Warning: This article contains spoilers forFire Countryseason 2, episode 8, “It’s Not Over.”
Roberta (Paola Nunez) has entered the building.
There was a surprise guest onFire Countryas Gabrielas (Stephanie Arcila) estranged mother unexpectedly showed up in Edgewater.
Paola Nunez, Rafael De La Fuente, and Stephanie Arcila on ‘Fire Country.'.Sergei Bachlakov/CBS
Sergei Bachlakov/CBS
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What was your reaction to learning wed be meeting Gabrielas mother this season?
STEPHANIE ARCILA: I was so excited.
This episode was set at a formal event.
Stephanie Arcila and Rafael De La Fuente on ‘Fire Country.'.Sergei Bachlakov/CBS
What was it like for everyone to get all dressed up for a change?
It was so nice.
Everyone looked so beautiful.
Max Thieriot and Paola Nunez on ‘Fire Country.'.Sergei Bachlakov/CBS
It was a lot of fun.
We always love seeing each other dressed up.
Robertas appearance was a surprise because Diego (Rafael de la Fuente) invited her.
What do you think that move says about their relationship?
[In] every relationship, you want to expect the best of your partner or your friends.
You never want to expect the worst of them.
Vinces health issues give you and Billy Burke a few standout scenes.
What was it like working with him to bring that conflict between them to life?
I always love working with Billy.
Hes such an amazing actor and the emotions that he portrays are so deep.
It makes it easy to act with him.
What do you think drove her to make this step in her career?
Gabriela has always been busy, whether it was in her Olympic career or her firefighting career.
Her becoming an EMT says a lot.
Its beautiful that shes saving lives, but also what is she running from?
Why is she in this fight-or-flight mode constantly?
Shes never really rested and just sat with her emotions to process.
Right now shes getting to know herself more and she does enjoy these adrenaline-like jobs.
They do feed her and she loves learning and shes helping, so its a mixture.
How worried should we be about Manny (Kevin Alejandro) after he hit Luke (Michael Trucco)?
People should be worried.
This is an explosive outburst that was due to people triggering him like Roberta.
Were all responsible for our own actions, but were human and we do have triggers.
While Gabriela is helping Vince, her mom talks to all the men in her life.
Where do you think Gabi and Roberta left things?
What progress did they make?
She can also go the other way where she can set her boundaries and love her from afar.
It can go either way, but I dont know what the writers will have in store for us.
We’re heading toward Gabi’s wedding.
Where do you think she is in terms of her feelings for Bode?
Her heart and her mind are pulling her in two different directions.
What she thinks is healthiest for herself.
Right now shes having that inner battle of deciding and thats life.
Fire Countryairs Fridays at 9p.m.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
