PW: I know when wefirst spoke back in May, you mentioned that it was important for Debbie not to become the stock mom character, just there baking cookies — do you think you’ve accomplished that?
Lori: Well, that’s what we fight for all the time. The show is going through different changes and sometimes we say, “give us more!” But I think the network feels protective of Debbie and Harry, wanting them to be seen as the perfect parents, the perfect role models. But the truth is, parents aren’t perfect. We make mistakes and we have our own issues outside of our kids, and I think it’s more interesting for the audience to see that.
PW: I do love the Wilson’s family rapport. How did you four go about making that seem realistic?
Lori: Actually, before we started filming, Rob made us go to an improv class that he set up with his acting coach for us. So we all went in and acted out different family scenarios: everything from a camping trip to a big fight. And it was a great way to set the groundwork and start that chemistry.
PW: It’s nice to see that Debbie is growing a backbone, when you combine this development with the fall finale where Debbie threatened Tracy.
Lori: That was my favorite scene to date as an actor because it was so much fun to go up and have that kind of moxie, where you say — very calm, cool and collected — if you don’t back off, I’m going to knock your lights out!
PW: Plus, I don’t think people expect that from you.
Lori: I know, it is an unexpected side since people tend to think of me as a good girl, the nice girl. So being able to do that was also like a double whammy. The audience doesn’t get to see me in that light very often, but I love it.
PW: Who are some of the other actors on the show you’d like to work with?
Lori: Hmm, well, there’s probably no way to tie these two in together, but I’d love to work more with Ryan [Eggold]. I think he’s a really interesting actor, but I embrace scenes with everyone. And while I know there’s no reason for characters like Ryan and Debbie to come together, I’d love to see the writers find a creative reason to bring them together, have them strike up a friendship. But I’m sure the writers aren’t even on that page.
PW: Is the show turning out to be everything you thought it would?
Lori: I think that the show right now is still finding itself. I certainly think it’s getting there, I think we have amazing writers but I think they’ll even be the first to tell you that we’re still finding ourselves. Looking at the actors and figuring out who is stronger in comedy, who’s stronger in this — who’s stronger in that, so they know who to write what for. And I think that’s very indicative of a first year show.
PW: And finally, I just have to ask — there were lots of rumors about John Stamos trying to put together a“Full House” reuniona couple of weeks back. Would you be open to playing Aunt Becky again?
Lori: I had heard about that — but I don’t know that it’s happening anymore. You hear a lot of talk, you know? I think it would really depend on the material. If I read a script and it was true to the original show and it was appealing, I would love nothing more than to be with my old “Full House” family. If it was right, absolutely.
“90210” airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on The CW.