Detective returns

Ex-Sopranos star Michael Imperioli returns to TV with Detroit 1-8-7

Popularly known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti on the legendary TV series, The Sopranos, James Michael Imperioli is back with a brand new crime drama series. Once again, he will be seen playing the role of a detective in the show that was initially supposed to be shot in documentary style.

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Says Imperioli, “There was a crew following these detectives all the time. But we decided to do away with that as we felt there would be a lot of stories and we wouldn’t be able to tell, as we wanted to get into the characters’ personal lives.”

Unlike most crime dramas, this one has an active and evident sense of humour, “which I think is sorely lacking in crime dramas,” says the actor, who has also played detective Nick Falco in Law & Order and detective Ray Carling in the US version of Life on Mars. When asked why he has chosen to play similar roles, he says, “For some reason, these things have come my way. People have seen me that way. I guess it’s a physical thing or about where I’m from. But within, you just try to find good material.”

Though his role is a serious and dark one, he feels, “Homicide defectives have a great sense of humour. They use humour as a survival technique because of the grim reality and tragedy that surrounds them.” Imperioli has also been known for his writing, however he says, “The demands of the role keep me on the set, so I don’t really have the time to write.

When I was doing Sopranos, I was able to write because there were episodes where my character wasn’t working so much.”

The show, Detroit 1-8-7, makes its Indian debut on Star World on February 13.