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« Regina Taylor's The Unit Blog
Thanksgiving
In the Nov. 21 episode "Report by Exception," Jonas is assigned to go to Latin America to assassinate an oil minister with the support of a "cover wife." He is tempted by the charms of his new partner. Meanwhile, his real wife, Molly, takes a personal interest in Crystal, whose boyfriend Molly has recruited as a driver in Algeria.
Crystal voices both of their insecurities when she asks how Molly copes with not knowing "Where he is, what he's doing, if he's OK. And is he even thinking of you? Maybe he's shacking up with some other woman. Or he's laying dead on the side of a desert road. How do you not think about those things?"
Molly's reply: "I don't go there." Succinct.
The answer is insufficient for the newly initiated Crystal. Molly can't find the words to share what she knows. There is this wall between Unit husband and wife. He can never share what goes on when he's away. Where he's been or with whom or how he spends his days — typical parts of sharing in a typical marriage run counter to this life. He lives other lives when he's gone, and so does she. She knows that to "go there" means to fall into an abyss of questions, doubts, fears. Will he return? Will we recognize each other when he returns? A paralyzing fall.
Molly doesn't allow herself to go there anymore. Molly stands on the tested foundation of a long marriage. She wants him to come back safe. She has to trust he will come back however he comes back. And when he does, she wants him to see in her eyes the reflection of his eyes — that here is home.
Her choice each day is to walk on trust as she prays that the earth will not give.
This is what I imagine Molly Blane is thinking as she sits at the lunch counter not knowing how to find words of comfort for Crystal in "Report by Exception."
November in Los Angeles
Eighty degrees in sunny L.A. Hard to believe Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Today I'm slicing into a soft persimmon. I've been waiting a week and a half for this one to ripen, ever since we were in the West Adams District shooting scenes at Jonas' "family house" where, in the backyard, I was sitting under what I thought was a beautiful orange tree. The tree's owner, seeing my admiration, gave me a bagful of persimmons as I left and told me to wait till they got soft. Impatient, I sliced into my first persimmon last week while it was still pale and firm. It tasted bitter. This one, dark orange, I scoop out with a spoon and it reminds me a bit of ripe mango but not as sweet, and it's starchy. I wonder if it's overly ripe. They seem to be ripening at their own individual pace. I'll know in a day or two which one I should try next. Ain't that life?
Joining The Unit
Last Thanksgiving was the first one without my mother. I'm an only child. Single. Born and raised in Texas. West Dallas Projects. Flatland. Wide open sky. I had been living in New York for over 20 years when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Moved back home five years ago to be with her. In her last years she taught me how to garden. She tended her garden daily without fail. She taught me to clear the bed and plan in my mind's eye how things might grow in season as I planted. Patience. Each season a new adventure. Each day a new opportunity to succeed or fail and to use the failure to learn and grow stronger with patience. She gave me an understanding of seasons.
I took one day job of acting in those years. Started out as a writer. And so I continue to write. Mostly plays. Visiting a friend in California in the spring of '05, I went in for a meeting with producers Shawn Ryan, David Mamet and Eric Haney (writer, Inside the Delta Force, inspiration for The Unit). I went in for the meeting. Wanted to meet the playwright — Mamet — specifically. I wasn't prepared for getting the role. Didn't expect it. When I got offered the job, I discussed it with my mother, who was in remission, and encouraged me to accept the opportunity. Two weeks to shoot the pilot and then one never knows what will come. I knew working with Shawn, David and Eric would be an adventure. I've admired Dennis Haysbert's work for many years, and to play his wife — what mad fun. Two weeks. Then I went home and spent the last spring with my mother in her garden. A month after her death I heard that the pilot was picked up, and I flew back to L.A. to continue shooting. I needed it to keep myself occupied in the in-between time.
We are now halfway through the second season. The writing is challenging. The cast is a joy. Tomorrow I will pack a small bag and head back to Dallas. Back to my mother's garden. I'll sit in the backyard gazebo, sip sweet tea, rock — and give thanks.
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Nov 17, 2006 6:53 PM
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My Dear Regina,
I cannot begin to tell you what pleasure and pain I felt reading your words. You are a talented writer. Of course, I have know you are a very talented actress since I first saw you in I'll Fly Away. Since that time, I am always excited when I see your name in the credits, as I know I will enjoy another superb performance.
You and Dennis Haysbert were the main reasons for wanting to watch my first episode of The Unit. Since then, the entire cast has grown on me, and the stories have been interesting and exciting.
I particularly enjoyed reading your personal history, and eagerly look forward to your next post. Unfortunately, I did not inherit my parents' talent for gardening. With our large family (nine children), it was a necessity for my parents to grow, harvest and preserve the food we would need over the long winter months here in Minnesota. Regardless of how much needed to be planted and tended, my mother always found space and time for the flowers. My parents have been gone for a number of years now, but I can remember the pain of the loss. My heart goes out to you in coping with the loss of your mother.
Thank you for prompting my trip down memory lane. I hope you enjoy a tranquil Thanksgiving respite. As I stated earlier, I eagerly look forward to your next post.
Sass
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Nov 18, 2006 2:31 AM
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Oh, what a pleasure to read your blog. You are a marvelous actress in a great, great show, and just from the blog I can see how well you write. Sorry about your mother. I lost mine almost 10 years ago. Close to impossible to get over missing her: great works of art -- good books and excellent TV shows -- help a lot. I wish I had a garden. Happy Thanksgiving. -- Arlene
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Nov 18, 2006 10:12 AM
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I just wanted to stop by and give you - thanks!
I really enjoyed your blog.
RevVee
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Nov 18, 2006 2:21 PM
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I was going to say what Sassafras said, but not nearly as well. You're in my heart.
Jon
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Nov 21, 2006 10:19 AM
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Molly is one of the reasons I keep coming back to The Unit. The characters are brilliant and the acting is supurb.
Thank you so much for your insite into one of my favorite shows!!
MP
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Nov 21, 2006 4:09 PM
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Loved you in 227.
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Nov 21, 2006 4:14 PM
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Thank you so much for sharing your life with us!
The Unit quickly became my husband and I's favorite show last year and you never disappoint! You are an amazing actress, I look forward to your scenes every week. And then there's Dennis Haysbert, who has got to be one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood. I was destroyed when he was killed on 24, but so elated to know I would still get to see him on the new show. The chemistry between the 2 of you is what got my attention and keeps me coming back for more.
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Nov 21, 2006 5:03 PM
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This Thanksgiving was the first without my Mother, it was as hard as we thought it would be. Reading your note, how you went home to be with her, I also moved back home earlier this year when we realized we probably only had so many holidays left with her. I'm so thankful for the past 8 mths I had with her. It's only been a couple of mths since she passed, it doesn't seem like she's gone.
I love your show The Unit. I had bought the book when it first came out and loved it, was thrilled to see they had made it into a TV Show, between you Regina, and Dennis Haysbert, you bring the show so much, the whole cast is wonderful. Each show is as good or better than the previous. It's the combination of how the women, following your lead, stand by their men, trust them, and believe in them and what they do, that makes the show much more than just about Delta. Keep up the wonderful work!
Linda, Northern Ontario, Canada,
yes, lol, you have lots of fans up here!!
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Nov 21, 2006 5:09 PM
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Regina,
It's a simple sentence but it packs a whallop. "Last Thanksgiving was the first one without my mother". It's the 3rd without mine but the pain is still fresh. So when I read that sentence it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your mother's garden with us. I am sure it is still lovely to this day.
I have a favorite motto....Work is Love made Visible. So I tend to put a lot of work into everything I do. I hope some of it rubs off on my daughter. And that she'll enjoy sitting in my garden when the time comes.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Nov 21, 2006 7:33 PM
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And I forgot to say that I am a new fan to the show. It's one of my favorites now.
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Nov 21, 2006 7:34 PM
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I'm sorry for your loss, Regina. This is my first Thanksgiving without my dad, who died on Christmas Eve last year. He was retired Army Special Forces. I watch "The Unit" because it reminds me of home. I'm three hours away from my mom and the town I grew up in, where the unit really exists. It's like I get a little piece of home each week when I watch.
There was no way I wasn't going to begin watching "The Unit," just because of that. But I was so happy to see Scott Foley, who I've watched since "Dawson's Creek" and "Felicity," in the role of the young Unit member. And I was even happier to realize that I really love this show.
I'm so excited to see you have a blog now. You are a fantastic writer, the show is incredible, and I can't wait to watch each week. The bonus prize is now that I'll get to read about it with your blog. The cast is incredible, and the story lines are fascinating, even more so when you know that a lot if it is true.
Looking forward to next week (that tease for next week looks like it's going to be a GREAT show) and your next blog. Thanks for sharing a bit of your life with us. Try to have a good Thanksgiving.
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Nov 22, 2006 2:28 AM
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Regina,
I love "The Unit" and I love you in it. Unfortunately, due to work, I'm seldom able to see it.
But, I got to see Tuesday night's episode, and it was great! I had to inform my parents that Jonas would never, ever, ever cheat on Molly, and my faith wasn't shaken.
So, keep up the good work! I really like your show!
Kat
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Nov 23, 2006 9:47 PM
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