Actress Molly Kunz is back for the second season of the hit series The Irrational, and fans are eager to see what’s next for her character, Phoebe. In an interview, Kunz shared insights into Phoebe’s journey, the complexities of the show, and her personal experiences on set.

In the upcoming episode, “Formal Ties,” airing Tuesday, October 29th, Phoebe finds herself in a tough situation. She has to choose between going with the flow and not causing waves in her new department or upsetting the balance and doing what is right.

Molly Kunz on Phoebe’s Evolution and New Challenges

Season one saw Phoebe navigate significant changes, including a transfer to a new office that brought unexpected challenges. Kunz reveals that Phoebe’s path takes an introspective turn as she grapples with self-doubt and the consequences of her choices. Viewers can anticipate a deeper exploration of Phoebe’s internal struggles as she questions her decisions and seeks a new direction.  

“There are a lot of interesting storylines for her this season, and she’s, of course, transferred to this new office. She starts to question her own decision-making and question whether or not she’s made the right choice.”

The Irrational delves into the intricacies of human behavior, and Phoebe plays a crucial role in unraveling the cases. Kunz emphasizes the collaborative effort with the writers to ensure Phoebe’s contributions are authentic and insightful. The show’s ability to portray characters with fluidity allows Phoebe’s multifaceted personality to shine through, whether she’s immersed in her grad student role or providing emotional support to her colleagues.  

“I think that this show is good at kind of letting characters be fluid. Phoebe’s a grad student, but of course, she’s also kind of a little bit of a detective sometimes.”

Balancing Intelligence, Ambition, and Kindness

Phoebe is a character of contrasts: intelligent and ambitious yet kind and supportive. Kunz credits the writers for crafting a balanced portrayal that allows her to showcase Phoebe’s different facets. From focused “work mode” to moments of vulnerability and softness, Phoebe’s complexity is a highlight of the series.  

“I think the writers do a great job with that. She’s…I think there are moments where different parts of Phoebe shine through, and she has work mode.”   “I’m excited to see the way that Phoebe is able to bring more excitement and more, a little more joy and sort of fun to the office.”

Reflecting on Season One

A standout moment for Kunz in season one is Phoebe’s panic attack scene. She found it impactful and important to portray authentically. This scene underscores the reality that even high achievers like Phoebe experience internal struggles and vulnerabilities.  

While Kunz hasn’t played a character exactly like Phoebe before, she draws inspiration from personal experiences and people in her life. Interestingly, her background in psychology proved valuable for the role, as she had already delved into behavioral psychology before auditioning.  

“I’ve never played a character exactly like Phoebe. I’ve really had a fairly large range of characters that I’ve gotten to play over the years.”  “Funnily enough, I actually studied psychology when I was in college, and so I’ve taken a lot of psych classes at the college level.”  

Looking Ahead to Season Two

Additionally, Kunz hopes viewers will connect with Phoebe’s journey of self-discovery and embrace the message of trusting one’s instincts and making choices that align with personal needs and desires. As Phoebe navigates new challenges and storylines, her experiences promise to resonate with audiences.  

“I hope that people take away from it that it’s important to listen to your gut and to know to, like, really take a good look at yourself and what you want and what you need, and to make the choice that is best for you, regardless of what other people think.”

With season two of The Irrational underway, Molly Kunz’s portrayal of Phoebe promises to captivate viewers once again. Her dedication to authenticity and her ability to bring depth and nuance to the character ensure that Phoebe’s journey will be one to watch.