Actor Eric Dane offers insight into new hit series, The Last Ship
GET ready for a thrilling adventure on the high seas in The Last Ship, based on William Brinkley’s popular novel. The action-packed drama stars Eric Dane (Grey’s Anatomy) and is executive-produced by blockbuster filmmaker Michael Bay (Transformers).
The story opens with a global catastrophe that nearly decimates the world’s population. Because of its positioning, the Navy destroyer USS Nathan James is spared. But now, Captain Tom Chandler (Dane) and his crew must confront the reality of their new existence in a world where they may be among the few remaining survivors.
Chandler is authoritative and decisive but also fair and courageous. A born leader and a loving father and husband, Chandler is respected and loved by the men and women under his command.
Also on board are Rachel Scott (Rhona Mitra, Strike Back), a strong-willed, intelligent and fearless paleomicrobiologist assigned to the Nathan James to investigate the cause of billions of deaths worldwide.
Adam Baldwin (Firefly, Chuck) is Slattery, the ship’s second-in-command who worries deeply about his family and occasionally clashes with Chandler over the best course of action. The series also stars Travis Van Winkle (Heart Of Dixie), Charles Parnell (Pariah), Christina Elmore (Fruitvale Station), Sam Spruell (Snow White And The Huntsman) and Marissa Neitling (Leverage).
In the US, The Last Ship was a blockbuster hit in its first season, not only among total viewers but also among key adult demographics. The series ranks as basic cable’s No. 1 new series of the year-to-date with total viewers and the top new scripted series for the year-to-date with adults aged 25-54.
Dane tells us more:
What is The Last Ship about?
This show actually centres on a group of Navy crew men and scientists who are facing a global catastrophe. It opens with me as Captain Chandler, who takes my crew for a five-month weapons-up at the Arctic to test fire with some new weaponry and fire off some ordinance. Two scientists who claim to be studying birds decide to hitch a ride with us. But what we don’t know is that they are actually going up to the Arctic to collect soil samples for a vaccine they are developing to stop a virus from causing a global pandemic. The virus is the result of a Russian attack that kills 80 per cent of the world’s population.
What have you learnt about being a Navy captain?
From television, films and books, we all have a mindset of how a captain should behave and act in terms of characteristics. But that is so different from how commanders are in real life! Of course, there is a chain of command where everybody has tremendous amount of respect for but there is also more respect for the actual person behind the rank. Fundamentally, the crew is their family. And these are elements I am trying to incorporate into the character I am playing because it is where you get the leadership qualities — you can only lead if people want to listen and follow.
What makes The Last Ship entertaining?
Everybody loves a story of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. But that is just the basis. The specifics are much more profound. The Navy is great — rich in history, traditions and they get to drive around pretty cool ships and fire some really big guns. That’s intriguing to a lot of people, certainly is to me. More importantly, the show brings together a group of really talented people, which can be seen from the way we are shooting this to the way it is being directed. Personally, if you are going to shoot any action sequences, Michael Bay is the go-to guy. He has a smart vision for any scenario. So, even if my performance sucks, you are guaranteed 45-minutes of action-pack fun!
How did you feel the first time you stepped onto the ship?
Wow! First of all, it is a well-decorated ship. There are 50 of these destroyers in the fleet with a lot of history and tradition of excellence and this is automatically reflected in the crew and the captain. There is some sort of inherent respect for it the second you step on board.
Why is it important to get all the details right?
Because we are honouring the Navy and we are representing them as civilians. If we are going to represent the Navy, we better represent them properly. Not just because it is a regulation but also because these people fight to protect our country, to keep us safe and you definitely have to render respect. For me, it is important to go the extra mile and make sure that everything is perfect.
The Last Ship airs on WarnerTV (HyppTV Channel 613) starting tonight at 9pm.