Season 1 of “Salem” was all about the conniving and tortured Mary Sibley, whose mission was to complete the Grand Rite and unleash a horrifying plague against the Puritans. But come the Season 2 premiere, Mary is going to have to learn how to share the spotlight — and possibly her power and control — with some of Salem’s newest residents.
Not only is there a formidable enchantress coming into town to see which witch everyone is talking about, but there’s a visiting doctor who might just stir up a little bit of drama and love for Mary. Add on the fact that Mary recently found out the son she thought was dead is alive, and this season is shaping up to be a devilish one.
Zap2it had a chance to talk to one of the creators and writers of the show, Brannon Braga, as well as two of the stars, Janet Montgomery and Lucy Lawless, about these upcoming newcomers. Take a look below at four of “Salem” Season 2’s fearsome additions.
1. Countess Palatine Ingrid von Marburg
Played by: Lucy Lawless
Leave it to Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) to take on the role of one of the only remaining descendants of an ancient line of European witches who craves nothing but power. When the Countess enters Salem, she’s sure to bring treachery, trouble and chaos.
“Lucy Lawless’ character is going to shake things up,” says Braga. “She plays a Germanic, very bad witch who wants what Mary has accomplished. And seeing them go head-to-head is really exciting.”
2. Baron Sebastian Marburg
Played by: Joe Doyle
Too bad for Mary, the Countess isn’t coming to Salem by herself — she’s bringing along her charming and loyal son, Sebastian. According to Lawless, the Countess’ relationship with her son is quite complex.
“It’s complicated,” says Lawless. “I think their Facebook thing would be ‘It’s complicated.'” They’re super co-dependent. Let me just say that.”
3. Dr. Samuel Wainwright
Played by: Stuart Townsend
John Alden (Shane West) might be Mary’s first, true love, but he’s definitely not the only man interested in her. Wainwright is a mysterious new doctor in town who’s come to rid Salem of its plague and, by the looks of it, sweep Mary off her feet.
“There’s this new guy, Wainwright, who’s different than John,” says Braga. “John’s kind of a brute, nature guy. Wainwright is more erudite and intellectual. And he’s a scientist, and in some ways, witchcraft and science are related, so him and Mary will develop something.”
4. Boy
Played by: Oliver Bell
Although, Dr. Wainwright and Countess Marburg will surely be enough trouble for Mary, the person who’s truly going to turn her world upside down is her nameless long-lost son who was raised by her coven without her knowledge.
“[With] her not being able to trust anyone and her hive sort of falling a part and this big secret that they kept her son for seven years, I think the only reason that Mary’s going on is that she has nowhere else to go,” says Montgomery. “And there’s no way that she would be able to live in this world with her son unless she still carries on with the witch thing. I think she’s doing everything for her son [and] trying to create the world in which they can be together.”
“Salem” Season 2 premieres Sunday, April 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on WGN America.
