I spoke with one of the stars of the new TNT drama MURDER IN THE FIRST, Raphael Sbarge. He talks about his new show and about his character Monk. He also touched on his role on the ABC hit, ONCE UPON A TIME and the future of his character. MURDER IN THE FIRST premieres this Monday at 10pm on TNT.
What can you tell us about MURDER IN THE FIRST?
Raphael Sbarge: I am very excited about Murder in the First! It’s wonderful TNT “Who-Done-It-Show,” from Executive Producer Steven Bochco, following one single case over the whole season, with an astonishing cast (Kathleen Robertson, Taye Diggs, Tom Felton, James Cromwell, Richard Schiff, Steven Webber, etc.) I am very excited for people to discover it.
I play a Detective (Inspector Molk), who is divorced, and a single dad. He is sometimes the comic relief, but is very heart felt about what he believes in. Particularly, about being a good cop.
There were moments where it was a little challenging with the traveling the (requisite) early call times for shooting. But, I am incredibly grateful for these opportunities. I have been an actor for over four decades, and never had the pleasure of working on two shows at once. It’s a wonderful time!
Well, I have no idea what remains in the mind of our “creators,” (and I like to say that the plots of Once Upon a Time and the nuclear launch codes are kept in the same undisclosed location….) I would like to be able to give you a definitive answer, but at this time, I don’t know yet. That being said, if history is our guide, and based on a lot of fan passion for those of us from Story Brooke, I would say there is a pretty good chance we will be seeing him (and the others) some time in season 4.
Not so much challenging as exciting. What actor doesn’t want to play two different characters…? It’s been a joy to be a part of this show and the back-story as well as his journey, has been an interesting one to explore.
Seems the fans keep asking for a love interest for Archie. They also ask for the back-story on Pongo (would be interesting to know where he came from, too, right?). And, perhaps some much needed therapy…. for just about everyone! Ha! It was wonderful to officiate the wedding between Belle and Rumple in the finale. Perhaps there will other opportunities to do some similar things. Seems that Dr. Hopper is the one person everyone trusts. 
For more information on MURDER IN THE FIRST you can check out http://www.tntdrama.com/series/murder-in-the-first/ and you can follow Raphael on twitter at @RaphaelSbarge
Victoria Nelli loves TV so much that she is paying $30,000 a year to learn about it in College. When she’s not learning about TV she enjoys writing about her favorite shows, interviewing anyone in the industry that will let her, and ranting about how underrated Parks and Recreation is. She is very much aware of her Netflix addiction, and no she will not be seeking help anytime soon. You can follow her on Twitter @VictoriaNelli