Instead, Arkin found Rollins to be “incredibly warm’’ and a colleague who approached his work with discipline.
Arkin has equally kind words about the cast that welcomed him to “Sons of Anarchy’’ despite his role as a big troublemaker. The series, now in its second season, airs Tuesday nights at 10.
He’s careful to correct a questioner who refers to the law-breaking motorcycle gang members as the drama’s heroes. “They’re not heroes; they’re the protagonists,’’ said Arkin, whose wide-ranging TV and film career includes the latest Coen brothers release, “A Serious Man.’’
Arkin’s interpretation of Ethan Zoebelle, his “Sons of Anarchy’’ character, emerged after discussions with series creator Kurt Sutter.
“We talked about my own ethnicity and the irony of having someone with a Jewish background playing a white separatist, nationalist character,’’ Arkin said.
He also felt that, as written, Zoebelle’s formal manner of speech implied he was European-born, and Arkin got Sutter’s OK to play him with a faint accent.
“Again, it’s an interesting irony. I felt here was this guy espousing how America had to get back to pure values and yet he himself was not from here,’’ Arkin said.
The idea of tackling a challenging part - and one that goes somewhat against the grain of previous work - was part of the appeal for Arkin. Which is not to say Zoebelle’s views are appealing.
“If it [the show] was glorifying white power and separatism . . . I wouldn’t be associated with it. But that’s not what the job of this show is, not what I’m trying to do,’’ Arkin said, a hint of impatience in his voice.
“He’s a fascinating character in a compelling story, and that’s what is interesting,’’ he said.
