“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” shocked the world at the 2014 Golden Globes. It would be anything but a surprise should the Fox comedy be nominated for a 2014 Emmy.
Joe Lo Truglio is one of the standouts on the true ensemble comedy, which is lead by individual Globe winner Andy Samberg. The man who plays Samberg’s best bud talked to TheWrap about “the most humbling experience of the whole season,” going “Full Boyle” and who he would play on “Game of Thrones.” (A Baratheon, so he could drink.)
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What was the toughest thing you had to do this season on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine?”
Gosh, you know I think the toughest thing might have been having my butt up in the air for a whole scene after I got shot in it. (Laughs.) It might’ve been the most humbling experience of the whole season. (Laughs.) Because it’s not at all hard to play Charles Boyle and it’s quite fun to do so. But I will say, just personally, I was left in a precarious position … but of course to full comic effect, which is what it’s about.
What was the most fun thing you had to do this season?
I think the most fun episode that I remember shooting is the “Full Boyle” episode and kind of doing a lot of fiscal shtick with Andy — in particular, the pepper spray scene was just a blast. Not only did we have that moment but leading up to that moment, it was kind of like a long one shot that was exciting to try to choreograph and nail well. And a very close runner-up would be the “Tactical Village” episode where we were in the paintball course, going around in our gear to toss some things around.
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Let’s assume somebody has never seen “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” What would you say to them to persuade them to watch it?
I’d ask them to think about if they have a work situation where you’ll look at the person you’re working with and you’ll be like, “Wow I cant believe you do this job!” Now, that may come off a little inaccurate because everyone on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” are good detectives. But when you kind of break down their character flaws, it’s kind of amazing that they can be detectives.
A little more pretending: You’re an Emmy voter, you can’t vote for yourself or your show, who is at the top of your ballot
Well, you know it’s the stock answer, but it’s so true: I’m a “Game of Thrones” fan in drama. There’s a lot in comedies, and I’d hate to forget any of them because so many of my friends are on them, but I watch “Children’s Hospital,” I watch “Key and Peele” … there’s so much out there that it’s hard to pick one, but those are two shows that are on my list. “Silicon Valley” is also another terrific show.
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If you could play any other role on any other show, what would it be?
I think I’d like to take a stab at Stark or Baratheon. Probably a Baratheon, not a Stark. A little bit of a drinker, he comes in Season 3, puts poison in a Targaryen ‘s drink.
Is this the Golden Age of Television right now?
Ah, yes, you’ve struck on a point. I think it very much is. I think the ability to tell a story over several hours as opposed to two has really opened things up for writers, and certainly actors. I’m happy to be in an era where both movies and TV, in terms of being an actor … there’s plenty of crossover between the two. But I think in terms of television, a lot of the creators of TV today grew up loving movies and with the more time and hours they’re able to tell stories with. I think they incorporate a lot of, both technically and creatively, that feel of cinema.