It's always pretty dark. It's not a farce, this is Homeland. Throughout six seasons, we've been trying to understand what it's like to be a civil servant, and the cost involved, and it's big. A lot of these people make profound sacrifices, and are very isolated and estranged from the people they love. That's a reality.

With acting there are a lot more choices, With this, I either stick it or I don't. There's something really unforgiving about that.

Find as many opportunities as you can and clock as many hours as you can.

I finally realized that yeah I did want to be an actor and it wasn't out of habit, but I needed to grow up for myself and then kind of re-enter the industry with a sound understanding of what my sensibilities and my values are as a relatively formed human being.

I think people of my generation are really worrying about thier zits and getting that date for Friday night. I think that's their reality. I don't' know if they're worrying too hard about their future.

Well, it's true that you often kind of forget to see the person you're most intimate with, but occasionally I'll come to and sort of think, 'Oh my God! You're really, really good-looking! I'm embarrassed now! It's nice to occasionally have that flash.

It's been a huge joy, this experience of being a mom ... I don't know how to articulate it yet, because it is so fresh.