Do you ever think about your kids one day discovering the show?
My older son is at an age where kids a year or two older than him are watching, and he’s definitely seeing fans, when we’re out, expressing interest in the show. It’s been weird for him because he doesn’t know anything about it, really. I did show him a couple age-appropriate scenes. But I don’t know if he was ready yet.
In other words, he’s not watching the bachelor and bachelorette party episode.
No, we are not ready for that.
It’s unclear what will result from Laurel and John 2.0. Do you think she sees parallels between her own situation with her ex and Belly’s romantic issues?
I think that’s why Laurel was so concerned about Belly taking such a huge step at a young age. We saw in one of the other episodes Laurel talking about losing herself in her relationship with John and becoming a parent. What we’re waiting to see from Laurel and John is whether it was a relationship that’s right but just happened at the wrong time, or if this is indeed not the right relationship even though they’re trying it at a later time. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Where do you generally stand on resurrecting a past relationship?
I do think that timing is important, that sometimes it can be the right person but the wrong time. But I’m also someone that’s when it’s done, it’s done. So I can’t imagine going back to any of my past relationships, but it does happen.
Something I always find amusing about the show is thinking about how these families will functionally move forward when all is said and done. What do you think Christmas in the Conklin-Fisher universe looks like a decade from now?
I think time heals all wounds, and hopefully, hopefully, that will be true for them. I do think Laurel will always try to keep everyone together and in each other’s orbit.
A lot of group therapy in their future, I think.
For sure.
There’s been talk of a potential Laurel spin-off or prequel series. If you got to revisit the character, is there a part of her life we haven’t seen on the show yet that you’d be most interested in exploring?
I’m assuming Laurel has other friends besides Susannah, so it’d be nice to see her in other dynamics. People have asked me about a past romance between Laurel and Susannah. I never considered that. I just thought it was a very deep friendship. But then I realized what we’re seeing of their relationship is this incredibly emotional time when Susannah was sick. Laurel at her bedside constantly. So there’s probably a bit more of their connection that we were seeing in those seasons. But I imagine day-to-day, she has other friends and work colleagues. So it’d be interesting to see her move about her life.
Do you have any special plans for watching the final episodes? In New York, they’re having watch parties at bars.
I know! A friend of mine sent me a video. I’ve been thinking it would be really fun to drop into one of those, but I’m also a little scared.
Security may be required.
I’m trying to convince my friends to go or maybe FaceTime me so I can experience it. But it’s incredible that people are getting together to watch these episodes.
How has playing Laurel influenced what you want to do next as an actor?
I’ve had such a wonderful time playing Laurel. I feel like she’s a really solid person, messy at times, but very loyal and honest. The desire of actors after you’ve done a certain kind of role is to do something that’s the opposite. My husband, [Louis Ozawa], is an actor as well. He’s always doing action and shooting guns, and no one ever wants to give me one [of those projects]. It’d be fun to be a villain—do some action or broad comedy. It’s a natural inclination to want to try new things.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
