Here's the rest of what Sam Callis had to say when I chatted to him about Sgt Stone's current trials and tribulations in The Bill.
From today's Edinburgh Evening News.
THE BILL’S Sgt Callum Stone hasn’t had to look too far for his troubles over the past few months.
First he came to blows with Smithy, only to discover a short time later that his colleague had been promoted to inspector and become his boss.
Then some forthright, off the record, advice led to a suicidal father to abscond with his baby son with tragic results.
Finally, after taking a kicking in last week’s episode while trying to help a female who was being assaulted, he snapped and doled out his own punishment, hospitalising his attacker.
But don’t think for one minute that things can only get better for burly copper. In tonight’s episode, Red Tape, Stone’s problems come to a head when, during a street brawl he is accused of punching an innocent man, causing him to suffer a seizure. An incident that, it seems, has been filmed on a mobile phone.
“Yes, he’s in the mix again,” laughs 36-year-old Sam Callis, who has played the role since, ironically, joining the Sun Hill relief in an episode called Good Cop, Bad Cop, back in 2007.
He continues, “I really enjoy playing Stone because, as an audience member you’re never quite sure what way he is going to go. He has a strong sense of justice. It’s very clear to him exactly what is right and what is wrong, which is dangerous in some ways – he’s very good at doling out his own justice – but also refreshing.”
Despite his aggressively alpha male nature, Stone also has “a warmth about him” insists the actor, reflecting that the complex contradictions make him all the more believable.
“I like to think that he is quite real. I think that most people would want some sort of revenge if they were attacked. Whether they would go as far as he does, well that’s a different matter.”
As tonight’s investigation into Stone’s behaviour gets underway, the outcome begins to look far from clear cut when Commander Lisa Kennedy, played by Scottish actress Julie Graham, is drafted from HQ to ensure that everything is done by the book. As a result, Stone once again finds himself at odds with newly promoted Sgt Jo Masters, played by Sally Rogers.
“They are good foils for each other because both are strong characters. Each has a very clear world view, and they are not necessarily the same,” says Callis, adding, “Or maybe they are the same, just from different perspectives.
“I really enjoyed the scenes with Sally. Stone and Masters have some really tight dialogue that gives an insight into how the characters think. They don’t necessarily like each other, but they understand each other. They’re never going to be friends, but there’s respect on both sides. Actually I don’t think Stone is ever going to be friends with anyone.”
As the episode reaches it climax, Stone could do with some friends as he faces disciplinary action and possible suspension from duty.
“Stone feels aggrieved at the way the system has treated him, but he’s quite long in the tooth and understands the way things work,” says the actor, revealing, “Ultimately, however, in episodes down the line, he will be made to look at himself and decide what he actually wants. He’s made to consider whether he wants to remain a copper... or get out of it all together.”
And Callis believes that the hard-hitting nature of his current storyline highlights the change in the series since its new look was introduced late last year.
“The show is a very interesting process to be part of now, not that it wasn’t before,” he explains. “The reality is now greater than it was – grittier, darker and edgier than before. I think the pacing of the show works better now, as does the way they shoot it in HD. The stories have a slightly bleaker quality to them but with moments of real warmth and comedy. For my mind, it’s punching its weight.”
And there’s more of the same to come. “It gets darker and more twisted as the year goes on,” he promises.
The Bill: Red Tape, ITV3 11pm
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