A traumatized veteran reveals the tragic death of his best friend and the psychological toll of his service in Iraq. As he recounts the unsolved murder and his subsequent mental health struggles, a detective begins to suspect there is more to his story than a chance encounter.
MARK: You OK?
ANDY: Yeh - thanks. Sorry about that. Not supposed to drink - but you got to haven’t you …?
LANE: Are you on medication …?
ANDY: Ever since Iraq. [He straightens up, emptying his pockets of pills onto the table] No - the first lot! Ninety One. Mind you me head was a mess back then. Best mate got killed just before I went. Don’t you want to hear…
Format: Scene · Genre: Crime Drama · Source: New Tricks · Author: Roy Mitchell · Characters: Andy, Lane, Mark
This compelling scene, titled "Andy Merrill's Ghosts" from the TV series New Tricks, features a disturbed, character in his 30s-40s, Andy, grappling with deeply ingrained trauma. He candidly shares the tragic story of his best friend's unsolved murder and the profound psychological impact of his military service in Iraq, revealing a man haunted by his past. As he recounts these distressing events to two other individuals, one character, a detective, begins to sense a deeper, perhaps more sinister, layer to Andy's narrative, hinting at an impending investigative journey.
Andy is a complex, vulnerable, and gritty individual, embodying the "working class" archetype. His character is defined by the profound scars of PTSD and significant mental health struggles, direct consequences of his war experiences and the unresolved grief of his friend's death. He exhibits signs of emotional instability, using alcohol and medication to cope with the "ghosts" that continuously torment him. This performance requires an actor to delve into the depths of a traumatized veteran, showcasing both his fragility and the buried intensity of his unresolved anger and sorrow.
This scene is an excellent choice for auditions as it offers a richly detailed character with significant emotional depth and a clear arc of revelation. It provides ample opportunity for an actor to demonstrate a wide range of emotions, from vulnerability and despair to a simmering anger and perhaps a hint of something more unsettling. The contemporary setting and crime drama genre also make it highly relevant for current industry trends, and its length of approximately 2:30 minutes is ideal for showcasing an actor's ability to sustain a captivating performance.
"Andy Merrill's Ghosts" is particularly well-suited for male actors in their 30s-40s, especially those looking to portray "detective," "vulnerable," or "gritty" casting types. It's an excellent piece for actors who can convey deep emotional distress and the lingering effects of trauma, fitting perfectly for showcasing a "character actor" who can embody a complex, psychologically disturbed individual. This scene is versatile and ideal for self-tapes, agent-showcases, or general practice, offering a substantial dramatic challenge.
When approaching this scene, focus on Andy's internal struggle and the weight of his memories. Allow the emotion to build organically as he recounts his story, rather than playing it all at once; the "revealing" tone suggests a gradual unveiling of his pain. Pay close attention to the physical manifestations of his trauma, such as his initial posture and his interaction with the pills, which can subtly communicate his fragile state. Remember that while he is disturbed, there's also a deep sense of tragedy and a yearning to be heard, even if his story becomes increasingly unsettling to his listeners.