Interview With American Odysseys' Yousef Sweid & EP Peter Horton ⋆ My Sparkling Life

An Exclusive Interview with Yousef Sweid and Peter Horton

In the labyrinthine world of television drama, few series have managed to weave a narrative as intricate yet captivating as “American Odyssey.” The thrilling series, brought to life by writer-director Peter Horton of “Grey’s Anatomy” fame and writers Adam Armus & Kay Foster of “The Following,” takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through global politics, corporate espionage, and military secrets.

At the heart of this engrossing drama are three strangers, bound together by a single thread – the pursuit of truth. The lives of a female Special Forces soldier, a disillusioned corporate lawyer, and a political activist from a privileged family collide unexpectedly in an international conspiracy.

Unraveling the Complexities of “American Odyssey”

With its multifaceted characters and intricate plotlines, “American Odyssey” has amassed a significant following. An interview with actor Yousef Sweid and executive producer Peter Horton sheds light on the show’s inner workings and their personal experiences.

Peter Horton on Depicting the U.S. Military

When questioned about the portrayal of the U.S. military in “American Odyssey,” Horton clarified that the intention was never to label any group as inherently good or bad. Instead, the show aimed to present each character’s unique perspective, showing that even actions that seem wrong may have justifiable motivations.

Horton explained that the series does not seek to depict the entire American military as corrupt. Instead, it highlights the grey zones within the military-industrial complex, where private industry and military interests have become alarmingly intertwined. This nuanced portrayal aims to reflect real-world issues, such as conflicts of interest in high-ranking officials and the influence of private corporations on political decisions.

Yousef Sweid on His Character and Role

Actor Yousef Sweid, who played a pivotal character with aplomb, shared his reasons for accepting the role. For Sweid, the complexity and depth of his character, coupled with the opportunity to portray a unique role, made the part irresistible.

Tackling Stereotypes and Representing Minority Characters

When asked about the dual responsibility of portraying both a drag queen and an Arab character on American television, Sweid acknowledged the inherent challenges and risks. Despite these, he felt a sense of duty to represent these characters, especially given the dangers faced by transgender and drag queen individuals in the Arab world.

The Impact of a Character’s Death

Discussing the death of a significant character in the series, Horton revealed the emotional journey of another character in the wake of this loss. The resulting conflict and emotional turmoil served to heighten the stakes and intensity of the narrative, adding a layer of poignancy to the unfolding drama.

Conspiracy Theories and Real-World Parallels

Questioned about the influence of “American Odyssey” on their views of conspiracy theories, both Horton and Sweid offered insightful responses. While Sweid preferred to maintain a straightforward perspective, Horton acknowledged the series’s basis in real-world events and its role in highlighting the blurred lines between government and private sector interests.

Awaiting the Next Chapter

As fans eagerly anticipate the confirmation of a second season, Horton expressed his hopes for the show’s continuation. He shared that the team at NBC is fully supportive and that the upcoming episodes promise a mix of tension, emotion, and meaningful narrative developments.

For those who have not yet embarked on this American odyssey, now is the perfect time to catch up. You can watch “American Odyssey” on NBC Sundays 10/9c. For more updates, follow them on WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER.

Additional Insights

For more behind-the-scenes insights, check out the interview with Actor Jake Robinson, another talented member of the “American Odyssey” team.

What would you ask?

If you had the opportunity to ask a question to the team behind “American Odyssey,” what would you want to know? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.

| Interviewer | Question | Respondent | Response |
|—|—|—|—|
| Stephanie Piche, Mingle Media TV | Do you think you were crossing the line by showing the US military as the bad guy as part of this? | Peter Horton, EP | Our intention was never to paint any one group as bad or good. We’ve always tried to give each character a point of view. |
| Stephanie Piche, Mingle Media TV | Why was it important for you to take this role and play this character? | Yousef Sweid, Actor | The character is very complex and has a very interesting story. It was one of the most interesting parts I ever read. |
| Suzanne Lanoue, TV MegaSite | Do you feel any special responsibility playing both a drag queen and an Arab character? | Yousef Sweid, Actor | Yes. I feel responsibility as an Arab doing these kind of characters which are very dangerous. I always wish to do these kind of characters they have also kind of a message. |
| Cody Schultz, Hidden Remote | How did the death of Shakir effect Aslam in the long run? | Peter Horton, EP | It’s such an interesting journey for him because he is in need of family. When his uncle dies, the only family he has left, as a possibility is Odelle. |
| Cody Schultz, Hidden Remote | Has working on the series changed your attitude towards conspiracy theories at all? | Yousef Sweid, Actor | For me, no. I don’t go to deep into these theories because it’s sometimes too complex. |
| Cody Schultz, Hidden Remote | Has working on the series changed your attitude towards conspiracy theories at all? | Peter Horton, EP | I don’t consider myself a conspiracy theorist. But I do find myself concerned with what I see going on in those areas. |
| Suzanne Lanoue, TV MegaSite | Do you know when you’ll find out if we get a second season or not? | Peter Horton, EP | We’re all hoping that over the next few weeks, we’ll get a bit of an uptick and give everyone a reason to say, “Yes”. |
| Kara Howland, TV Goodness | Can you tell us about what’s coming up in the next few episodes? | Peter Horton, EP | Each season of this show is going to have a beginning, middle and end. The story becomes a little more poignant and I think a little more emotional and meaningful as we go. |

Delving Deeper into the World of “American Odyssey”

“American Odyssey” is more than just a television drama. It is a mirror reflecting the intricate web of global politics, corporate machinations, and military intrigue. The series, crafted by the visionary Peter Horton and writing duo Adam Armus & Kay Foster, has captivated audiences with its complex characters, riveting plotlines, and dramatic twists.

Yousef Sweid: The Man Behind the Character

Yousef Sweid, a standout actor in the series, has been instrumental in bringing depth and authenticity to his character. Sweid’s portrayal of a uniquely complex role has earned him acclaim, but it wasn’t a decision he took lightly. He recognized the challenges inherent in portraying a drag queen and an Arab character on American television, a context often fraught with stereotypes and biases. However, he welcomed the opportunity to represent marginalized voices, particularly those in the Arab world that are often silenced or misunderstood.

On a deeper note, Sweid’s character invites viewers to question their preconceived notions about identity, gender, and culture. The character’s death, a significant event in the series, further adds to the narrative’s emotional depth and complexity.

Reflections on the Military-Industrial Complex

Executive producer Peter Horton has been instrumental in shaping the series’ nuanced portrayal of the U.S. military. Rather than painting the military in broad strokes as either good or evil, Horton sought to highlight the complexities within the system. He emphasized the gray areas in the military-industrial complex, where private corporations and military interests are deeply entwined. This approach underscores the series’ commitment to addressing real-world issues, such as ethical dilemmas and conflicts of interest.

Conspiracy Theories and Reality: A Thin Line

One of the most intriguing aspects of “American Odyssey” is its exploration of conspiracy theories. Horton and Sweid both recognized the series’ potential to influence viewers’ perceptions of these theories. While Sweid preferred to keep a clear distinction between fiction and reality, Horton acknowledged the series’ basis in real-world events. The show underscores the often blurred boundaries between government and private sector interests, encouraging viewers to question and engage with these complex issues.

Anticipating the Next Chapter of “American Odyssey”

With fans eagerly awaiting news of a second season, Horton expressed optimism about the show’s continuation. He hinted at a promising mix of tension, emotion, and narrative development in the upcoming episodes. The team at NBC has been fully supportive, fueling hopes for another thrilling chapter in this American odyssey.

For those who are yet to embark on this journey, “American Odyssey” offers an enticing blend of drama, intrigue, and thought-provoking themes. Follow them on WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER to stay updated with the latest news and developments.

Behind the Scenes: Jake Robinson

For more insider insights, check out the interview with Actor Jake Robinson, another talented member of the “American Odyssey” team. Robinson’s contributions to the series further underscore the depth of talent involved in bringing this captivating narrative to life.

Join the Conversation

What would you ask the team behind “American Odyssey” if given a chance? Share your thoughts and join the conversation. This is your opportunity to delve deeper into the world of “American Odyssey,” a series that continues to challenge, entertain, and provoke thought with its complex characters and intricate plotlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is “American Odyssey” about?

“American Odyssey” is a television drama series that takes viewers on a thrilling journey through global politics, corporate espionage, and military secrets. The lives of a female Special Forces soldier, a disillusioned corporate lawyer, and a political activist from a privileged family collide unexpectedly in an international conspiracy.

2. Who are the creators of “American Odyssey”?

The series is brought to life by writer-director Peter Horton, known for “Grey’s Anatomy,” and writers Adam Armus & Kay Foster of “The Following.”

3. How does “American Odyssey” portray the U.S. military?

According to executive producer Peter Horton, the series does not label any group as inherently good or bad. It aims to present each character’s unique perspective and highlights the grey zones within the military-industrial complex, where private industry and military interests have become intertwined.

4. Who is Yousef Sweid, and what character does he play?

Yousef Sweid is an actor who plays a pivotal character in “American Odyssey.” His role involves portraying both a drag queen and an Arab character, a dual responsibility that he acknowledges as challenging yet necessary for representing these characters on American television.

5. Is “American Odyssey” based on real-world events?

While the series is a work of fiction, Peter Horton acknowledges its basis in real-world events and its role in highlighting the blurred lines between government and private sector interests.

6. Is there a second season of “American Odyssey”?

As of now, fans are eagerly awaiting the confirmation of a second season. Peter Horton has expressed his hopes for the show’s continuation and promises a mix of tension, emotion, and meaningful narrative developments in the upcoming episodes.

7. Where can I watch “American Odyssey”?

You can watch “American Odyssey” on NBC Sundays 10/9c. For more updates, follow them on WEB | FACEBOOK | TWITTER.

Main Characters of “American Odyssey”

Character	Role	Actor
Female Special Forces Soldier	Main Character	Not Specified
Disillusioned Corporate Lawyer	Main Character	Not Specified
Political Activist from a Privileged Family	Main Character	Not Specified
Yousef Sweid’s Character	Pivotal Character	Yousef Sweid

Creators of “American Odyssey”

Name	Role	Known for
Peter Horton	Writer-Director	“Grey’s Anatomy”
Adam Armus	Writer	“The Following”
Kay Foster	Writer	“The Following”