This season of Reasonable Doubt dives deeper into the dark and complicated sides of fame, trauma, and accountability — and actor Brandee Evans says stepping into those shadows was both a challenge and a gift.
Evans, best known for her breakout role as Mercedes on P-Valley, plays Monica, the manager of child star Ozzy, whose past holds disturbing secrets that unravel in the courtroom.
“When I first got the script, I just saw she’s going to be playing an agent,” Evans said. “But I know that Raamla Mohamed [ the show’s creator and executive producer] is way deeper than that. When I got to reading and finding out what’s happening, we are telling an important story. We are telling a story that a lot of people actually try to stray away from.”
To prepare, Evans dove into research. As a former high school English teacher, she reached out to educators and counselors she once worked with to understand the psychology behind her character’s choices.
“I couldn’t think, ‘what would ever make that okay?’” Evans said. “I have six nephews, and I think Monica needs to be locked up. But you don’t judge the character as an actor. So I had to figure out how to lock in to play this role so authentically, no matter how difficult it is, because we are telling the truth.
The Hulu drama doesn’t shy away from heavy subject matter — exploring how fame can blur moral lines and how society often overlooks the pain of young boys in the public eye.
“I hope we’re paying attention. I hope that we’re asking questions,” Evans said. “We always check on our girls, but we’ve got to check on our boys, too.”
Behind the camera, Evans said the experience was intense but deeply collaborative. She praised director Terry Vaughn for encouraging her to improvise a pivotal garage scene in Episode Six — a moment that ended up moving audiences and earning a standing ovation.
“The most challenging part was the subject matter. The most rewarding was getting to stretch as an artist,” she said. “It wasn’t fun to play, but it was necessary.”
Evans also credited Hulu and the production team for prioritizing mental health on set.
“With such heavy content, they made sure we were safe. There were therapists on set — that meant a lot,” she said. “It really felt like family. We’re all still in the group chat — me, McKinley Freeman, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Khalil Kain — everybody.”
As for the much-anticipated season finale, Evans teased plenty of twists.
“Drama, stress, laughter, tears, shock — just get ready,” she said with a laugh. “You’re not even gonna believe it.”
And while fans still associate her with her P-Valley alter ego, Evans said she’s grateful that Reasonable Doubt gave her the chance to show a different side of her artistry.
“Some people think I’m really Mercedes,” she joked. “But this role let people see another layer. Both women are complex, and I’m honored to tell their stories.”
The season finale of “Reasonable Doubt” streams on November 13 on Hulu.