The Cast Of "Ruthless" Has To Detox From Dark Storyline After Filming

Source: Tyler Perry Studios / BET

MN: Will there be anymore Dikahn backstory this season? He’s kind of a layered character. You can tell that there’s more there.

Lenny: You’ll get some. I can’t say how much, but you’ll start to learn how and why Dikahn thinks the way that he does. But season two will give a fuller spectrum of what that looks like.

Source: Tyler Perry Studios / BET

MN: Are you ever personally affected by the roles that you play and how do you ground yourselves when filming is over?

Yvonne: This one was one of the ones that affected me just because of the research that I had to do into cults and the truth behind cult. So for me, I would say that my detox was definitely spending time with my family, with my husband, and just reminding myself that this is the world that I live in afterward. Thankfully, because we shoot so quickly, you get to just stay in that world for a very short amount of time and live in it, and then you’re done.

Source: Tyler Perry Studios / BET

MN: There are some pretty dark elements to this show. I’ve actually gone to bed and had a nightmare or two about it. Are there any aspects of the storyline that affect you outside of filming?

Melissa: For me, definitely, because it is so dark, I have to go into a realm of positivity. I listen to a lot of different pastors like Darius Daniels, TD Jakes, and just grounding myself back spiritually because the subject matter can affect you. As actors, we’re empathizing with the characters so it can definitely take you to a low moment. But for me, I pull myself out that way. Also just getting involved back into my daily life by working out, hanging out with friends, calling my family. Just getting back to Melissa and separating myself from Ruth. That’s how I do it.

MN: Matt, I’m also a “Power” fan and I had no idea that you played Cristobal until I started doing research. I’m like, “Wow, how did I not know this is the same person?” You’re very talented. How do you prepare for these dramatically different roles?

Matt: Thank you so much. I felt blessed with both roles. Cristobal was a character, unlike anything I’d ever done in the past. Both creators, Courtney [Kemp Agboh] and Tyler, have their own unique visions that are not influenced by what I’ve previously done.

Matt: For this character, all aspects were different for The Highest. It was definitely much more of a challenge for me. The aspects of his psychology are areas that I haven’t really tapped into before. I’m really grateful for Tyler having the unique sort of vision and the trust that he has in the selection of his cast members. He instilled that within me. When I first read it [the script] I didn’t think that I could do it, but he sort of has this unwavering attitude of, “It’s gonna get done because I touched it and I know.” He just knows. He sort of elevates everyone around him and it’s a beautiful thing to be a part of. I’m truly grateful for it.

MN: Both Ruth and The Highest are pretty complex characters. Are you aware of all the twists and turns in your character dynamics ahead of time or do you learn as you go?

Matt: Well, I think because of Tyler Perry’s shooting style, which I’m not sure if you’ve heard about it in the past, but it’s extremely fast and takes place in a very short amount of time. So we have the luxury of seeing the entire season in advance of the shooting schedule. That and conversations with Tyler have sort of allowed us to have some insight into the dynamics and complexities of our character’s psyche, but it has evolved from the start of season one to season one part two. And by season two, it evolves considerably in terms of the aspects of their psychology. At least for my character, there were aspects that were lying dormant that we didn’t get to explore in season one that has really sort of come to light in the second half in season two that is going to blow your mind.

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MN: Collin, you’re a new face. Can you tell me a little about your character?

Collin: River is a smart guy. He’s charismatic. He’s a law school graduate that comes in and helps to recruit other members of the cult. He is going to come and shake some things up. He’s rumored to have a certain relationship with The Highest that people are a little skeptical of. You really just never know what River’s got going on, what his plots are, and what his motivations are. I’m really excited for the audience to see that.

MN: The first half of season one was heavy. What clues can you give us about what to expect in the second half?

Yvonne: It’s a rollercoaster. There are a bunch of twists and turns and a deeper dive into the cult.

Lenny: And also, into its origins. How did we even get to where we are. Who placed us into this space? You’ll start to explore that part of the story.

Melissa: I would say that you’ll be introduced to some new faces in the cult. You’ll also get to see if Tally and Ruth remain Tally and Ruth. That relationship is going to really flesh out in that second part of season one. You’re also going to just understand ur characters a little bit better. Tyler has spent more time in the compound and he’s going to show you what everybody is about.