Amazon has just released the first season of The Kicks, the first of there new shows for this fall. The Kicks focuses on Devin Burke, who was the star player on her soccer team back home until her family moved to California. Now, Devin has to rise to the challenge after discovering that her new school team has been on a losing streak and is badly in need of a leader to turn things around. Based on the book series by Olympic Gold Medalist Alex Morgan and adapted by David Babcock (Brothers & Sisters).
Actress Monica Lacy stars on the show, and we’ve been able to sit down with her and talk about what we can expect. The Kicks is now available for streaming on Amazon. Don’t miss it!
Check out the Spanish version clicking on the following link.
– Hi Monica, thanks for your time. So, you’ve got a new show on Amazon called «The Kicks”. What can you tell us about it?
I’m very excited to have “The Kicks” start streaming. It is a family show; one with a lot of heart and humor in it, and it’s a show the entire family can watch together. The Burke family has recently relocated from Connecticut to Southern California, and each member struggles to find their place in this new “environment”. There are exciting soccer (football) sequences that will satisfy the sports fans, and lots of typical school issues like mean girls and being the new kid on campus, which everybody can relate to. I love that this show centers around a “normal” family because, if we’re honest, this is what most of the people in the world are like. Most of us aren’t secretly rockstars or even cyber spies for the government; most of us are just trying to figure out where we fit in with our family and friends. I hope it resonates with people in this same way too.
– On the show you play Sharon Burke, the main character’s mother. How would you describe Sharon? What is her mother-daughter relationship with Devin like?
I would describe Sharon Burke as optimistic, idealistic and the rock of her family. She keeps everyone going even while her husband, daughter Devin and son Bailey threaten to fall apart. She does have her own vices, like trying a little too hard, but it’s fun to see her struggle to keep up the act. Sharon has always been the #1 cheerleader for her daughter Devin with her soccer, and has tried to encourage her to be dedicated but also balanced in life. However, Devin is 13 and starting to face hurdles in life, like hiding from her parents and trying to fit in on a new soccer team, so they are entering the dangerous waters of “teenager” life, and this is normal and hard at the same time. Sharon has never had Devin be aloof or angry with her, until very recently…
– «The Kicks» is based on the book by football player and Olympic gold medalist Alex Morgan, which is described as a story about soccer and friendship. Does the show try to transmit these same messages? What other themes will be explored on the show?
The show is about trying your hardest and not quitting, even when you are on a new and terrible soccer team, or when all your new friends turn on you. Sharon encourages Tom, her husband, to not give up when he struggles with his new CEO position, and her son Bailey gives her some pointers when she has no California “mom” friends and is feeling pretty lonely. Devin is focused on becoming an elite soccer player, and we see the sacrifices she makes to do this, which is an inspiring message for all kids. It’s a long term goal, but can be accomplished with one small step at a time.
– Recently we’ve been able to see you guest starring on big dramas like «Hawaii 5-0” and Marvel’s «Agents Of SHIELD». If you had to choose, would you rather work on a comedy or a drama?
I adore comedy! I am just really challenged and also the most delighted by comedy. I enjoy the extreme silliness of it all, and also of working with an audience and earning a laugh… nothing feels better than that. I also enjoy drama; it’s quite truthful, honest and straightforward most of the time. Comedy is the thrill of driving on the open highway as you wind up a mountain road, where drama slow-burn straight through the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
– Have you found big differences between working on broadcast television and working on an Amazon show? If so, what are they?
The actual day-to-day filming of a network broadcast TV show and this Amazon show were very similar. The ample budgets, access to great talent, A-list writers and directors were all the same. However, Amazon has this thrilling and very democratic process where they let the viewers themselves weigh in on which new pilots to take to series. Of course I spent many-a-night reading the comments section of “The Kicks” while the pilot was streaming. I was struck by how most people had very similar comments on the show, and seemed to love all the parts that I do as well. Viewers commented that “The Kicks” is a show for all ages, interesting for boys and girls, for the soccer obsessed as well as the not-soccer-obsessed. Generally, people appreciated not having a laugh track, as well as the respectful depiction of a teen girl, not obsessed with beauty, fashion and boys but rather becoming an expert athlete. Amazon listens to their consumers, which is smart!
– Before we finish, are you working on any other projects?
I am lucky enough to work as the spokesperson for AutoNation, filming all their tv commercials, radio spots, industrials and print campaigns. What is especially cool is that AutoNation has designated all of their charitable fundraising to be in support of finding a cure for breast cancer. Last year they donated over a million dollars from their first ever “AutoNation Cure Bowl” to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. They even changed their corporate logo and colors to be pink in support of this mission. Since my mother is battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, this is one way that I can have a big impact on finding a cure. Look for me in upcoming ”Drive Pink” campaign ads, and please consider donating to end this terrible disease.
– Thanks again Monica. Best wishes from Spain.
An interview by Chris Patterson for Lovingseries.
Main photography by Sean Armenta.
lovingseries.com 