Watch a clip from their characters first interaction above.
After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughters life.
Moores children Hazel and Max Reed are played by Aynne and Benjamin Mackey, respectively.
L-R Annaleigh Ashford as Melissa Reed, Benjamin Mackey as Max Reed, and Khiyla Aynne as Hazel ReedEd Araquel/Paramount+
DEADLINE: This series tackles heavy subjects.
What was it like being on set of a series based on real-life events involving a serial killer?
During breaks, we sometimes played Uno and joked around a bit.
Our crew was really amazing, and the cast was wonderful to work with.
DEADLINE:Episode 5 is a pivotal moment for your character, Hazel.
The two of you connect behind her back, as we can see in the video clip.
What can you share about the significance of their chat?
KA:Yeah, episode 5 is pivotal for Hazel, and she has some pretty big moments.
She is seen first talking with her grandfather, which I think viewers will be shocked about.
Some probably will be screaming at my character, saying, Stop!
Why are you doing that?
Hang up the phone.
She feels the opposite when her mother tells her what to think and what to do.
There have to be repercussions for Hazel, no?
That sparks something inside her as shes on this journey of self-discovery.
This gives her something even deeper to dive into: her familys past and everything.
DEADLINE: What was your process for getting into character?
Thats not a normal thing, so its very different.
Our director, Ramaa Mosley, was very helpful with that.
I didnt meet him for the first time until our show premiered at SXSW in Austin, Texas.
DEADLINE: You never saw each other on set?
We saw each other in passing one time during lunch, but we didnt meet one another until SXSW.
Ramaa chose that because she wanted our characters first time talking to be as real as possible.
DEADLINE: Did you feel any pressure about playing a real-life person?
KA:Playing a real person comes with added pressure.
You want to make them proud.
DEADLINE: Did you get to meet Melissa or Hazel?
KA:I didnt meet Melissa or her daughter until after we finished shooting.
When I met them, they were so welcoming, so lovely.
I gave her entire family hugs.
It was nice to see them face to face.
We had spoken on social media, privately, before we met.
Her daughter complimented the series and how I portrayed this version of her.
That meant a lot to me.
We hung out a lot in Austin.
DEADLINE: Before we go, can you tease whats ahead for Hazel?
Shes making big mistakes and involving other people.
This cant end too well.
However, shes making mistakes and letting these friends into her life.
Youll have to wait and see what else happens for the rest of this season.
