Things have been heating up on Season 2 of “The Chicken Sisters.” Nancy (Lea Thompson) and Pastor McGregor (Matthew James Dowden) have been getting closer, as well as Amanda (Schuyler Fisk) and Sergio (Ektor Rivera). But, with the arrival of Gus’s (Wendie Malick) former love, Clayton Briggs (David James Elliott) — who’s also Mae’s (Genevieve Angelson) father — it seems romance is in the air for her, as well.
His performance in “The Chicken Sisters” marks a return to Hallmark after a long absence: he was previously in the 2010 Hallmark movie “Dad’s Home.” He played Ben, a widower who takes over the household duties after he’s fired from his high-paying executive job. Being at home all the time also allows him to become more involved in his kids’ lives.
While Clayton is a much different character from Ben, Elliott doesn’t see him as unredeemable.
“At heart, I think he is a good guy,” he told Parade. “I see him as someone who had issues as a kid, and unfortunately, it messed with everybody’s life. And we make choices. That’s the other thing, right? Life is about choices, and the circumstances are the result of those choices.”
Elliott Thinks There’s More to the Handsome Charmer
Elliott tried to find relatable aspects of Clayton, noting that he was more complex than just “a handsome, charming guy, which is a stretch anyway,” he said. “The scenes had some challenges, but it was fun to have some depth, and that kept it interesting every day.”
In Elliott’s opinion, Clayton is someone “who has not quite grown up himself, and [who has] had his own personal struggles and family issues.”
One thing is for sure: Elliott and Malick have amazing chemistry, and Elliott tried to make their scenes feel real for the show’s fans.
“I tried to live in the moment and grasp onto things that spoke to me,” Elliott explained. “I just tried to play it as real and engaging as possible. It’s about finding the truth in you, and making the moment authentic for the viewer.”
Elliott Would Love to Come Back for More ‘Chicken Sisters’
Even though he wasn’t there for Mae after he and Gus split up, Elliott doesn’t think that their demise was all of Clayton’s fault.
“There’s nobody who didn’t carry a little blame in their past relationship,” Eliott said.
Whether Gus and Clayton have a future together remains to be seen, but Elliott would love to return for Season 3.
“It’s a well-written, well-acted show, and it’s a lovely escape,” he said. “It’s a fun ride. What else would you want from a television show?”
