On The CW legal drama Family Law, a series about a dysfunctional family reluctantly working together, Regina-born Zach Smadu plays Daniel Svensson, the goal-oriented, perfectionist son and attorney. This serial monogamist bears some scars from his parents’ divorce, only further complicating the relationship with his father/boss.
PopWire recently connected with the Toronto-based actor where he discussed his character, his lovely former co-star, and even teased what’s to come when the show returns stateside for its second season.
“Daniel is very driven and competitive, completely Type A,” Smadu says of his character. “He takes himself and his work very seriously. And while some may say he’s a little too tightly wound, underneath it all he has a big heart.”
It is with that big heart that he met, fell in love with, and got engaged to Danielle Lim (Yvonne Chapman, Netflix’s upcoming Avatar: The Last Airbender). In its inaugural season, the then soon-to-wed couple — Daniel & Danielle — unfortunately had a falling out and they went their separate ways during the height of their wedding planning phase.
The fallout of their separation was heartbreaking for her, but the actress’ exit cleared her schedule to appear in a much larger, kick-ass (pun intended) role as villainess Zhilan Zhang on The CW’s reboot of the action drama Kung Fu. When asked what it was like working with Chapman (who happens to be one of our favorite people ever), Smadu had nothing but high praise for his former co-star.
“That’s so funny because Yvonne is one of MY favorite people!” he exclaims. “She and I hit it off right away. She’s a consummate pro, works incredibly hard, and yet is so joyful and easy to be around. In Season 1, we have a pretty interesting relationship and it was a real pleasure to be there with her day in and day out. She’s also been a big part of making me feel welcome here in Vancouver where we shoot because she knows it so well. A lot of my ‘restaurant recommendations’ list is thanks to her!”
Aside from the end of their relationship, which was quite emotional, the weekly cases the family firm takes on packs quite emotional punches as well. The actor credits the “phenomenal” writers and casting department of Family Law for bringing these stories and the actors playing out those stories to the screen. He goes on to say that when these “beautiful” guest stars come in and bring the magic, the rest of the cast sit back in awe.
“It’s really quite a privilege to have so many talented actors come on and bring such depth and nuance to their work. I have stories for each and every case we do, but the first thing that comes to mind is from episode 5 in Season 1, Brian Markinson gives this heartbreaking performance as a husband to a woman who’s going through dementia. I remember Jewel [Staite] and I just holding back tears off camera watching his performance.”
Before the summer premiere of the sophomore season debuts, Smadu previews that for those still catching up on the first season (available to stream now on CWTV.com), viewers can “expect the drama and rivalry between Daniel and Abby to boil over. There may be a huge professional opportunity for Daniel to capitalize on that puts his relationship with Harry at odds. And although Daniel’s personal life has gone through some serious challenges, there’s going to be some light at the end of the tunnel on that front.”
As for what’s to come when the show returns, he teases that the new season picks up directly where Season 1 concluded. In the Season 2 premiere, titled “Revisionist History,” Daniel is excited to start his first week as partner. Meanwhile, his father tries to broker peace between his children and his girlfriend Crystal Steele (guest star Lynda Boyd Virgin River) by luring them to a family dinner under false pretenses.
“We start where the cliffhangers and relationship dramas ended,” Zach Smadu says. “I can tell you the family dynamic of Harry, Abby, Daniel and Lucy all get pushed in new ways. And that the cases we work on are so timely and pertinent to what is happening in the world right now that I hope it gives some new perspectives and insights to current events. So excited for you to see it!”
Family Law Season 2 premieres Friday, July 7 at 8pm on The CW.
