‘On Call’ Is the “Polar Opposite” of Troian Bellisario’s Last Hit Show

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For Troian Bellisario, stepping into the role of a medical professional in Prime Video’s intense new series titled “On Call,” presents a stark contrast to her previous experience on the popular show, “Pretty Little Liars.” In the latter, Bellisario portrayed Spencer Hastings, a character known for her people-pleasing nature and competitive spirit, who delivered some of the most memorable lines on Freeform’s hit series that spanned seven seasons from 2010 to 2017. The world depicted in “On Call,” produced by Dick Wolf, represents a completely new landscape, yet Bellisario acknowledges that her time on “Pretty Little Liars” played a crucial role in sharpening her acting skills.

Bellisario shared with MovieWeb that the experience of working on “On Call” was vastly different from her work on “PLL”. She said it was a refreshing change to step into a world that couldn’t be more dissimilar if you shook a bag. In other words, the two shows were as far apart as night and day.

In the show “On Call”, the environment is predominantly male-oriented, as indicated by the fact that my hair was usually up, except for a single instance. I recall entering the set with my hair down, and the response was, ‘I’m sorry, who are you? You can’t be on this set.’ However, it’s important to note that the character isn’t preoccupied with makeup or appearance. She’s not concerned about her looks, nor does she engage in flirting.

As a passionate cinephile, I must confess that Bellisario’s words resonated deeply with me. “When I heard I’d be part of a world dominated by men, I felt a sense of relief,” she explained. “I was thinking, ‘Here’s an opportunity to maneuver for power, gain experience, climb the ranks, and lead, all while navigating how we can work together as a team.’ It wasn’t about portraying the female perspective; it was about depicting raw, authentic humanity, which I truly admired.

The Big Differences Between ‘On Call’ and the ‘Pretty Little Liars’ Experience

Lovers of high-energy police dramas might find it appealing as well. However, Pretty Little Liars and On Call are significantly distinct shows. The former was a lighthearted, entertaining watch, whereas the latter is gripping, utilizing handheld cameras and bodycams to immerse viewers directly into the action. This series, following a police ride-along, focuses on a veteran officer (Traci Harmon, played by Daniela Bellisario) with a complicated past and her rookie partner (Alex Diaz, portrayed by Brandon Larracuente), who is dealing with his own family issues. Eriq La Salle, Rich Ting, and Lori Loughlin are also part of the cast. When discussing the differences between her two series, Bellisario pointed out:

On “Pretty Little Liars,” our filming was confined to the studio lot almost entirely. Rarely did we venture out for on-location shoots. In the span of seven years, I believe we visited only two locations outside the studio. The constant environment fostered a strong sense of familiarity, particularly in the characters, their relationships, the risks, and the plotlines. Essentially, it was a story centered around the friendships between these young girls who ultimately grew into women.

On Call takes a unique turn, distinct not only from other productions but also from the famed Law & Order series, the Chicago collection (Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Chicago Hope), and the FBI shows. Even with this uniqueness, Bellisario confesses she felt a sense of apprehension when venturing into Dick Wolf’s esteemed creative realm.

She admitted that entering the offices of Wolf Productions can be quite daunting, she explained. To reach the audition room, one must traverse a long corridor displaying headshots of characters from various Dick Wolf shows and group photos. This means you’re surrounded by faces you either grew up admiring or idolizing, or both. She further elaborated:

As you step into On Call, it feels like entering an esteemed institution, a lasting tradition. While I find our ability to chart new paths and follow unique directions within the Wolf universe exciting, it’s important to remember that we are very much a part of a grand legacy. It’s truly an honor to be associated with such a rich history.

On Call is streaming on Prime Video through the link below:

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2025-01-15 06:31