And the rest was history.
Gero’s old friend Ennis Esmer wasn’t just perfect for the role, it was written for him.
Rich is a “coked-out” and meaner version of Esmer, according to theBlindspotcreator.
Credit: Barbara Nitke/NBC/Warner Brothers
Having worked together for over two decades, coming up in the Toronto comedy scene toL.A.
Rich was proof thatBlindspotcould expand the types of stories it was telling, and the characters within it.
“Those episodes fundamentally pivoted the show to a fun, more popcorn realm.
Virginia Sherwood/NBC
“We realized the show could do funny without losing the stakes.”
As Rich’s character was fleshed out, so was his sexuality.
A murderous, mischievous bisexual character is a trope, oneBlindspotworked to avoid in his future appearances.
NBC/Warner Brothers
Richs sexuality came from the characters desire to experience everything the world has to offer.
“It’s just how he is.”
A prime example is his relationship with Boston (Josh Dean).
Virginia Sherwood/NBC
Balancing Rich’s personality with his loving relationship was important.
“We didn’t want to soften the edges of their relationship as we explored it.
Rich loves Boston, but he is clearly a guy who wants to f everything,” he says.
David Geisbrecht/NBC
Part of Richs impact involvesBlindspotgoing from dark thriller to an hour of popcorn action.
“We wanted to get towards more of a fun show.
The belovedBlindspotpairing of Rich and Patterson was a huge part of that journey.
David Giesbrecht/NBC/Warner Bros
Rich and Patterson could split the lengthy exposition where they have to explain a lot of complicated information.
A new secret partnership that turned into a beloved friendship providing consistent fun-filled energy.
“Scenes with [Ennis] felt like playtime in a way,” Johnson shares.
Barbara Nitke/NBC/Warner Bros
Working cases and building relationships with the team changed Rich.
“Rich has had the biggest emotional journey because he had the furthest to go,” Gero shares.
Over five years he kind of becomes the heart of the show.
Barbara Nitke/NBC/Warner Brothers
Its been the most fun to do that very slowly and very organically.
“This is the character that I think is the reason we went five seasons,” Gero shares.
“For me, this is the character that definesBlindspotin a lot of ways,” he adds.
New episodes ofBlindspot, in its final season, air Thursdays at 9 p.m.
