Eric Rahill and Duane Shepard Sr. on What’s New for Travis and Barry in ‘The Paper’ Season 2
One of the best things about The Paper is that you never quite know which character is going to walk into a scene, deliver one perfectly timed line and completely steal it. Travis and Barry have become particularly good at doing exactly that, and Season 2 gives Eric Rahill and Duane Shepard Sr. even more opportunities to show us what makes these two tick.
I recently spoke with Rahill and Shepard about the new season, including those scene-stealing one-liners, how much improvisation actually makes it into the show and the chance to learn more about Travis and Barry beyond the Toledo Truth Teller office.
As it turns out, much of what we're laughing at comes directly from the page. Shepard explained that he prefers to work with what the writers give him, while Rahill estimated that what ultimately makes it into an episode is about 90 percent scripted and 10 percent improvised.
The improv still has its place, particularly when the ensemble gets together for those wonderfully ridiculous group scenes. Rahill explained that everyone can't simply start riffing at once, so the director has to give individual performers room to play while everyone else pulls back. It helps explain why those conference room scenes can feel spontaneous without turning into a free-for-all.
Travis Shows His Softer Side
Season 2 also gives Travis a new role at the Toledo Truth Teller, although his career development doesn't happen for quite the reason you might expect.
Rahill explained that Travis' reluctance to inconvenience people, including his fear of approaching strangers and asking the questions required of a journalist, ultimately leads to him taking pictures instead. It's a funny development for someone who can initially come across as a tougher Midwestern country guy.
That contradiction allows Rahill to explore another part of the character this season. Travis might look like the guy who wouldn't be intimidated by much, but put him in a situation where he has to bother a stranger and suddenly we have a problem.
"I think you're seeing a little bit of his softer side, which was fun to play," Rahill said.
One of my favorite examples comes during the Jurassic Park episode, when Travis finds himself going undercover and is very much not convinced he's the man for the job. It's a great showcase for Rahill and another example of Season 2 finding ways to expand characters who could easily have remained on the sidelines.
Welcome to Captain Barry's Apartment
Then there's Barry. If you thought getting a glimpse into Barry's home life might finally help explain the man, I'm not sure his nautical-themed apartment is going to answer many questions. It does, however, feel completely right for him.
Shepard told me that the apartment was just as much of a surprise to him. He didn't have input into its design, but seeing personal family photographs incorporated into the set was a particularly fun detail. He credited the show's set team with figuring out exactly what kind of person Barry is and creating a home around him.
Or, as Shepard put it, they "zeroed in on what kind of kook Barry really is." The nautical theme, complete with a steering wheel, was not what I expected when I heard we were visiting Barry's apartment either, but somehow it works. Would Captain Barry really live anywhere else?
There Could Be More Travis and Barry Ahead
Season 2 has more surprises waiting for both characters. Rahill teased a particularly significant moment for Travis during the tornado episode, while Shepard suggested viewers will continue learning some unexpected things about Barry.
I also asked what would happen if Travis and Barry ever teamed up to write an article for the Toledo Truth Teller. Shepard imagined Barry examining the way younger generations think, while Rahill suggested Travis might actually be enough of an old soul to agree with some of Barry's opinions.
That idea led to something else I'd happily sign up for: more scenes between these two. Rahill said he'd like to work with Shepard more, and Shepard was equally enthusiastic about getting more opportunities with his co-star. With the office's secret alliances creating some interesting combinations this season, there's certainly room to put Travis and Barry together and see what happens.
The Paper works because its ensemble feels like an actual workplace full of very different personalities rather than a collection of characters waiting for their individual storylines. Season 2 takes advantage of that strength by digging deeper into people like Travis and Barry without losing the wonderfully weird qualities that made them funny in the first place.
Now we just need that Travis-and-Barry investigation into the office's secret alliances. I'd read it.
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