Joining the Fall In the series, Sarita Choudhury had several questions about her character Lee Moldaver, as did fans afterwards. However, she has admiration for her character and has dug deeper to understand his morality in the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
“It’s funny because you usually come to a conclusion in your head to play someone,” Choudhury told Jugo Mobile in a Zoom call after the release of season 1. “But this was the first time I played a character where I thought, although [she’s] well because she’s working on behalf of the Wasteland… She’s not a Vault dweller and she doesn’t expect a Vault dweller to understand her. Why should they?
He continued: “But as we saw with Lucy’s character, you also end up doing strange things to survive. Depending on how much of that builds up and enters your soul, that’s where the good and the bad land. I think Moldaver’s soul is intact, but there is a need that drives her to be able to kill someone as long as she makes sure 10 people survive.”
Choudhury spoke to Jugo Mobile about playing strong female characters with co-star Ella Purnell, the reception to season 1, whether she would return for season 2, and more.
DECIDER: It has been about a week since Fall was released. How do you feel about the reception so far?
SARITA CHOUDHURY: What’s so interesting is that when a show comes out and you’re walking down the street, there will be new fans who are different than the fans of other shows you’ve done. There is a different fan base. Men who would never approach me for something like And so They approach me without many words, like, “Hey, I saw you,” and then they walk away. It’s so fun. Also, a lot of my friends who I didn’t think this was their genre are binge-watching and calling me and saying, “Wait, I don’t even know if I would like a show like this and I love it.” he.”
You and Ella Purnell play strong, independent women, despite your differences. What was your experience filming those final scenes together? The entire season developed until the meeting of your characters.
It’s interesting because we both acted separately and then we came together in that scene. When she showed up, in the same way that Moldaver is curious about Lucy, I was curious about her too. They played well together. I was sitting there looking at her and saying, “Let me see what you’re like,” even as Sarita. Out of camera, [Ella’s] such… you know, his British accent and his modesty. She doesn’t give a shit. That was something I loved about her. When I met her and we were filming, it was even more fun because I feel like [the characters] You don’t have to play his power. They earned it through their small ways. Moldaver was a scientist who worked her ass off. You know what I mean? She knows what she’s talking about. Then the world collapses and she has to put on armor and weapons.
As you delve deeper into the dynamics of that final scene, your character reveals a lot of major bombshells. HE my reaction to seeing the last 30 minutes on the screen, and I’m sure everyone felt the same. What was your reaction when reading the script?
There was a lot of relief. She knew a lot about that anyway. But when I received that script, I was very happy. It was very complicated and the reasons and everything were explained. If you watch just episode 1, you’ll be like, “Who the fuck is this woman?” Sorry for cursing…
Curse all you want.
Then all this comes out and you realize, “Wow, everyone in this world is fighting for what they really believe in.” It’s very complicated because, like when COVID happened, we didn’t know the rules. You are half inventing and half listening to the doctors, but they are learning too. I felt like that was what we had to overcome to become who we were as these characters.
There’s so much gray space between being good or bad and I feel like your character is a little ambiguous. She is presented as a major antagonist. What’s your read on her and where do you think she exists on the Venn diagram of good and evil?
It’s funny because you usually come to the conclusion of playing someone. But this was the first time I played a character that I thought about, although [she’s] well because she’s working on behalf of the Wasteland… She’s not a Vault dweller and doesn’t expect the Vault dwellers to understand her. Why should they? But as we saw with Lucy’s character, you also end up doing strange things to survive. Depending on how much of that builds up and enters your soul, that’s where the good and the bad land. I think Moldaver’s soul is intact, but there is a need that drives her to be able to kill someone as long as she makes sure 10 people survive. I think she weighs things. Logically, she is not neurotic. That’s what I held on to: she’s not neurotic.
As you describe this, I imagine that psychological issue with the railroad. For example, if you were the driver, would you save one person or several?
Yeah. I don’t think he’ll think about it later because he has 10 other people to save. So I think she’s very driven by necessity and morality.
I have to represent some of the fans. There’s been a lot of speculation about whether or not your character really died in season 1. I’m sure you can’t give away any crazy spoilers and you might not even know where season 2 is going, but would you come back for another season? If the opportunity presented itself?
After watching the season, I would do it. Yes Yes Yes. For an apocalyptic show, she still had feelings of joy. The madness of that music and the balletic feeling. You know that scene on the bridge where they walk by and say, “Are you armed? / Are you armed? / No. / No.” And then they raise their hands and the music plays. There were times when I was watching the show and I thought I was doing a backband. So yes it is the answer.
There’s a big fan theory that your character and Rose were lovers, given how much Moldaver cares for her and defends her on her behalf. What do you think about that? Do you have your own backstory made up in your head?
I have a backstory and I can’t say much. But I can say that I love it. [fans] They’re realizing all this and adding, or whatever, to it. ThereisSo much closeness and who knows… if there is a season 2, you will find out.
Did you have any questions for the writers as you were getting into character? I know there are some lingering questions for viewers about your character’s backstory and how he survived the war and the 200 years that have passed.
All the fans’ questions were my questions. The good thing about these writers is that they are very quirky and intelligent. When I would ask them [questions], it was like when a priest responds to you and says: “My daughter, I understand you,” but he cannot give you everything either. That’s how I felt with them. They always gave me enough to act and not be left in the dark, but they couldn’t tell me everything. It was difficult.
Finally, what overall message do you want fans to take away from this series?
With the situation the world is in right now and with all the shows we have that are so good at showing that, but often in a darker way, I feel like there’s something about the show that makes you feel like: “Okay, I can do something.” and maybe have a light sense of humor and an open heart.” You can be rebellious and be a good person. And swear! You can do everything.
Fall is streaming on Prime Video.
