‘Warehouse 13’ Reveals Secrets at Comic Con

Warehouse 13 is a quirky, fun-loving show about two government agents assigned to retrieve and protect mysterious artifacts which are stored in a massive underground secret warehouse. Created by David Simpkins and Jane Espenson, the show debuted just a few weeks ago to the 3rd highest ratings in Syfy history. Being a new show, the creators and cast were a bit nervous about their reception by the fans at Comic-Con. But as the room erupted with loud applause and cheers, the looks of trepidation vanished, replaced by broad smiles beamed back at the audience. This was the moment they were all waiting for. Ratings are only cold, hard numbers. Being so enthusiastically greeted by the most hard-core and discerning sci-fi fans on the planet was the validation the creators and cast were looking for.

Onstage at the panel were David Simpkins (creator/writer), Eddie McClintock (“Pete”), Joanne Kelly (“Myka”), Saul Rubinek (“Artie”), Allison Scagliotti (“Claudia”) and Jack Kenny (producer). Each looked elated at their warm reception.

David Simpkins and Jack Kenny were quick to attribute much of their success to the support of the network and the widespread publicity and promotional campaign that Syfy launched over a year ago. This saturation of advertising primed the waiting audience and they not only tuned in for the premiere episode, but they have been coming back in droves and inviting their friends and family to watch as well.

Another secret of their success is attributed to the phenomenal chemistry of the series leads, played by Eddie McClintock and Joanne Kelly. In one of the cutest casting stories, Joanne and Eddie recounted the grueling audition process they endured before landing their hard-fought for and plum roles on Warehouse 13. Apparently, it was during their 7th or 8th call back and it was down to them and another actor and actress. After completely botching this final audition, Eddie was sitting in the outside hallway having a freak-out attack and happened to see one of the show’s producers come out and put his arm around the competition. Joanne, seeing Eddie’s acute panic attack, came over to comfort him. It was during that 30 minutes of her rallying his spirits and confidence that Joanne and Eddie bonded to such a strong degree that when they were called in to test together for the first time, their electric chemistry was apparent from the start. They both admittedly blew their lines and lost their concentration, and thought they had lost the job forever. But because of their instant bonding and willingness to stick up for each and work through their mistakes, the producers saw the magic that makes a television series work — these were two people who liked each other and were willing to work together no matter how bad it got. It was instinctive and just the secret ingredient what the producers were looking for, showing that they would help each other through thick and thin — which would be essential for the key core relationship between their lead characters and which the executive producers and network suits knew they needed to launch a pivotal new sci-fi show. It is perhaps the most unusual way to get a job: have a near break-down and blow the audition. But it worked and now the audience is reaping the benefit of seeing these two special people portray the dynamic onscreen duo of Myka and Pete, Secret Service agents recruited for the special assignment of protecting the world from mystical objects that can harm as much as they can do amazing things.

Having done the impossible and found two actors to bring the series to life, David Simpkins set about fleshing out the design of the warehouse and artifacts that would make up the realm in which Warehouse 13 exists — and in case you were wondering, all those artifacts are real, not just some CGI illusion. Each is lovingly crafted and uniquely designed by their props department who from the first decided that each artifact should be as intricate and special as they were supposed to represent. During the panel, each of the cast admitted that they found the artifacts irresistible and had actually taken the time to playing with all the fun “toys” that fill both Artie’s office and the warehouse. And who could blame them? If you were surrounded by all those beautiful and amazing things, you’d probably be tempted to play with them too!

The artifacts themselves are supposed to represent items that were intimately connected with their inventor and the writers wanted each object to have an impact on the characters in interesting ways. One such example was the Lucretia Borgia comb in the pilot which was used to represent “lost love”, which Myka closely identified with because of the recent loss of her lover.

Extra special care and thought is put into each and every artifact, as both David Simpkins and Jack Kelly confessed to relying heavily on Google and Wikipedia to research the types of object they are interested in to find out its history and potential effects and myths associated with it. In an upcoming episode, they will introduce a Samurai sword which can split light. It represents the warrior ethic and will work to split up the relationships amongst the characters. David and Jack stated that they strive to find objects they can have fun with and yet which resonate with each character in their past, present and future.

Being a “Treasure Island” kind of show, the series will focus on adventure, discovery, mysteries, and the dark side of beautiful things.

Also revealed at the panel is the introduction of a new character, Claudia, who is played by Allison Scagliotti, that will provide a new foil for Artie to bounce his ideas off of since she is both a computer whiz and irrepressibly curious teenager. Little does Artie know though that she has a secret agenda to track down her missing brother. Both Allison and Saul Rubinek were quick to share how much they have enjoyed working together and are happy to be able to play in Artie’s “toy box” with all the artifacts. Looking down the road, Artie will begin to mentor Claudia and it will provide him a chance to grow a bit more into the adult he needs to be. He will be a teacher and father-figure, which is something Claudia desperately needs in her life. It will also keep Artie from playing puppet-master in Pete and Myka’s lives, so that they too can continue to grow and get to know each other.

As for whether there will be a romantic relationship sparking between Pete and Myka, Eddie and Joanne were quick to reassure the fans that they are happy to let their characters get to know one another first as friends and partners. That relationship is much more interesting for them and they are anxious to allow things to develop at a more natural pace. Though Eddie did share that because his co-star is “super hot,” he is not adverse to the idea of a romantic entanglement between their characters. (Joanne then laughingly elbowed him for making such an outrageous comment, but did not deny it.)

Hinting at upcoming episodes, it was revealed that two regulars from “Eureka’ would be making an appearance. Look for Neil Grayson and Erica Cerra in future episodes this season, as well as a recurring role for Mark Sheppard as one of the mysterious Regents. He will play Mrs. Frederick’s boss. And watch to find out what Artie’s secret it. It’s a doozy.

Warehouse 13 airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Syfy.