A sci-fi political comedy-thriller, BrainDead’s description itself has us wondering how it’s even possible to bring so many genres together and still make it work. But it surprisingly does! Based around sibling duo Luke and Laurel who are political powerhouses, trying to save the world from brain-eating alien bugs — the show is set to be quite a ride. Danny Pino, who plays Luke, talks to us about the show and more.

Tell us a bit about Luke and the relationship he shares with his sister.

Luke Healy is the Democratic Whip of the United States Senate. As Democratic Whip, he is, among other things, charged with convincing, even threatening, party members to vote along party lines. As such, he is a confident, fast-talking, powerful man of appetites. While Luke may seem ‘political’ in the worst sense of the word, his better nature is revealed at surprising times. Luke and his little sister Laurel are close. They annoy each other and shine blinding lights on each other’s shortcomings. But, they are also each other’s champion, confidante and protector.

There aren’t a lot of shows that bring together sci-fi, politics and comedy together. Was it intimidating Although the pilot was very well written, I didn’t know what Robert and Michelle King intended with the storylines, the characters and, most importantly, the bugs. But, within the first five minutes of my initial conversation with Robert, I was intrigued and excited by the trajectory and the elusive, atypical and satirical tone.

How was the experience of filming with the cast The cast of BrainDead is anything but. A creative, unique, intelligent and funny show requires a creative, unique, intelligent and funny cast. There are days when we are in tears due to the stakes in a dramatic scene in the morning and laughing so hard we cry in an absurdly satirical scene in the afternoon. I am very proud to be a part of this uniquely inventive cast.

What can audiences expect from the show I hope audiences will find BrainDead to be a much needed palate cleanser to our present political climate. Space bugs seem as good a reason as any for the current state of our domestic and global politics...perhaps even more believable.

If alien bugs were to take over people’s brains today, what would you do First, I’d invest in tape and solo cups (watch the show to understand). Then, I’d go find Laurel, Gustav and Rochelle.

(BrainDead airs every Saturday on AXN at 10pm)