>\n

I was actually up in Canada\u00a0just before Game Five, the Boston\/Vancouver Canuck game and I think I was heading to the game when I found out.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: \u201cExit Strategy<\/a>\u201d planted some interesting little seeds for the upcoming season: Mac contemplating leaving the lab and Danny being promoted to sergeant. Where do you see things going with Adam this season?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: I don\u2019t know. I mean last year for me I don\u2019t think really a lot happened. I got that one episode at the beginning [\u201cUnfriendly Chat<\/a>\u201d], but it was a really quiet season for Adam. He kind of just came in and gave information; nothing really happened. It wasn\u2019t per se my favorite season for the character because there just wasn\u2019t a hell of a lot going on, but I\u2019m hoping this year\u2014if it is the curtain call\u2014that something crazy happens. We\u2019ve touched upon his past\u2014the stuff with his dad, the stuff with him growing up, and all these sort of bullying issues that he had growing up\u2014but never really got into that. I think out of all the characters other than Sela\u2019s new character, there\u2019s a lot they can do with Adam. There really hasn\u2019t been a lot going on with him, so I\u2019m kind of hoping there\u2019s some exploration with the demons in his closet.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: You\u2019re currently filming the season premiere; can you share a bit of what you\u2019ve been working on?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: All I can tell you is that I got choked up reading the script. Zach<\/strong> [Reiter<\/strong>] and John<\/strong> [Dove<\/strong>] wrote this and it\u2019s the most truthful dialogue that I think I\u2019ve read for all the characters. It deals with New York and some 9\/11 stuff and every character had really great moments in this. And I think each episode if there\u2019s a moment that you can sort of hang your hat on, then you\u2019re like, \u201cokay, that was cool.\u201d There\u2019s a couple moments in that I felt that for Adam, and just stuff that goes on with Mac in this episode. When I finished the script I was like, \u201cwow, this is a really special episode.\u201d I really think people around the world are gonna relate to this because what happened on 9\/11 affected everybody in the world. This is gonna be an episode that I think will go down for sure in the books as one of the best episodes. One of the most powerful, emotionally charged episodes.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: Would you compare the tone of the episode as similar to episodes from the first two seasons?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: Yeah, it definitely brings it full circle. I definitely think there\u2019s a real full circle in that timeframe. The people that have been with the show for that long are maybe going to have that feeling, the fans that have been watching for that long. New fans I think will fall deeper in love with the show. I think on so many levels people are going to be affected by this. Whether they\u2019re a fan of CSI: NY<\/em> or not they\u2019ll feel something for this.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: Now, there\u2019s some speculation on the Web that Gary Sinise<\/strong> will be back for only a few episodes. Do you know if he\u2019s planning on leaving this season?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: I have no idea. Let\u2019s keep \u2018em guessing. [laughs]<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: Do you know how many episodes you\u2019re filming this season?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: We\u2019re picked up for eighteen. We\u2019ll be done filming February 6th, which is gonna be pretty crazy when it\u2019s done. Usually it starts and we go until the end of April, but this year we\u2019ll be done three days before my birthday. I wonder if I\u2019ll get a gift still from CBS since they always give awesome gifts. I think I\u2019m getting shafted. [laughs] They give the best birthday gifts.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: You\u2019re probably just hoping the season gets extended to nineteen episodes just so you can get your birthday gift!<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: [laughs] C\u2019mon! Honestly, this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I\u2019ve learned so much on so many different levels. Just the opportunity that Pam Veasey<\/strong> gave me and she\u2019s really kind of stood behind me and given this character and myself so much opportunity to have a moment and get excited about my career. The show has been a big stepping stone in my career, it\u2019s been an incredible journey and I\u2019m forever grateful to everyone at CSI<\/em>.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: On the other CSI<\/em> shows there\u2019s multiple lab techs put into rotation, but with CSI: NY<\/em>\u2014with the exception of past techies such as Kendall Novak and Haylenn Bacall\u2014it seems Adam is doing most of the work!<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: I think Adam\u2019s been in there for a long time and it seems he\u2019s the man for the job. It would be great to see him get the hell out of the lab. He comes out every once in a while if something crazy happens, but I\u2019d love to see him really kind of get away from this man-child in the lab to kind of actually step out into the world and have confidence and being able to handle situations as a man should.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: Do you know if the writers plan on introducing any reoccurring lab technicians for Adam to interact with?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: I have not heard. Every girl that\u2019s shown up either gets killed or they have to deal with me or something like that. [laughs] I haven\u2019t heard, but it\u2019s always fun to have new actors on the show. We\u2019ve had some really great guest stars, so that\u2019s been awesome.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: Speaking of stars coming to the show, it seems Adam has fallen victim to a bit of hazing by his newest co-worker Jo Danville. What\u2019s it like playing those moments with Sela Ward<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: She\u2019s a sweetheart, man. I was a big fan of hers before and she\u2019s just cool, man. She\u2019s just a real Southern sweetheart. She brings a lot of laughter and a real breeze to the set. I hope we\u2019ll become longtime friends after this; she\u2019s just a really cool person. I think the writers did a good job of introducing her character. It could have gone horribly wrong, but I think she showed up and really hit this character out of the park. The writers did a good job of making the character interesting and all the motives of her character make sense.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: Were you caught off-guard last summer when it was announced Sela was joining the show and Melina Kanakaraedes<\/strong> would not be returning?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: Yeah, I was a little caught off-guard. But again, at this point in the game and you\u2019re this far along it shouldn\u2019t really surprise you anymore. If it was like season three or four you\u2019d be like, \u201chuh?\u201d It was sad to see Melina go but we got Sela out of it and it\u2019s been awesome. Not that any of them are better than each other, but it\u2019s just been a different take on a character. It\u2019s been a fresh sort of start.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: Talk CSI<\/a> visitors continue to voice interest in Melina returning. Do you think that could ever come to fruition?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: She might come back because she misses the love from Adam, what?! [laughs] She wants Round Two. [laughs] I don\u2019t know, I don\u2019t know. It could be interesting. Again, if this is the last season I\u2019m excited to see where these episodes go. I think it\u2019s gonna ramp up everything and push the envelope a little more because we can.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: You expressed a while back to former CSI Files writer Kristine Huntley<\/strong> the desire to possibly write or direct an episode of the show. Gary, Melina, and Carmine Giovinazzo<\/strong> have all stepped behind the camera; do you still have the itch to work on something behind the scenes?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: Yeah, man, I really want to direct. I got my DGA points and all that sort of stuff. I\u2019ve directed before like The Ghostfacers<\/em> for Warner Bros. and a couple other things. I would want to direct more than anything. It\u2019d be amazing to get my feet wet in such a safe environment where I really feel like you\u2019re working with your family and it\u2019s a really supportive group there. I know Adam Rodriguez<\/strong> directed an episode of CSI: Miami<\/em>, so when I saw that I thought there\u2019s got to be an opportunity for me to direct. It\u2019s not like I want to direct just to say I directed an episode. I really, truly want to go that way with my career. This is something that\u2019s a real passion of mine\u2014storytelling\u2014and it would be amazing to get the opportunity. I would probably freak out, I\u2019d be so excited.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: You also have some other projects in development. What are you currently working on?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: I have a script right now that Anthony Burns<\/strong>, who is the writer-director of Skateland<\/em>, he and I have partnered together on a project that is phenomenal. I\u2019m so proud of this project and we\u2019ve just gone out with it this week so hopefully in the next month or so we\u2019ll get good news on it. So far the response on the script and the property has been through the roof.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: One of your other big projects is Ghostfacers<\/em>! Do you know if there are plans for you to film any more episodes of the web series or Supernatural<\/em>?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: Man, I gotta tell you working on Supernatural<\/em> and playing these characters is the best way to get a six-pack because you laugh all day. It\u2019s just so not what you think because of Supernatural<\/em> it\u2019s so dark and scary, but man the group I\u2019ve been working with Jared<\/strong> [Padalecki<\/strong>] and Jensen<\/strong> [Ackles<\/strong>] are truly the greatest cast and just cool guys. I would jump at the opportunity to go back to Vancouver and make more episodes with them.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: Do fans come up to you and recognize you most for your role on CSI: NY<\/em> or Supernatural<\/em>?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: It\u2019s down the middle, man. I think what\u2019s been great is the fans that I have from Supernatural<\/em> started watching CSI<\/em> and then the fans I have from CSI<\/em> started watching Supernatural<\/em>. I think those two characters are for sure the ones I get noticed for.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: Last season\u2019s finale seemed like a great potential series finale. When NY<\/em> does eventually end, what do you think the writers could possibly do to top \u201cExit Strategy\u201d?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: There\u2019s writing television episodics and then there\u2019s writing CSI<\/em> episodes. It\u2019s completely different, because I have actually tried to sit down and it\u2019s so hard. When our writers come up with these stories, they\u2019re compelling and solving crime and the twists and turns they take week after week after week, I am blown away. They\u2019re such a talented group of people. No doubt it will be topped. If the season is starting off the way that it is starting off, which I think is the best season opener and one of the best written scripts we\u2019ve ever had on the show. This is the best start to a season we\u2019ve ever had so I can only assume our season finale will be ridiculous.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: One final question: can you give a tease about some of the guest stars for this season?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: Yeah, what\u2019s his name from Twilight<\/em>. Taylor.<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: Really?<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: Oh, yeah, Taylor and the other guy, Edward. Yeah, there\u2019s gonna be a Team Edward and Team Taylor and Team Adam and they\u2019re gonna be in the lab with me. They\u2019re new CSI techs. [laughs]<\/p>\n

CSI Files<\/strong>: I have to admit I actually fell for that at first.<\/p>\n

Buckley<\/strong>: [laughs] Yeah, a lot of Twilight<\/em> cast is gonna be guest starring and we\u2019re\u2014[laughs]. That\u2019ll get the fan girls going. Is it Team Jacob, I don\u2019t even know. Edward and Jacob, whatever their names are, they are going to be in the lab for sure. [laughs]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Shane Saunders is a freelance writer and reviewer. His work can be seen on EDGE Network and ShaneSSaunders.com.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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