Domhnall Gleeson & Co-Stars Dive Deep into 'The Paper' Season 2's Major Twists

Season 2 of Peacock's sitcom 'The Paper' delves deeper into the lives of the Toledo Truth Teller staff, exploring the complex interplay between their professional endeavors and personal relationships. Series star Domhnall Gleeson, who plays Ned, humorously described his character's ideal scenario as a "throuple" involving himself, his new girlfriend Mare (Chelsea Frei), and the paper he cherishes. However, this arrangement proves challenging, leading to significant developments for all involved.

Ned's pursuit of a "happily ever after" with Mare and the paper is met with conflict. Gleeson explains that Ned discovers that even getting everything you want doesn't guarantee it will work, leading him to question his desires and ability to manage his life. For Mare, the relationship with Ned and her time in Toledo led her to feel like she was "losing herself." Her move to the Cincinnati Chronicle, though an HR-mandated separation, ultimately grants her the independence and professional validation she sought. Frei emphasizes that this distance allowed Mare to rediscover her own journalistic capabilities, distinct from Ned's, fostering a newfound confidence she is expected to bring back to the Truth Teller in Season 3. Ned's decision to entrust Mare with the crucial Glass Club death investigation in the finale is highlighted by Gleeson as a "truly selfless moment," underscoring Ned's underlying decency and respect for Mare as a journalist, rather than an attempt to win her back. Both Gleeson and Frei agree that this act transcends romance, emphasizing their shared commitment to local journalism and their community.

Meanwhile, Nicole and Detrick embark on divergent paths. Ramona Young reveals that her character Nicole, despite gaining more authority and Esmeralda's office, experiences a chaotic "spiral" throughout the season. Young explains that Nicole's core struggle is her "fear of losing control," particularly over her self-presentation and perceived command of her career and relationships, even as they fall apart. In contrast, Detrick (Melvin Gregg) finds his footing and flourishes. Gregg attributes Detrick's growth to the space created by his breakup with Nicole, allowing him to discover himself and channel his energy into becoming a dedicated and effective reporter for the paper. By the finale, Detrick's commitment to the Glass Club investigation proves his value to the team. Both Gregg and Young express hope for Nicole and Detrick's reunion in Season 3, believing that their individual growth and shared experiences, especially their similar tendencies in relationships, could lead to a more balanced connection.

Season 2 also delivers some of its wildest and most memorable comedic moments, requiring significant commitment from the cast. Sabrina Impacciatore, who plays Esmeralda, recounts her initial fear of portraying a 12-year-old boy undercover in the finale. To prepare, she secretly studied kids at the gym, admitting she "looked like a maniac." Her dedication paid off, earning tears of laughter from showrunner Greg Daniels and the writers. Impacciatore even found an 11-year-old on set who became her "secret director," guiding her performance. Eric Rahill, who plays Travis, faced a different challenge with Episode 7's tornado stunt, which involved him clinging to kettlebells over co-star Gbemisola Ikumelo's Adelola, creating a visually inappropriate rescue attempt. Rahill initially tried to dissuade Daniels from the gag and even considered a stunt double, but ultimately performed it himself, enduring the physical demands of a harness lifting him. Alex Edelman, who portrays the naive Adam, reveals that some jokes, like the one about his scar and a non-existent vasectomy, were written on the fly during filming, perfectly suiting Adam's oblivious nature. Edelman even quipped that many of the characters, including Adam, feel like "aliens who have just come to Earth," observing the world around them.