Colin Salmon plays
Peter Locke (episodes 5 & 6)
When research associate Peter Locke joins the team for their final
case it's clear there's more to this quiet, enigmatic and handsome expert
than first meets the eye.
Underneath his shy exterior he is as stubborn and determined as they
come, proving that appearances can be very deceptive.
"Peter has a quietly detached air about him, but that couldn't be further
from the truth," says Colin, best known as M's right-hand man in the
most recent Bond films.
"People may think from his manner that he's not paying attention or
he's lost interest. But in fact he's a keen observer preferring to watch
and listen before coming to any conclusions.
"His role is to create a safe environment for people to be able to
tell their story. He's almost a facilitator, a man with a quiet belief
who tries to keep out cynicism and desperately tries to stay neutral.
"He finds Craig's behaviour the hardest thing to tolerate, because
if there's tension within the unit how the hell can they expect people
to come in and share their most intimate and private secrets?
"If you dare to take that risk and talk about paranormal experiences,
then you are risking ridicule. Peter's job is to actually make sure
the needy are aware they can say anything and it will be taken seriously.
"Even though they annoy each other, I do like Locke's relationship
with Craig, who is a real terrier, and his irreverence and his energy
remind Locke of himself when he was young. And that's the beauty of
this team because none of them could solve these cases on their own.
They need each others qualities to fulfil their investigations."
And the tricks the paranormal can play on the mind is a subject that
interests Colin deeply.
"I have studied drama therapy and we worked in psychiatric hospitals
where people had sometimes, if you like, crossed over the boundaries.
Some call it madness and some call it the paranormal," says the Luton
born actor, who in his spare time is also a talented jazz trumpeter.
"I'm a real believer in this stuff and it doesn't have to be spooky
or scary. It can be everyday, like the fact my mother and I are very
psychologically connected in real life. Sometimes we know things about
each other without either of us having actually spoken about it.
"So I do get very puzzled by people's cynicism. I think you should
be sceptical, that's healthy, because that just means you're happy to
be persuaded and test the argument. But cynicism I don't understand.
It's just negative and dismissive."
It's been a busy few years for Colin who first found fame as authoritative
Sgt Robert Oswald in the acclaimed cop series Prime Suspect.
He has since made a name for himself across the pond with appearances
as Robinson in Bond flicks Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough
and Die Another Day. Plus movie roles in Resident Evil and Alien Vs
Predator.
And he isn't complaining about his burgeoning fame: "It's been good
for me over the last few years. I think people have realised I am a
decent actor, finally.
"As I get slightly older and long in the tooth I think the face
has become a bit more interesting. The eyes have got a bit more knowledge..."
And then of course there is his trademark deep voice: "I know, I've
worked hard to get that," he explains, laughing.
"That's all I ever wanted when I was a kid. I just wanted to be Paul
Robeson, mixed with Miles Davis and Duke Ellington - which I think is
a pretty cool combination."
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