Brandon Jay McLaren Previews a 'Tough Season' For His 'Graceland' Character

We’re only a week away from the second season premiere of Graceland and we’re bringing you scoop straight from your favorite cast members all week long!

We sat down with star Brandon Jay McLaren during a recent trip to set in Fort Lauderdale where he opened up about a big decision Jakes makes this season, which leads him down a pretty dark path.

Brandon also gave us some scoop on his characters’ two – yes two – love interests, as well as where Jakes stands with everyone in the house. Check it:

Graceland returns on Wednesday, June 11 @ 10PM on USA!

JustJared.com: So what can you tell us about Jakes’ story in season two?

Brandon Jay McLaren: He starts out, without giving too much away, he actually starts out in a really great place. And I think that’s mainly attributed to the fact that he’s made a decision about how he wants to live his life and what’s important to him. But when you make plans, things rarely go your way and then he’s taking down quite hard and fast. It’s a tough season for Jakes. He’s not doing well.

JJ: Is it safe to say his relationship with his son Daniel won’t happen considering how Cassandra reacted last season?

BJM: It may or may not be related to him and his relationship with the people in the house. You know I can’t tell you that, come on (laughs). There’s a lot of components to it. It’s sort of a layered issue.

Click inside to read the rest of our interview with Brandon Jay McLaren…

JustJared.com Interview – Brandon Jay McLaren

JJ: What can you say about Jakes’ love life?

BJM: There is a love interest for Jakes. Maybe two.

JJ: Does it intertwine with his personal struggles or is that separate?

BJM: One of the love interests is directly involved with his personal [struggles] or becomes involved with it. The other one is going to be a slow burn. It may not be revealed until the last couple episodes of the season. We’re not in it yet. It’s just starting to develop.

JJ: He narrowly missed being taken down with Briggs. Is he having trouble trusting Briggs now or is that water under the bridge?

BJM: I think he feels that they’re even now. I don’t think he’s happy with him. I think he feels he went a little bit too far. It may put a strain on their relationship, temporarily at least.

JJ: Is the dark place Jakes goes to this season going to change him forever?

BJM: We’re shooting seven now, right? I don’t know what’s going to happen in the last half of the season. I really don’t know where Jakes is going to end up. I haven’t been told. I do know he will make some significant changes. And whether or not that leads him to the place he wants to go, that’s up for grabs.

JJ: Would you say Jakes is pulling away from everybody?

BJM: The character is in such a…he’s so all over the place this season, just desperately trying to find any place to ground himself that his opinion on the house change so fast based on this external thing that happens to him. So it’s hard to say. Like I said, I don’t know where he’s going to end up yet. I don’t have all that information, but thus far, it’s been a real roller coaster ride. It’s been fun to play. I’m really enjoying this season so far.

JJ: About the new roommate, how does Jakes feel about him?

BJM: Jakes is indifferent.

JJ: What about when Mike comes back? Does he welcome him with open arms?

BJM: The great thing about that, when Mike comes back, he comes back a different dude, which is really cool. I don’t want to speak for the house, but Mike’s a little different this time around. We butt heads a lot. It’s part territorial, part still feeling like he hasn’t paid his dues

JJ: What will people like about season two that’s different than season one?

BJM: The storytelling this season I think has ramped up a lot. It’s a little more non-linear and I feel like it’s a lot more interesting that way. It’s more of an ensemble. You’re really getting deep into all of these characters, while still having a through-line that ties everything together. I think there’s a lot this season that we’ve improved upon. I’m really excited for this season because the scripts so far have been outstanding.