Brian Tyree Henry on ‘Dope Thief’ Finale Twist & Meghan Markle’s ‘Delightful’ Show

by

Caution: This narrative reveals plot twists from the last episode of the miniseries “Dope Thief” named “Innocent People.” Proceed with care if you wish to avoid spoilers.

In the final episode of Peter Craig’s Apple TV+ series “Dope Thief” on Friday, Ray (Brian Tyree Henry) nearly achieves a satisfying conclusion. He locates the individual who has been pursuing him and his now-deceased friend Manny (Wagner Moura), whom they had unknowingly involved in a genuine drug cartel through their ruse as fake DEA agents throughout the season.

However, by then, Manny had succumbed to a heroin overdose, leaving an indelible mark on Ray’s life through the poor decisions he made and those forced upon him years ago. Now, barely managing to stay afloat and protect those dear to him, Ray finds solace in his unexpected alliance with DEA agent Mina (Marin Ireland). It was revealed that the adversary who targeted Ray and Manny was none other than a high-ranking DEA official, using his badge as a facade for his criminal activities.

Check out the interview conducted by EbMaster featuring Henry, both star and executive producer, as they delve into Ray’s decisions in the “Dope Thief” finale. Additionally, Henry shares insights about his current favorite television show, Meghan Markle’s “With Love, Meghan.

As the season has gone on, it’s become harder to tell if Ray is hallucinating the person after him, or if it’s all real and the people around him aren’t believing him. Was that by design?

Ray has experienced a type of madness, marked by a series of questionable decisions affecting both him and his mental state. For instance, despite being incarcerated, he’s encountered more dead bodies than most people would in similar circumstances. Granted, Ray has had his fair share of grief – remember the traumatic scene as a baby when he witnessed his mother overdosing, which was difficult for any young mind to comprehend? However, the loss of his girlfriend in a car accident, which he blames himself for, and the turmoil that followed with the move to Oxville, has only escalated the situation into chaos. It appears that Ray’s state is increasingly unstable due to this mania, compounded by the fact that he struggles with addiction and seeks solace in escapism.

I’ve been tossing and turning at night, barely getting any sleep, as days seem to blend together for me. It’s because I’m preoccupied with taking care of someone, sorting out some matters, then finding myself in Amish territory, then at a warehouse, and then tending to Shermie. The aim is to leave you puzzled about the passage of time; since the robbery or when I last had a good night’s sleep? This confusion mirrors my own state of chaos, helping you experience a sense of shared turmoil, if you will.

What was it like for you filming the final episode of this show about two best friends struggling to get out of this mess together following the death of Ray’s best friend, Manny, in the previous episode? How did you approach Ray alone?

Losing Manny proved to be one of the most challenging experiences for me, as my affection for Wagner runs deep. The thought of completing the show without him and his character felt incredibly tough, especially since I went out of my way to be present during his final scene where he overdoses. I remember sitting outside the prison cell, huddled on the floor with my hands clasped around my knees, knowing that this emotional moment was imminent. To help cope with the pain, I organized a party for him, as it was also his last appearance. I brought in lots of Brazilian cuisine, cakes, and balloons, even though he still bore the physical scars from his role. Despite his injuries, he radiated joy – one of the happiest individuals I’ve ever encountered. We wanted to keep the atmosphere celebratory, understanding that the absence of Manny would significantly alter Ray and leave a lasting impact on him.

It was clear that Ray’s situation was irreversible following that event, and it was the same for me – both emotionally and physically. After all, he is my friend, my confidant. I recall feeling hesitant, saying something like, “Peter, do we need to? I’m not sure this is the best path…” But Manny had to be the decisive factor to push Ray into a state of utter desperation and despair. It was difficult, and many are upset with me. Many are upset with me, but I comprehend their feelings because I felt the same way: I didn’t want to lose Manny. However, there is only one way for this story to conclude – they are running for their lives, and regrettably, losses occur on the journey.

In the finale, we learn that the man that has been tormenting Ray and Manny from the start, the head of this massive drug cartel, is in fact one of the highest up leaders in the DEA who has been around Ray and Son throughout the episode in different interrogation scenes. What was your reaction to the twist?

The performance was astounding since Peter orchestrated the final act, prompting me to glance at the screen, and exclaim something like: “You’ve managed to blur him just enough. You’re a master of manipulation, sir.” It’s mind-blowing when you’re dealing with a series that revolves around a mystery, trying to uncover the identity of this powerful figure. As we fit together the puzzle pieces to identify who’s in control and who’s pulling the strings, it hits you: they’ve been there all along. This adds an additional layer of suspense to the storytelling of Peter Craig, demonstrating his strategic thinking and how danger is always lurking and never too distant. Who would have thought that robbing a drug house would lead to the downfall of an entire cartel? Yet, this is precisely the story of Ray: he finds himself in situations that are remarkably coincidental. He planned for things to unfold one way, but they end up being something completely different, with far-reaching consequences.

The final line in the show is the exchange of “You’re clean” from Mina to Ray, as she wipes some food off his face in a parking lot, and his response is, “Hallelujah.” What was the greater significance of ending on that note?

On that particular day, we had exploded an RV. Marin’s reaction was unlike any I’ve witnessed before; her eyes radiated a mix of vulnerability and danger, both captivating and intimidating. After such an event, we casually drove up to grab a breakfast sandwich, trying to resume normalcy. However, my ability to eat was compromised, with ketchup stains on my beard. Marin, without being asked, gently wiped it off, showing compassion and care towards me.

Ray seemed to yearn for more than just freedom from the criminal life and its associated tragedies; he desired physical cleanliness as well, possibly symbolizing a fresh start. His sobriety might have been his rebirth, and “hallelujah” seemed to celebrate this new beginning. Throughout the series, Ray often used “hallelujah” ironically, but this time, I believe he genuinely expressed gratitude for surviving and making it through.

The final word we heard in the series was “hallelujah,” suggesting a sense of gratitude that Ray had survived and completed his journey, hinting at something new awaiting him. Yet, one can’t help but wonder what exactly that means.

It’s gotten out that you and your “Panic Carefully” co-star Elizabeth Olsen became very invested in watching Meghan Markle’s “With Love, Meghan” Netflix series while you were filming together in London. I’m told the Duchess of Sussex sent you a care package as a thank you when she heard?

She indeed did! She sent me and Elizabeth Olsen thoughtfully packed boxes as always, filled with delightful surprises. The attention to detail in her work is not lost on me at all. I began my day with a refreshing hibiscus tea that she provided, and I think there may have been a beautifully handwritten note inside the box. Let me tell you, those jams are exceptional! They’re truly top-notch. And of course, there were sprinkles of edible flowers, which I find myself being extra careful with, as I want to use them in the right way. I don’t want to simply put it on fries; I want to find the perfect application for them. But rest assured, I will continue to support this woman. She has discovered her passion, and it shows. In short, it’s a joyful experience. It’s truly kind of her to do that, and when I returned from London and saw this, I couldn’t wait to call Elizabeth and ask if she had received her box too! We are both deeply appreciative, and it’s quite exciting.

With “Dope Thief” over, the next handful of your projects coming up are films. Do you plan on coming back to TV again after those? Maybe in a series regular role?

Absolutely, I’ll return to TV. There’s no greater joy for me than knowing I can simultaneously be present in multiple homes – I enjoy being a bit disruptive. However, it must be the appropriate role, as I’ve been through some rough situations on screen, and I truly yearn for love. Now that I’ve established myself, I find myself desiring to portray romantic aspects. It doesn’t have to be sappy or cliché; it could still involve some drama, or even a serial killer seeking affection. But I feel that love should be subtly woven into the storyline somehow. This isn’t a departure from TV. Television holds a significant, special place in my heart, but it needs to be the right opportunity.

This interview has been edited and condensed.

Read More

2025-04-26 00:47