Leverage: Redemption star Beth Riesgraf has shared her insights regarding the return of Tara, a character that holds significant relevance for Parker. Tara, portrayed by Jeri Ryan, originally had a recurring role in the earlier Leverage series and made her comeback in Leverage: Redemption Season 3, Episode 5. In this episode, she aims to steal the same watch targeted by Parker and Interpol agent Astrid. The reintroduction of this character is poised to influence not only Parker but several key relationships within the series.
In a recent conversation with ScreenRant’s Grant Hermanns, Riesgraf elaborated on how Tara’s return enriches the familial dynamics between the characters, particularly impacting Sophie and Parker in varied ways. She commended Ryan’s performance and deep understanding of the show’s essence, noting that Tara’s comeback injects important energy and action into the narrative. Riesgraf emphasized the genuine affection that exists between Parker and Tara, suggesting that Parker sees Tara as a sister-like figure.
“It’s one of the greatest things to see her just slide right in, kick a lot of a–, give us that smile that she has, and those blue eyes, and you’re just like, ‘I love you so much!’. I have so much love for her as a human being, that the second we see each other, we just grab and scream and laugh and have fun. And then, you get into the a—kicking part, which it’s just like, ‘Boom.’ That scene partner energy just clicks right back in. She didn’t skip a beat.
She comes in, she literally kicks a–, and then she goes home. That’s who Jeri is, Jeri’s a total bada–, but also kind and generous and fun, and another person who’s just down to play and go there with us, and knows the character backstories, and so effortlessly you get that in her subtext. And the scenes between her and Aleyse as Breanna are so amazing in the way Aleyse chose to play those moments. It was just so fun.
That’s the thing I love about our show is you can have these characters who’ve been there forever, and then you introduce a new dynamic like that. It just brought this whole other world, and sparked so many ideas. I’m like, “Oh, you could do a whole episode with just Breanna running a con with her. You can see a new path here, and it would be so funny, and action-packed, and all the things.”So, yeah, she’s awesome.
I think that there’s a real love between the two characters. As much as Parker could say she feels like she has a sister, Tara is like that to her. Sophie, I would say, is more maternal in some ways, but Parker feels very protective over Sophie in that way, and then with Tara, it’s almost more like the best friend you get in trouble with.
Someone she has total trust and faith and love for, like a sister you get in trouble with. [Chuckles] It’s hard to say, because I could also say that about Sophie and Parker in their situations too, right? But I think just the depth of the emotional journey with Sophie has been so different, and the loss of Nate and everything that she’s been through with her, she has such a fierce protection of Sophie, in a way.
Maybe even sees her vulnerabilities, so while Sophie is not afraid to kick some butt too, Parker hasn’t seen Tara’s vulnerabilities in her life journey the way she has with Sophie. So, it’s going to bring out a different dynamic. And I think it’s more of that like ‘sister you’d get in trouble by, but I’d also kill someone for you’ thing. [Chuckles].”
Implications of Tara’s Return for Parker’s Season 3 Development
Tara’s Role in Shaping Parker’s Journey
Parker navigates a complex web of relationships throughout the series, and Season 3 of Leverage: Redemption is particularly focused on her character. Having endured a challenging childhood in the foster system, Parker regards the team as her chosen family—one that Tara significantly enhances. As highlighted by Riesgraf, Tara embodies the archetype of a cool older sister or adventurous friend, infusing fun and spontaneity into Parker’s otherwise structured life.
This connection allows Parker to embrace her more playful side, which is vital for her personal development and emotional healing.
Analysis of Parker and Tara’s Unique Bond
Tara as Parker’s Catalyst for Growth
Parker is characterized by her loyalty and practicality, but her traumatic experiences have left her somewhat guarded, even around her adoptive family. This is where Tara becomes a significant influence, serving as a catalyst that helps her relax and embrace her more whimsical side. Tara’s presence in Parker’s life is a transformational one, encouraging her to step away from her usual reservations and engage more fully with her surroundings.
Anticipation is high among fans for Tara’s continued involvement in the series, especially in the potential future of Leverage: Redemption, as the chemistry between her and Parker presents numerous opportunities for deeper storytelling.