Joanna Going stars as Christina Kulina in the TV series “Kingdom.” The actress may be back in New Mexico for a “House of Cards” episode. (Courtesy of DirecTV)
Joanna Going spent six months in New Mexico while working on “Wyatt Earp” during the mid-1990s.
“I was very fortunate to be there for a good chunk of time,” she says. “Being in New Mexico was such a great experience for me and I hope to get back there one day for some more films or TV. There are so many projects popping up there, it would be great to be in some of them.”
Going may be coming back to the Land of Enchantment soon when Netflix’s “House of Cards” sets up camp for the season-three finale in the coming weeks. The production is set to film in northern New Mexico for about two weeks. Locations include Santa Fe and Las Vegas, N.M.
The Netflix series is set in Washington, D.C., and follows Frank Underwood, played by Kevin Spacey, who is passed over for Secretary of State. He initiates a plan to get himself in a position of power with the help of his wife, Claire Underwood, played by Robin Wright.
“I haven’t gotten the call yet,” Going says. “With that show, they call you whenever you were needed. It was an episode-by-episode thing. I mean, I’m not dead on the show, so there is a possibility I can come back.”
In the show, Going plays First Lady Tricia Walker, who is married to President Garrett Walker. She befriends Underwood during season two, supporting her legislative moves while also dealing with marital stress.
Going says it would be great to reprise her role, but she will wait it out.
While she’s waiting, Going has been busy with DirecTV’s drama “Kingdom.” The original scripted series premiered on Oct. 8 and follows a family with its mixed-martial-arts gym and the relationships and addictions of its members.
Going plays matriarch Christina Kulina, who is an engaging and beautiful woman, undone by mental illness and drug abuse.
Joanna Going hopes to reprise her role as Patricia Walker in Netflix’s “House of Cards.” The series will film an episode in northern New Mexico in a few weeks. (Courtesy of Netflix)
“Christina is a complex character,” she says. “She’s probably the most in-your-face character in the show and she’s very flawed. But she tries to be a mother, though her past actions keep coming up.”
Going auditioned for the role while she was wrapping up “House of Cards.”
She says being able to get two shows that are trying out a new platform for TV really helps.
These two shows are not considered cable shows and air exclusively via Netflix and DirecTV. The series have shorter seasons, which makes it easier for an audience to watch.
“There’s a lot of room for some great storytelling,” she says. “I’ve never worked on TV shows where the quality of the product is highly regarded. It’s a new frontier in TV. These shows are finding footing and it’s a great thing.”
In “Kingdom,” Going stars alongside Frank Grillo, Kiele Sanchez, Matt Lauria, Jonathan Tucker and Nick Jonas.
She says the cast has grown well together and is looking forward to another couple seasons of the show.
The season one finale will air at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, on DirecTV.
“Knowing that we have at least 20 more episodes to tell these character’s stories is a great feeling,” she says. “I think we’ve only scratched the surface to what these people are capable of. It’s going to be interesting to see how far the show will go.”
VISIT THE CRAWLEYS: January is just around the corner and that means the season five premiere of PBS’s “Downton Abbey.” (This is the season where George Clooney makes a guest appearance on the show.) For those fanatics, New Mexico PBS has something special for you.
At 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, there will be a free preview screening of the new season at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 W. San Francisco in Santa Fe. Organizers are encouraging “Downton Abbey”-inspired costumes. Tickets are free and you can obtain one by calling 505-988-1234 for the ticket.
SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email [email protected]. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.
