The TV Chick

Everyone knows of my love for Life Unexpected and my sadness at its early cancelation. But I am a fan of all things CW, and have really been enjoying Nikita. So I was excited at the chance to chat with Ksenia Solo, who played Tasha on Life Unexpected and will play Irina, an old friend of Alex’s, on tonight’s episode of Nikita. Ksenia’s career is not just all about TV though. She got to fulfill a lifelong dream recently to be in a ballet film and work with Darren Aronofsky. I am of course talking about “Black Swan,” where she starred alongside Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis. She also has been traveling the word to attend all of the premieres. Ksenia and I talked about her role on Nikita, her time on Life Unexpected (and what she wished for Tasha, had the show gone on longer), and her dream-come-true experience on “Black Swan.”

Talk a little bit about what your guest role on Nikita is going to be.
Without giving too too much away, Irina is an old friend of Alex’s [played by Lyndsy Fonseca] and they met a very long time ago when they were both secretly abducted and brought to America as sex slaves. And they became very close because they obviously had to go through a lot of very, very, very difficult times, and they kind of depended on each other and protected each other to the best of their abilities. So they have a very strong bond and they haven’t seen each other for many years, so they meet and the adventures begin from there.

What episode of Nikita you be in?
I’m in an episode called “Alexandra.”

And what was your experience like filming the show?
It was awesome. The cast is really great. It’s never easy coming onto a new show, because it’s kind of like going to a stranger’s house. But they made me feel very welcome, and they’re a really, really fantastic and talented group of people. So I had a lot of fun.

Did you get any pointers or advice from Maggie or Lyndsey?
They just reminded me how special it is when you walk onto a set where everyone is very friendly and kind and generous, and makes you feel like you are a part of the family. It’s really really important.

That’s great to hear. And switching gears a little bit, you must be so excited about all the success of “Black Swan.”
Yes!

And I hear you are a dancer, and that it was a little bit of a dream part for you. So can you talk a little bit about what it was like to film that movie?
It was an incredible experience. My dream has always been to be in a ballet film. And  I never thought that I would get the chance to get a part of a ballet film like this. Because of just how different and unique this movie is. And it was really amazing because a dream of mine has always been to work with Darren Aronofsky [the director of Black Swan] so just to be a part of the process and be a part of his vision and be a part of this movie that’s so beautiful and scary and grotesque and one of a kind. It was very special and I will always hold this experience very dear to my heart.

Have you been to any awards shows with the cast?
I’ve been to all of our “Black Swan” premieres all over the world. We did Toronto. We did Venice, LA, New York. But I’ve been working, so I’ve been a little bit out of the award loop because I’ve been on set.

What was the experience like traveling the world to go to all of the premieres?
A dream. (laughs) A little dream. I never thought I’d be walking the carpet in Venice, representing this film, I completely and utterly fell in love with Italy. Although I was only there for a very, very short amount of time, I felt oddly at home even though I’ve never been there before. So now I’m totally trying to learn Italian and go back there as soon as possible. Seeing the world because of this was very cool.

And Life Unexpected wrapped up. I know I’m really sad it’s over. Can  you share if you had a favorite moment from filming that show?
I had a lot of favorite moments. The whole experience was great. That show was extremely special, and I’m very sad that we’re not doing it anymore. But we are all definitely a big family, and I love all those guys very much. So we had a lot of fun.

If the show had a proper 3rd season or 4th season, what would you have liked to see from Tasha? I know they did a flash forward, but what would you have liked to see?
I think Tasha this last season really, really was trying to become the person that she had always dreamt of being. And I would really have loved to see her kind of – as cheesy as this sounds – expand her wings. And just have a normal life. Have the chance to not have to worry about having to survive and being alone. I would have loved for her to have the chance to be surrounded by family, by love, and experience more normal things that kind of “normal” teenagers get to experience. Falling in love, going to college, deciding what you want to do for the rest of your life, what career path you want to take. I think that she deserved a lot of really positive things.

I know I wish there was going to be more. And back a little bit to your guest role on Nikita. Can you share a little bit about what she might get involved in?
Well, I can’t answer that question like I want to. I’m going to give too much away. I think it’s a surprising episode because we find out a lot about Alex’s past and where she came from. And Irina is a huge part of her past. But Irina definitely is mixed in with all the adventure and all the crazy stuff that happens with Alex that happens in this episode. It’s intense, for sure.

And lastly, do you have any other projects coming up that we can see you in?
I have another film that I’m in. Another thriller/action being released this year. It’s called “The Factory,” where I got a chance to work with John Cusack, who’s one of my favorite actors. That was really fun. And I am in the hottest show in Canada right now. It’s called “Lost Girl.” And we’re going back for season 2.

Can you talk about what The Factory is about?
I’m under strict orders not to give any plot details away. But it’s another very intense role. The movie is frightening. And unfortunately, it’s based on a true story which makes it even scarier. But I can tell you it is a thriller. And you should go see it.

Be sure to tune in tonight at 9 pm to the CW to catch Ksenia Solo in her guest role on Nikita!