‘The Jetty’ Star Jenna Coleman on Ember’s Murky Past and That Shocking Twist: ‘The Ending Used to be Extremely Different’

As a huge fan of Jenna Coleman and her acting abilities, I was absolutely captivated by her performance in “The Jetty.” The twist at the end, where she confesses to killing Amy, left me in a state of shock and awe. It was fascinating to learn that there were actually multiple endings filmed for this series, and Jenna herself mentioned that the ending was initially very different.

Warning: The following story reveals significant plot points from “The Jetty,” currently available to stream on iPlayer in the U.K. Please proceed with caution if you have not yet watched the program.

In the latest BBC production titled “The Jetty,” Jenna Coleman stars as Detective Ember Manning. Her current investigation, which involves the abuse of a teenager, leads her to an old unsolved case concerning Amy Knightly, who went missing decades ago. As Ember delves deeper into this mystery, she comes to terms with a personal link to it.

In a thrilling four-part series, showrunner Cat Jones guides viewers through the turbulent past and present of Ember, an investigative podcaster. Her own family gets entangled in the case as well. (The production company behind this series is Firebird Pictures, a subsidiary of BBC Studios).

After the conclusion of the show, Coleman had a conversation with EbMaster about Ember’s revelation, Amy’s involvement, and the possibility of Detective Manning reappearing to tackle another case.

As a seasoned fan of crime dramas who has watched countless series unfold, I can’t help but be intrigued by the shocking ending of this particular show. Ember’s confession that Arj had killed Amy left me stunned. But as I ponder over this twist, I can’t help but wonder: was this the intended conclusion all along or could there have been an alternate ending where Ember admitted her guilt?

As a seasoned TV writer with years of experience under my belt, I can tell you that the creative process of crafting a television show is a complex and intriguing journey. When I received the script for a new project from the showrunner Cat Jones and exec producer Liz Kilgarriff, it was an exciting yet challenging prospect.

What was the other version like?

Instead of directly speaking, she allowed the detectives to make assumptions that she didn’t contradict. The written record showed her having said the words in question, but in reality, they may not have been hers exactly as stated. It’s a complex situation with no clear-cut responses.

Do you remember which version you filmed first?

As someone who has spent years working in the chaotic world of film production, I can tell you that things don’t always go as planned. In fact, one of the most memorable days on set was when we were supposed to shoot a crucial scene but were unexpectedly derailed by a falling ceiling.

“Wow, it seems you weren’t given the chance to ponder deeply over Ember’s outcome before being thrust into a vital situation.”

Sure thing!

Ember’s unease is noticeable, almost as if she might reconsider and confess later. However, as Caitlin explains to her, truth and fairness don’t always align. So, what would be the purpose?

As a devoted cinephile, I can relate to the sense of uncertainty and lack of finality that sometimes lingers in a film’s narrative. It’s not that everything is neatly tied up with a bow, but rather, the story continues to unfold, leaving room for interpretation and introspection. For Ember, this unresolved nature might be an ongoing journey, a testament to the complexities of life and human emotions.

As a woman who has closely followed the development of this show, I find the intriguing twist of having a female character like Ember being the perpetrator of male violence and abuse quite thought-provoking. This choice adds a unique layer to the narrative and challenges our expectations, which is always an exciting aspect of storytelling for me.

Yeah, I’m trying to remember what the initial premise was. Like I said, the initial ending was different – it was something to do with Caitlin. The part of the show there that appealed to me in particular was the theme of trauma and subconscious and burying your subconscious and bringing it all back. I mean, everything is really heavily read all the way back to like, water and the drinking and the secrets and then Ember not being able to see herself very clearly, because it’s been so deeply, deeply buried. I think that was a very interesting side of the story – what your brain can do, what your memory can do to suppress. Throughout the series, you can feel for Ember the mist is getting clearer and clearer and the flashbacks are getting stronger and stronger. I think Cat never wanted it to be a simple, you know, ‘Men are bad, women are good.’ I think that would have been a terrible version of the show. I’d be very interested in the audience’s response to that.

I understand your perspective on Amy’s behavior in the show being questionable despite her being a victim herself, and the possibility of her grooming or even abusing Caitlin. For me, it’s not as clear-cut as labeling Amy as a perfect victim. Instead, I believe that the complexities of her character make it essential to consider both her experiences and actions. What are your thoughts on Amy’s motivations and intentions towards Caitlin?

In my opinion, among everyone, Amy seems the most confident and sexually liberated based on her exterior. However, I strongly believe this facade hides vulnerability. Acting out the scripts and embodying Ember’s character places one in a complicated position, filled with ambiguous boundaries.

One review describes the show as a “post-#MeToo” thriller. Do you see it that way?

In my perspective, this text comes across as more of an analysis and exploration rather than a straightforward statement. It seems that the scenes depicted in the text, which were significant 2-3 decades ago, continue to resonate with current issues. The complexity and intricacy of the subject matter are appealing to me, as it invites introspection and contemplation – essential elements for compelling drama. When I engaged with this text, it prompted me to delve deeper into my own thoughts, and I hope that the audience will experience a similar introspective journey.

Is there a possibility of Ember investigating another puzzle in the future? Would you be open to reprising your role for a second season?

As a voracious reader and avid viewer of various forms of media, I have come across countless characters that have left a profound impact on me. Among them is this extraordinary woman whose depth and complexity left me utterly captivated. Her portrayal in the series felt so richly textured and authentic, as if she had been fleshed out over a lifetime.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

2024-07-19 13:17

‘The Jetty’ Star Jenna Coleman on Ember’s Murky Past and That Shocking Twist: ‘The Ending Used to be Extremely Different’

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