Line of Fire Stars Discuss Premiere Twists and Family Dynamics

The unpredictable twists and family drama in NBC’s new series, Line of Fire, captivated stars Peter Krause and Hope Davis from the outset, they revealed in a recent interview.

Krause, who plays Secret Service Agent Mike Hollingsworth, was drawn to the tight script penned by Josh Safran, known for his work on shows like Gossip Girl and Quantico. "There are elements to it that I could not predict. I was also really drawn to the family story," Krause told Decider.

Davis stars as Jane Hollingsworth, Mike's estranged wife and a U.S. Marshal. The series follows the Hollingsworth family – which includes their three adult children, all in law enforcement – as they come together to navigate professional duties, personal problems, and protect each other amidst a targeted assassination plot.

A significant reveal in the pilot episode is that Mike's son, Jack, who was believed to be dead, is actually alive. His presumed death was a secret kept from his siblings by the family's leadership. Both Krause and Davis admitted they are in the dark about the full story behind Jack's disappearance and return, indicating that creator Josh Safran holds the narrative keys.

"I didn’t want to know the answer to all of the things, because Jane doesn’t know. So I don’t know how it’s going to resolve," Davis said. "We don’t really know what’s going to happen. But Josh Safran knows."

Beyond the mystery surrounding Jack, the complex romantic relationship between Mike and Jane is a central focus. Despite their separation, the pilot reveals they are secretly sleeping together. This unexpected turn surprised many viewers, and even the actors.

"A number of people have spoken to Hope and me about us coming together at the end of the episode, and they did not see it coming," Krause noted. "Putting the large surprise of Jack aside, that emotional surprise that Mike and Jane are really struggling with — the impasse between them and their feelings for each other — was something that all the, we call them the kids, Tommy and Taylor and Kat, didn’t see coming when they read it either."

Davis explained the deep-seated issues between Mike and Jane: "Something has happened between us that I just can’t forgive him for, and even though I wish it had never happened, it happened, and I can’t undo it. Even though he’s the love of my life, something stops me from forgiving him at this point in the story." She added, "I think deep down, they have deep love and respect for one another."

Krause described their dynamic as relatable despite the high-stakes careers, stating, "It’s very painful, but people do have tortured hearts in life... I think that Hope will agree with me that Jane and Mike are very much in love with each other, but it’s going to be a rough road back to togetherness. I think the audience will root for them over time, but their relationship is tenuous. There’s a lot of love there, but a lot of hurt as well."

The introduction of Jane's boyfriend, Terry, played by Campbell Scott, adds another layer of complication. Davis, who has a long working history with Scott, praised his contribution to the series.

The series also explores the relationships between the siblings, with Clare (Kat Cunning) and Jane working a case together, while Micah (Tommy O’Brien) overlaps with Mike on Secret Service detail, a situation complicated by Micah's affair with the president's daughter.

"I think that neither Jane nor Mike are exactly who you see at any given moment. They’re multi-faceted, real people, just like us," Krause commented on his character's approach to managing situations and working with his son.

With a cast including Chris Chalk as President Kayana and Sam Waterston as Former President Thomas Barnes, Line of Fire promises further intrigue.

"Watch the giant conspiracy unfold and see if you can figure out who done it," Davis teased. "You will see crime solvers solving crimes, and you will also see family members going through the things that all families go through — except ours might be a little more intense," Krause added.

New episodes of Line of Fire air Mondays at 10:00 p.m. ET on NBC.