‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ Episodes 7 and 8 With Cocreator and Showrunner Francesca Sloane
Feb 15, 2024
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Francesca Sloane, cocreator and showrunner of 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith', discusses the finale of the show and the powerful truth serum scene. They also talk about working with Donald Glover and choosing Maya Erskine for the role of Jane.
The decision to kill the cat in the finale added tension and created a crucial misunderstanding between the main characters.
The truth serum/MDMA scene balanced revealing specific details about the characters' pasts with maintaining universality.
Donald Glover's involvement brought his unique sensibilities and cultural awareness, shaping the direction of the series.
Deep dives
The Decision to Kill the Cat
The decision to kill the cat in the finale was made to create a crucial misunderstanding between the main characters and build tension in the story. Despite being a brutal choice, it felt honest and served the larger narrative.
The Truth Serum/MDMA Scene
The truth serum/MDMA scene was a narrative engine that allowed the characters to be honest about their feelings and thoughts. It was carefully balanced to reveal specific details about the characters' pasts and vulnerabilities, while also maintaining a sense of universality.
Donald Glover's Involvement
Donald Glover's involvement in the show as a co-creator and actor brought his unique sensibilities and cultural awareness to the project. He understood the assignment, leaned into the unconventional casting, and actively engaged with the marketing and reception of the show. His sense of himself and his abilities played a key role in shaping the direction of the series.
Creating a Seamless Timeline
The structure of the podcast episodes effortlessly moves through time, indicating the passage of time through allusions and anecdotes. The writer's room maintained a loose chronology in shaping the timeline, allowing for milestones and subtle changes to indicate the progression of the relationship. The goal was to portray a fast-paced romance against the backdrop of life and death situations, with attention to details like different art on the walls and the gradual deterioration of the house.
Ambiguous Ending and Audience Interpretation
The ending of the season can be interpreted in different ways, embracing a sense of ambiguity. Depending on the viewer's perspective, the characters of John and Jane may either survive or meet their demise. The intentional ambiguity allows the audience to decide the outcome based on their own perception, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement. This approach was influenced by past internet memes and the desire to leave room for individual interpretation and discussion.
Chris and Andy briefly talk about the announcement of the new ‘Fantastic Four’ cast (1:00). Then they are joined by ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ cocreator and showrunner Francesca Sloane to talk about the finale of the show (15:08), working with Donald Glover to bring the story to life (34:10), and choosing Maya Erskine for the role of Jane (43:49).
