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TV of Tomorrow: Fall TV Preview 2010

'Life Unexpected': Kerr Smith, Kristoffer Polaha, and Austin Basis talk Season 2

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May 22, 2010 6:43 PM ET

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kerr-smith-vid.jpgWhen "Life Unexpected" creator Liz Tigelaar spoke to Zap2it in April, she told us that Kerr Smith helped her develop his character, Ryan, into a more dynamic role than she'd originally intended. We chatted with Smith at The CW's Upfront Presentation in New York to see if Ryan lived up to his expectations.

"The show, initially, was more about the three of them," Kerr says, referring to Cate (Shiri Appleby), Lux (Brittany Robertson), and Baze (Kristoffer Polaha). "This time last year, I was like, 'Look, I really want to be a part of this show, what can we do?'"

The "Life Unexpected" cast and crew are in celebration mode. Despite being one of the shows Zap2it readers most wanted to see return, "LUX's" spot on the CW's 2010-2011 lineup was uncertain until this week, when the announcement was finally made that they'd see a Season 2.  "It was Tuesday morning, and I actually had my phone off, because I just didn't want to deal with the whole morning," Smith tells us. "And I turned it on around noon, and lo and behold, there were like 20 messages, so it had to be good."

Ryan has always been the stable, trustworthy man in Cate's life, whereas Baze has been unpredictable. Looking ahead to Season 2, Smith wants to see Ryan cause a little trouble of his own. "I don't like to play characters that are so clean cut," he says. "I like to get into the dirt, because everybody's got dirt on them. So I'd like to get into Ryan's backstory a little bit."

We also spoke with Smith's co-stars, Kristoffer Polaha and Austin Basis, about their hopes for the future of "Life Unexpected."

"My hope for [Austin's] character is that he finally gets off the Cate wagon and finds himself a healthy girlfriend," Polaha says.

"And my hope for [Kris's] character is that he focuses on his business and maybe uses that as a distraction, but as a successful distraction, after the obvious letdown of the season finale," Basis adds. "And doesn't drink too much! I have a feeling that he might be drinking."

As for Lux, Smith looks forward to further developing the relationship between her and Ryan. "I really wanted to try and establish kind of a father figure relationship with Lux and Ryan," he says. "The scenes that we've really had together have been great. Brittany and I love doing them. They're always very heartfelt, giving each other advice. Sometimes she gives me life advice, which I think is awesome."

"I think she'll flourish," Polaha says. "I think she's going to have a feeling of 'Did my parents adopt a lemon?' and she's going to really want to show that she's smart and good and all that stuff, which will sort of lead to chaos and comedy and great times."

Basis, who plays Lux's friend and teacher Math, says, "There's something to her really experiencing her childhood for the first time, and kind of re-entering it and being awkward and letting that happen, and living out moment that she's never experienced because she's been so guarded."

As for the big love triangle, Ryan has his girl for now, but how long will that last? "You tell me!" Kerr laughs. "I'm not sure. I don't know. She's crazy."




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 |  Comments (14)

I'm such a big fan of Ryan, and I agree with Kerr we do need more back story on Ryan! This show is my new addiction, and I couldn't be happier that it is getting a second season! Also more Ryan & Lux scenes, because these two just have great chemistry and play off each other very well.

Brandy | May 22, 2010 7:56 PM

Oh, come on! This show SHOULD be about Cate, Baze and Lux. Ryan doesn't work! Thanks for nothing, Kerr Smith.

Halo | May 22, 2010 8:22 PM

I'm a big Kerr fan, but I still haven't warmed up to Ryan at all. Maybe if we do see more backstory, I'll finally start liking him a bit. The family dynamic between Cate, Lux, and Baze is my reason for watching though.

Liz | May 22, 2010 8:25 PM

YAY! I love life unexpected!! :)

april | May 22, 2010 9:45 PM

Ryan is awesome, and he's one of my favorite characters. When all the other characters are acting like they have lost their minds Ryan is the sane one, and the one you can turn to. He puts others above himself, and I especially love the Ryan & Lux scenes.I do want more Ryan story in season two. lol

Sarah | May 22, 2010 11:07 PM

It is a great show, and Ryan's odd man out with great integrity and honesty is a very attractive character. In season 2, something tells me that Cate will find a third man to get Ryan and Baze into an enemy of my enemy is my friend story line. I hope Lux and Bug have lots of growing up scenes between them. It is probably the most realistic show about contemporary relationships on TV right now.

Tom in Dallas | May 23, 2010 12:01 AM

Love this show. I think the Ryan aspect takes this show to another level and makes it more realistic. I mean, if Lux showed up and Cate and Baze fell in love ect. it would be too cookie-cutter and predictable. The fact that Cate loves Ryan and can't just jump into this whole other family is what makes this show so interesting and dynamic. Ryan is a major and awesome part of this show! PS love Kerr Smith.

Mandy | May 23, 2010 4:43 AM

For me, this show has always been about the family dynamic between Cate, Baze and Lux - and Cate and Baze as a couple. As wonderful, amazing and supportive as Ryan has been, he has always felt like an outsider to me - and, I hate to say it, an obstacle. Yes...he is sensible and caring,and he obviously loves Cate and Lux. You can't help but like and respect the guy. He's great - and I do like his relationship with Lux (I would like to see it continue even if he and Cate are not together, if plausible). But I can't help but feel like Ryan's the one messing everything up right now. Does that make me a bad person? Does that make me nieve? Yes, the traditional family coming together might appear more "predictable," but is every bit as realistic as any other scenario in the world of this show. I guess I just really want Baze to have his second chance to be there for both Cate and Lux. It's obvious to me that Cate and Baze care about each other, need each other, and are drawn to each other. I do love Kerr, though. I agree with him that we need more backstory on Ryan. He needs to cause a little trouble and be less boring. Also agree with Kris and Austin's comments on their characters. Can't wait for Season 2!

Keri | May 24, 2010 10:15 AM

I am looking forward to the second season of Life Unexpected. I would like to see more of Ryan (Kerr Smith). Kerr is my favorite actor, and he is wonderful!

The relationship between Cate, Baze and Ryan brings back memories of season 2 of Dawson's Creek.

Anne | May 24, 2010 6:00 PM

Does anybody know when the premiere of season 2 of life unexpected begins?

H | May 27, 2010 2:33 PM
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