Join stars and executive producers Peter Capaldi (DCI Daniel Hegarty) and Cush Jumbo (DS June Lenker) as they discuss the high-stakes evolution of their characters in the second season of the Apple TV’s hit, Criminal Record. In this interview with Temple of Geek, the duo dives into the complex power dynamics of their “spiky” relationship, their unique “no-rehearsal” approach to acting, and what they believe makes a thriller truly compelling.

A Shifting Power Dynamic

In the first season, Hegarty and Lenker were locked in a battle of wills. As Season 2 begins, June seems to have found cracks in Daniel’s armor. While their relationship remains far from friendly, Capaldi noted that the stakes have changed.

“They still don’t trust each other. They still don’t like each other,” Capaldi explained. “But they’re grownups and there is a bigger threat, which is greater than what bothers them about each other.” This season, Hegarty finds himself in the rare position of needing June’s help, finally acknowledging her skill as a detective while remaining “spiky” and uncomfortable in her presence.

Cush Jumbo elaborated on the complexity of Hegarty’s character, suggesting that one crack in the armor isn’t enough. “The issue with Hegarty is that he’s wearing four suits of armor,” Jumbo said. “Once you go through the first layer, you suddenly realize that you have no keys for this level and you’ve got to start all over again.”

This constant mystery forces June to question her own values. She must decide whether to spend her energy peeling back Hegarty’s layers or focusing on the case at hand.

The “No-Rehearsal” Policy

One of the most surprising revelations from the interview was the actors’ approach to their intense dialogue. Despite the show’s heavy themes, Capaldi and Jumbo choose not to rehearse their scenes together.

“I don’t want to see what Cush is gonna do until she does it,” Capaldi shared. “She always surprises me… and I want to see the camera recording that and recording Hegarty’s reaction to that.” By keeping the scenes live and unpracticed, the duo ensures the performances remain high-energy and authentic rather than “drained of energy” by repetition.

What Makes a Thriller Work?

When asked about the essential ingredients for a successful thriller, Jumbo pointed to suspense and the thrill of the unpredictable. “I love it when you really don’t know what a person is going to do next,” she noted.

Capaldi added that a compelling script and sophisticated acting are vital. He credited the ensemble cast, including Dustin Demry Jones, Luther Ford, Luca Pasquilino, and Sean Dooley, for creating real people with deep layers. In the world of Criminal Record, the line between “good guy” and “bad guy” is perpetually blurred, keeping both the characters and the audience on uneven footing.