Meriwether: I didn’t think I could find somebody that’s as weird as I am.
Q. Did you do finessing of this character specifically to tailor to Zooey?
Meriwether: Actually, I remember the first time that she came in, she read with the guys and the feeling in the room was “this is a perfect match of character and actress.’’
Deschanel: I thought when I read it, “I, obviously, need to play this part. This is me.’’ I mean, not actually me, but it is a part of me, a secret part.
Q. Zooey’s character is very emotional in the pilot. Does therapy play into the show?
Meriwether: She has a really positive take on the world, actually.
Deschanel: I think she’s someone who expresses her emotions all the time. She’s very much herself, and she’s almost too in touch with her emotions, which I think is a really great contrast with the other characters. I think that a lot of the comedy comes out of that juxtaposition.
Q. How much sexual tension will remain as the show goes on?
Deschanel: So much sexual tension - I can barely even contain it.
Meriwether: I think that’s implicit and I think we do want to explore that. Personally as a TV fan, I love those sort of story lines. I always hook into them. I think that we’re going to go there in the future for sure.
Q. As a film actress you’ve played a variety of characters, are you concerned about playing just one for a while?
Deschanel: When I read this script I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a part that was as charming and exciting and made me think. I think this opportunity became really appealing to me because the material’s so great. I have so much fun. The thought of doing it for a long time is actually really exciting to me. If there’s any character I want to play forever and ever and ever, it’s this one, so I’m psyched. High five, Liz!
Meriwether: Aw, I’m going to cry.
Interview was edited and condensed. Sarah Rodman can be reached at srodman@globe.com.
