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SPOILER ALERT: This interview contains spoilers from all six episodes of “Zero Day,” now available for streaming on Netflix.

Lizzy Caplan was always aware that her character, Congresswoman and former First Daughter Alexandra Mullen, was the mastermind behind the devastating cyberattack that triggers the existential and ethical turmoil throughout “Zero Day.” This shocking plot twist, revealed in the early moments of the finale, sets the stage for Netflix’s gripping political thriller. The series features renowned actor Robert De Niro, marking his first significant television role as President Robert Mullen, an aging, populist leader who returns from retirement to spearhead a commission aimed at investigating the catastrophic national outage caused by the attack. The layers of deception and political intrigue make for a compelling narrative.

Regarding her early awareness of her character’s nefarious actions, Caplan reflects: “I think I probably knew before I read the scripts. I might not have grasped the full extent of her involvement at that time. Perhaps I assumed other characters would be implicated, but I didn’t realize how central Alex would be to the unfolding events.” This insight provides a deeper understanding of the character’s motivations and the intricate web of conspiracy that develops throughout the series.

In a tense confrontation within her home, Alex reveals to her father how the Zero Day attack originated from the highest echelons of government, highlighting the catastrophic failure that ensued. Richard Dreyer (Matthew Modine), the current Speaker of the House, allied with tech mogul Monica Kidder (Gaby Hoffmann) to execute a scheme against President Evelyn Mitchell’s (Angela Bassett) administration. Frustrated by the constant political infighting that hindered essential legislation, Alex became embroiled in this insurgency, showcasing her complex motivations and the high stakes involved.

“In just one minute, [Kidder] could remind everyone of our vulnerabilities, how fragile we are, and that makes sense,” Alex asserts to her father. “It makes sense that if you can remind people of what’s truly important, perhaps they will tune out all the noise and the lies so we can return to genuinely listening to each other. Therefore, we allowed it to happen, as it made that point for us. It provided a greater result than we could have achieved on our own, but I truly didn’t anticipate anyone would die.”

Dreyer and even Mitchell manage to convince Robert to allow Kidder to bear the blame for the cyberattack in his commission report, arguing that it would be the best outcome for everyone involved. However, after Alex leaves her father a resignation note to read while he delivers his report to the public, Robert seizes the opportunity to expose Dreyer’s involvement, risking the further disintegration of his family and the already fragile relationships within it.

In the following discussion, Caplan shares her perspective on how she interpreted and rationalized Alex’s actions, her insights gained from collaborating with onscreen father De Niro, and her continued amazement at the lasting impact of “Mean Girls.”

What aspects of the fictional world resonated with you, especially given its striking similarities to our current political landscape?

The political themes undeniably drive the narrative forward, and the show explores the profound question: What would happen if a catastrophic event struck a nation deeply divided, where trust in one another is diminishing and the truth becomes increasingly subjective? The concept of truth morphing into something more nebulous rather than its traditional form is highly engaging and poignant. It highlights the fragility of societal trust and the dangers of misinformation in a politically charged environment.

However, what captivated me even more were the complex interpersonal dynamics interwoven within the overarching narrative. Alex navigates a deeply complicated relationship with both of her parents, particularly her father. The unresolved trauma stemming from her brother’s overdose and the role of Valerie Whitesell (Connie Britton) within their family adds layers of emotional depth. The Mullen family harbors numerous secrets, and Alex carries significant resentment towards her father for his perceived failures and towards her mother for her complicity in maintaining the status quo.

The challenge lay in maintaining the undercurrents of interpersonal drama amidst this high-stakes political thriller. Each scene is filled with tension, and there is rarely a moment where characters are not holding their cards close to their chests. Every individual presents a façade of lies or half-truths, creating a rich tapestry of deception. This complexity was not only compelling but also incredibly challenging to portray. Alex grapples with a multitude of conflicting thoughts in every scene, all while concealing her own secrets. Collaborating with the cast and director Lesli Linka Glatter was an enriching experience, elevating the narrative beyond a conventional political thriller into something far more intricate.

Alex’s Struggle for Independence: A Complex Father-Daughter Dynamic

Alex spends much of her adult life attempting to escape the shadow of her father. Midway through the season, she firmly asserts her identity as a congresswoman, declaring that she is not merely “daddy’s little girl.” However, Speaker Dreyer reminds her that both identities are equally valid and influential. My interpretation of Alex’s emotionally charged relationship with Robert reveals a deep-seated desire for approval and recognition. She seeks to differentiate herself from him, yet simultaneously yearns for his validation.

I believe there are numerous desires she believes she wants, alongside some deeper needs she might not fully comprehend. Primarily, Alex craves honesty from her family regarding her brother’s tragic death and a candid acknowledgment of their shared flaws. Unfortunately, she cannot expect that honesty from her parents, which leads to her ongoing frustration and emotional turmoil.

While not everyone can relate to being the daughter of a former president or growing up in the White House under intense scrutiny—an experience that is certainly unique—many can resonate with the universal theme of believing one knows better than their parents. Alex embodies this tragic flaw; she mistakenly assumes her understanding of the rapid news cycle and the influence of social media in politics grants her superior insight compared to her father. Yet, this perspective disregards the value of his experience and wisdom, ultimately leading her to make detrimental choices.

Exploring Alex’s Inner Turmoil: Crafting a Compelling Character Arc

Having all six scripts completed before filming began provided a clear pathway for Alex’s character development. I found it tempting to portray her as someone who harbors a secret, thinking that would be the most straightforward approach. However, I believe people are far more skilled at lying than we often recognize. Given the enormity of Alex’s secret, she would need to be a very convincing liar, which she indeed is. I’ll be curious to see if viewers can pick up on any subtle hints throughout the series.

I genuinely believe that her intentions are noble, and I can fully understand the outcomes she aims to achieve. However, I would not have pursued her goals in the same manner. Alex’s immaturity and sheltered upbringing impact her decisions. Even though she carries a significant secret that complicates her life, she remains steadfast in her belief in the cause she is fighting for, which adds layers to her character. While she is fighting for a seemingly just cause, her methods are questionable, ultimately complicating her journey and the narrative.

Capturing the Emotional Climax: Alex’s Confrontation with Her Father

The pivotal confrontation scene with her father in Episode 6 was incredibly intimidating. I was particularly anxious about this moment, repeatedly telling myself that if I could just get through that scene, I would feel a sense of relief. The shoot lasted the entire day, and it was exhausting; I often questioned whether we had successfully captured the intensity of the moment. It’s challenging for any actor to maintain such a high level of emotional depth for 12 hours. However, Bob (De Niro) was exceptionally generous, patient, and remarkable to work alongside. It was astonishing to witness his dedication to the craft, showcasing a level of generosity that is not always expected from someone of his caliber.

Reflecting on Your First Meeting with De Niro: Navigating Celebrity and Authenticity

Our initial meeting took place at his office, a truly remarkable setting filled with photographs and film stills from his extensive career, resembling a museum. Despite his immense status as Robert De Niro, he exuded kindness, warmth, and authenticity. It was clear that, beneath the iconic persona, his family remains his top priority, which greatly influenced his approach to life and work. I was indeed quite nervous to meet him, understanding the weight of his celebrity; living under such scrutiny must come with its own challenges. Yet, my focus was on appreciating him as a human being rather than a star. Knowing Jesse Plemons, who has collaborated with Bob numerous times, reassured me that he is a genuinely good person—and indeed, that was my experience.

Unpacking Alex and Roger’s Complicated Relationship: Love or Casual Connection?

The lengthy break we took during production provided a unique opportunity to explore the dynamics of Alex’s relationship with Roger. In discussions with Lesli, Jesse, Eric, and myself, we delved into how to portray this complex bond. Given the limited screen time, we faced the challenge of conveying the depth of their long-standing history. We aimed to infuse their shared scenes with moments that illustrated their intricate connection, as they had been intertwined for years.

We also reflected on the impact of Alex’s brother’s death, recognizing that Alex and Roger had likely spent significant time together, creating a close-knit bond. Losing Roger compounds the grief Alex already feels over her brother’s death. They were her support system, having grown up under the spotlight, experiencing the trials of adolescence together. Both characters grapple with their respective demons, including drugs and secrets, which fueled our discussions about their shared backstory. We endeavored to incorporate subtle references to their past in their scenes, enriching their relationship and adding layers of complexity.

Exploring the Aftermath of Roger’s Death: Alex’s Emotional Journey

At the point of Roger’s death, Alex’s world is beginning to unravel. The plan she was part of has spiraled out of control, and her only means of coping is to stay focused on her ultimate objective. The emotional weight of losing Roger becomes evident during her conversation with her father, where the truth finally surfaces. However, Alex lacks the capacity to adequately process her grief; she is too consumed by her mission. She neglects to allow herself the time to mourn, instead pushing forward and attempting to avoid confronting her feelings about Roger, her brother, and her role in the unfolding chaos.

The Caplanaissance: Embracing Diverse Roles Across Different Shows

I’ve never heard of the term “Caplanaissance” before! If I hear it from another person, I might start to believe it’s a real phenomenon rather than something you just coined on the spot.

Embracing Complex Characters: A Cultural Shift in Television

I believe you are correct in your observation. There has been a seismic shift in culture as well as in the television and film landscape. When I first started my career, the more unconventional characters were rarely the leads, and they