Danielle Deadwyler and Phil Dunster Share Insights on the Return of [Spoiler] in Episode 6 of ‘Rooster’

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Rooster Episode 6, titled “Cop Hawk.”

The sixth episode of Rooster unveils complex developments for several characters, particularly as relationships deepen and tensions rise.

Steve Carell’s Greg Russo attempts to advance his connection with Annie Mumolo’s Cristle while uncovering the identity of her son. Concurrently, Danielle Deadwyler’s Dylan Shepherd confronts the return of Alan Ruck’s Dean Riggs, just as she begins to feel secure in her role as Interim Dean of Faculty.

“In discussing a villain, why should it be placed upon you?” Deadwyler remarked during an interview with co-star Phil Dunster prior to the show’s premiere.

Dunster chimed in with humor, saying, “I know, poor, misunderstood Archie.”

“That’s not it, man,” Deadwyler replied, adopting a British accent to emphasize that Riggs is a character to watch closely. “He is unrelenting, and this reflects the persistence of the old guard on campus, as these long-standing systems are being dismantled by curious and open minds.”

Professor Shepherd recently decorated her office with frames and a red lily plant when John C. McGinley’s Walter Mann entered with Riggs, who extinguished a cigarette in the soil of the plant.

“I feel this is a real strength of Bill and Matt’s writing, exploring topics boldly, exemplified by Alan Ruck’s character,” Dunster stated. “The narrative ventures into spaces that others might avoid. While it tackles naughty themes, it feels secure in its execution, allowing for thoughtful engagement without feeling fragile.”

At the end of the third episode, Riggs suffers a heart attack, which Dylan initially misinterprets as just a coughing fit. In Episode 5, Connie Britton’s Elizabeth Stoddard acknowledges Dylan’s new position, expressing enthusiasm for seeing a woman in leadership.

In the latest installment, Greg encourages Dylan to personalize her office space, a hopeful sign for their budding romance. Dylan shows interest in Greg from the very beginning, and their chemistry is highlighted when Katie (Charly Clive) jokingly advises Greg to hold onto a woman who shares his excitement about his new electric bike.

“She’s revealed her feelings about Greg, only to realize she can’t take it back,” Deadwyler explained. “Dylan is in a complex emotional landscape, feeling both lonely and invigorated in her new position while navigating her relationship with Greg and the dynamics with his family.”

As Episode 6 concludes, questions linger about whether Greg, who learns Cristle is Tommy’s (Maximo Salas) mother, will consider a relationship with Dylan. Another confrontation between Dylan and Riggs appears inevitable as the plot unfolds.

New episodes of Rooster arrive on HBO at 7 p.m. ET/PT every Sunday.