I was originally — oh my gosh, I was supposed to go, like, Phoebe Bridgers blonde, almost like a silver blonde. I was excited because I’ve never gone blonde. I had a meeting with hair and makeup the day before my hair appointment. We chatted, and I showed up to the salon, ready for this big change. They’re like, “So, change of plans, hair and makeup saw your hair, and they just really don’t want it to get damaged because it’s gonna take so many rounds of bleach.”

So we ended up lightening it a tiny bit, but it stayed red, which was nice. I’m glad my hair didn’t get damaged, but it would have also been kind of cool.

TV: Agnes in the book has a more minor role. Was there a point when Jenny was like, “Your character is not going to be like in the book”?

ZDGM: Yeah, she said, “Take a look at the scene in the book.” I was like, “I already have [laughs].” She said, essentially, we’re gonna expand the character and dive into that friendship a little more.

TV: As these episodes are airing, it’s nice to see Conrad get support and honest feedback from someone who is his age and a bit separated from the situation. What do you think works about their relationship?

ZDGM: Not to use that word again, but there’s just an “ease.” I feel like Agnes is one of those people that might have less of a filter than some other people have. That’s probably exactly what Conrad needed at the time that they found each other.

I feel like my character’s purpose is that I finally give the audience a chance to get into Conrad’s head, because she’s able to open him up and and pull these things out of him. I see her as a bit of an unpaid therapist. He has an actual therapist, but…

We all have those people in our lives that just, for whatever reason, we feel very comfortable opening up to, and we can make fun of each other a little because we know that it’s all coming from a place of love.

TV: It is interesting that he tells Agnes how in love with Belly he was but he won’t tell his actual therapist what the deal is.

ZDGM: I feel like Agnes [has] created this very non-judgmental environment. That’s why she can kind of pick on him a little, because he knows that, at the end of the day, there’s a safe space and she is there with open arms and to accept him as he is. And I love that for him.

TV: I like that she makes a little joke about it in the next episode, after he opens up. That must make him feel it’s a little lighter to carry. If you can joke about how absurd it is, maybe that makes it easier.

ZDGM: Yeah, there is something about, you know, when you’ve been carrying something with you for a long time, it becomes this heavier and heavier thing. It just feels like this weight that you’ll never be able to shed. Then you finally tell somebody, and they can make a joke of it, and they hold space for that and let you know they still love you. It’s such a relief to feel that.

TV: When they have the scene with Dr. Namazy, and Conrad has made the mistake with the bloodwork, why do you think Agnes doesn’t try to step in or stand up for him?

ZDGM: I mean, ultimately, this is her life’s purpose and what she’s worked toward her whole life. And I think she’s very intimidated by Dr. Namazy, so that might be the one moment where she’s like, “My hands are tied.”

TV: That’s fair. Like her life’s purpose is not just being Conrad’s emotional support.

ZDGM: Exactly. She goes above and beyond for him in many ways, and she’s happy to, but yeah. Getting into medical school, I hear it takes a lot of work and determination, so…

TV: Agnes has this great line in episode two — “As long as you’re afraid to face [your emotions], they’ll run you and not the other way around.” How has that sentiment felt true in your own life?

ZDGM: There’s a lot of wisdom to that. I feel like I’m pretty good at checking in with myself. Maybe not as regularly as I should, but just being like, Okay, I’m feeling this way. I’ve been feeling this way for a long time. Clearly this isn’t just a fleeting emotion, it’s something that I need to face and address.