The TV Chick

Switched at Birth returns to ABC Family next week and the premiere has lots of great drama. I’m excited to see what happens with Bay and Emmett’s relationship, Daphne and Bay’s relationship and how the whole “switched at birth” lawsuit plays out. I recently had the chance to catch up with veteran TV actress Lea Thompson, who plays Bay/Daphne’s mom Kathryn Kennish. We talked about the cultural importance of the show, the big premiere and what’s coming up this season.

When you first read the script for Switched At Birth did you realize that it was going to be really culturally important?
I think it is important culturally because I think there are so many different permutations with egg donors and all these different things that are happening now and you’re wondering what’s more important — nature vs. nurture. And what makes family in this world? The idea that we raise someone and they’re your family. I think that’s a really, really interesting story that everyone’s kind of involved in now.

What can you tease about the premiere and what’s coming up for Kathryn?
I [Katherine] decide to write a book and get a career and so that’s a really different thing. You get to see how a woman who is kind of sheltered and has been in this little world, her world starts to open up. And also she is doing this lawsuit, which is a whole other world that she’s never been involved in. She has a really handsome lawyer.

What about her relationship with Daphne. How is that going to develop?
It’s developing slowly. I think it’s interesting that they’re kind of shy with each other. And I think it’s developing really slowly. It’s something they’re going to kind of hold off on. And I think it’s still like, my daughter’s really Bay and Regina’s daughter’s really Daphne. It’s a very awkward, weird thing. But I enjoy playing that awkwardness.

Be sure to tune in on January 3rd at 8 PM to ABC Family for the mid-season premiere of Switched at Birth!