Sequential Tart - February 1, 2007

"Super Women: Alona Tal - Supernatural's Jo Harvelle"
by: Mary Borsellino

The second season of Supernatural saw the debut of Jo Harvelle, a barmaid at a roadhouse frequented by hunters. Like the Winchester brothers, Jo grew up as the child of one of these supernatural hunters and, like the Winchesters, had her childhood ripped apart by the death of a parent. She kicked ass, fought monsters, and listened to REO Speedwagon.

Some members of the Supernatural fandom responded to this new character with vocal and violent dislike, with the vitriol often reaching levels that would be amusing if they weren't so boggling. The creators of the show did a hasty backpedal on a planned romance between Jo and Dean, and those viewers who enjoyed the character and what she brought to the show were left scratching their heads and feeling uncomfortable.

I spoke to Alona Tal, the actress who played Jo. And Supernatural's producers, if you're reading this: I had a LOT of requests from readers for an interview with Ms Tal. The Jo fanbase is alive and well.

Sequential Tart: What've you been working on most recently?

Alona Tal: My most recent project was a movie called Taking 5 and, of course, Supernatural.

ST: Do you prefer playing a character a single, fully-formed time — in a guest appearance or a feature film — or slowly discovering them over a number of episodes and seasons of a show?

AT: There are good things about doing all of the above, but I think any actor would tell you they prefer having the time to discover more and more things about a character ... it's only natural. But — if you do enough work — you can find out a lot about any character, even if you are working on it for one day.

ST: Are you interested in doing more musical performance or recording in the near future, or are you concentrating on acting at the moment?

AT: At the moment I'm giving my all to acting. I would LOVE to do more music in the future. We'll see what happens and if the opportunity will present itself.

ST: Is it difficult to devote time to one creative talent over the other when you're talented and successful at both?

AT: First thank you for the compliment ... it's hard to look at it like that. I don't go around saying to myself "how talented I am," not at all! So I find myself just trying to do art and good work with whatever opportunity I get to do art. I don't "choose" one form of art or the other (music or acting). Right now there are more open doors that I might walk into with the acting world, so that's what I'm doing.

ST: Do you play any instruments other than your singing voice?

AT: I used to play the piano, but not nearly good enough! And I'm trying to play the guitar ....

ST: I'd like to talk for a while about your role as Jo on Supernatural. What was the audition process like for the part?

AT: Honestly, it was just like any other audition. I don't know if that explains much but that's all there is to say. You go in, hoping to be what they are looking for, you prepare hard so you are ready and know what you're doing, do your best, and leave — and then try as much as you can to let it go so you can continue with the rest of your day.

ST: How much of Jo's personality was in the script when you started, and how much of it did you create in the performance?

AT: Well, in the first episode you don't know much about her other than what she says (and it wasn't a whole lot). So I knew a few things about her and a little on her past and the rest I tried to bring myself. You always bring a lot of yourself into whatever you do. In the later episodes the writers gave more of her for me to play with. I knew she was sort of like Dean but a girl, and I tried to have fun with it.

ST: What's the Roadhouse set like? What's your behind-the-scenes experience on the show in general?

AT: A blessing. Being on the set is a blessing. I love it! Truly I do. It's fun and the people are amazing and working with the boys is fantastic ... well, you get it. Oh! and the sets look incredible! They do great set design ... really impressive!

ST: Supernatural is so firmly based in American mythology — both the urban legends and ghost stories, and the classic rock/classic car/road trip aspects of the show. What was that like for you to step into, as someone who came to America as an adult?

AT: I grew up watching American movies so it wasn't strange to me. Plus, I love ghost stories and stuff like that, and I also like old cars and taking road trips — it just works out, hahaha!

ST: What was moving to America like for you? Was there anything that was particularly difficult to get used to?

AT: EVERYTHING. It's a completely different vibe and language (even though I spoke it very well). But it was something I have been wanting to do since I was very young so it was a great thing. The things that are hard to get used to are the day to day routines: bank, bills, getting a phone, where do I go for insurance, doctors, stuff like that.

ST: Sometimes it seems like negativity's easier to find on the internet than the positive responses, and I read in one of your interviews with Starry Constellation magazine that you're aware of some of the more ambivalent fan reactions about Jo. There are a whole lot of viewers who really love the character and love what you've done with her, as well — have you had a chance to see that side of it?

AT: I'm sure there are fans who like Jo, it's just that so far the ones who don't seem to voice themselves louder. Or, at least, on the websites I have seen. But I have been seeing more and more good reactions about Jo. So to answer your question: yes, I have seen some good responses.

ST: Your third Supernatural episode, 'No Exit', put the character through a wide variety of situations in a short space of time: your scenes with Jensen Ackles are like a series of screwball comedy routines; we found out a lot about Jo's childhood; you battled the ghost of a serial killer; and then there was the final reveal about your character's family in the closing scenes of the episode. Is it tough to play so many moods so quickly within one character? Was anything in the episode especially challenging?

AT: Most of it was challenging, 'cause I wanted to get a lot across in one episode. I wanted her to be funny and spunky and not take any crap from nobody, and also be sensitive and show a vulnerable side to her. I wanted her to be brave and take risks, but not to be too confident 'cause she really has never hunted before, but it's something she is so passionate about she has to give it her best.

She was going to go hunt on her own — the boys showed up and took the case — but she wasn't going to let it go. She's a tough chick, but she is also very emotional. Not to mention the relationship between her and Dean — it's just not clear what's going on there — she doesn't know if he likes her, if she likes him, does she even want to give it any thought. And there are all these little moments between them that they connect more.

And, of course, the end — she was more upset over the news about her dad than upset at Dean, but she can't help but be a little upset at the boys. It's a natural human reaction. She's was upset partially 'cause she likes them so much. I was happy to have a lot to think about. Gives more layers to the character.

ST: Will you be back as Jo?

AT: Only time will tell ....

ST: With so many projects going, do you get much time to yourself? What do you do to unwind?

AT: You always make time for yourself. I like to hang out with my dog and with the person I love. I love to watch movies and go to the dog park. And to drive my car, and sing as loud as I can!

ST: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

AT: Like I said before, I am incredibly happy and honored to have anyone interested in what I have to say and in what I do. I enjoy my work and it gives me tremendous pleasure to see that other people enjoy it as well. I want to thank who ever supports me, it's so unexpected and a blessing.