Sam Nivolajust went down inThe White Lotushistory for playing the first murder victim who lived to tell the story.
In a family of narcissists … Nivola shared the extended version of another finale scene that was trimmed and addressed Lochlans heart-to-heart with Saxon.
DEADLINE:When did you find out that Lochlan would have a near-death experience in the finale?
Sam NivolaHBO
NIVOLA: When I read the script right at the beginning.
Its great storytelling from Mike, as always.
DEADLINE:Was this your first death scene?
(L-R) Sam Nivola and Jason IsaacsHBO
NIVOLA: Yes, it was.
NIVOLA: I didnt actually play him differently.
Its not like Lochlan is living in some sort of very dangerous situation.
DEADLINE:To be clear, was it the vomiting that allowed Lochlan to survive the poisoning?
NIVOLA: I think so, yeah, I think he got it all out.
Hes got a couple of fruits, but then I only got the residue of it in the blender.
DEADLINE:How was it filming the scene where Jason Isaacs is holding Lochlans lifeless body?
Was it emotional for you?
NIVOLA: It was because I love him so much, and it was sad seeing him sad.
DEADLINE:What about the underwater death scene?
NIVOLA: We filmed that fully underwater.
It was really scary, It was kind of amazing.
I couldnt see, obviously, because I didnt have goggles on.
Of course, it was all safe.
DEADLINE:Mike White is known for filming longer episodes before trimming them down.
Was there another scene that didnt make the final cut?
and I say, Yes, I think I could.
The rest of that scene got cut out.
He says, What are you reading?
And then Timothy says, What if money doesnt matter or something?
That was a funny little bit.
DEADLINE:We have to discuss Lochlans conversation with Saxon in the finale.
He seems to be trying to put all that incest talk to rest.
NIVOLA: Yeah, I think thats exactly it.
Hes a people pleaser.
DEADLINE:Did we find out anything more about Lochlans sexuality or was that still left open?
NIVOLA: I dont think hes sexually attracted to his brother.
DEADLINE:Lochlan and Saxon swapped swim trunks coming off the yacht.
Was it something you did for fun and everybody got obsessed over it, or was it an accident?
NIVOLA: No, It was Mikes idea.
He thought it would be really funny.
We were about to start shooting the first scene that took place the next day.
He was like, wait, you’re free to swap, it would be really funny.
And we did it.
Im happy people are noticing it.
DEADLINE:What lies ahead for the Ratliffs?
What do you see happening?
Will Lochlan go to UNC over Duke now because its a public university and significantly cheaper in-state.
Is college even an option?
NIVOLA: I dont know.
So I think hell be all right.
I dont even know if hell go to college, I dont even know if thats the right thing.
I dont know what he needs, and he definitely doesnt know what he needs.
What was that about?
NIVOLA:Thats just about wanting to connect with his sister.
Its very similar to the other thing, actually.
And so hes like, Ill do the thing youre doing.
Like, why, I thought that would be a fun thing for us to do together.
DEADLINE:When he woke up, Lochlan told his dad I saw God.
Will this change him you think?
NIVOLA: No, I dont think it will.
I think he wants to have a spiritual experience.
And hes been watching Piper go through that spiritual journey as well.
I think hes just grasping at straws.
I dont think he really does change very much.
DEADLINE:Youd mentioned in an interview that Lochlan came to Thailand completely lost and is leaving completely lost.
So hes taking nothing away from this experience?
NIVOLA: No, I dont think so.
I think he definitely knows that now.
Thats just not really how life works.
And thats not to say that he wont ever change.
Im 21, I still dont know who I am.
I think he will figure it out.
DEADLINE:You have spoken about your off-screen bond with Patrick Schwarzenegger.
Could it be your similar upbringing that brought you closer together?
You both have been in the spotlight since you were little with famous parents?
NIVOLA: Its very different.
He grew up with security, and his dad was the governor of the state of California.
It was definitely different in a lot of ways but also similar.
And I think we did bond on that but also on so many other things.
NIVOLA: Yeah, a lot of firsts.
First time to Thailand.
Im sad its coming to an end, and I love all those people I worked with.
Ive loved to have them all as friends, and Im so grateful that everyone is liking the show.
