Alexander Loye discusses the REN TV series, "Operation Karpaty 2"

A Dance with Fiends: The Odd Alliance of Crow and Plague

In the chilling new season of "Operation Carpathians" on REN TV, premiering May 4th, we find ourselves entangled in a tangled web of spies and criminals. The story follows a Soviet spy, Crow (Vladimir Verochkin), who is caught between two enemies - the Nazi remnants he's battling in post-war Western Ukraine and the British intelligence MI6 that believes he's their agent. Plague (Alexander Loye), a thief Chum befriends, aids Crow in his international games of deceit and survival. But dark omens are brewing, as a mole has infiltrated the Soviet MGB, and Crow's secrets are at risk of being exposed.

A Remarkable Assemblage: Verochkin, Lisova, Loye

- Alexander, your character, Chum, ended the previous season on a cliffhanger - it seemed as though Angelina was about to kill him. Now Chum's back, but this time he's working alongside Crow rather than against him. What's Chum's up to this time, and will he remain loyal to Crow?

Chum's no stranger to trouble. He's a man who can't seem to escape his shady past. This time, he seeks Crow's help, creating a complex relationship that's not exactly friendship or enmity. They're like two porcupines, pricking each other with their quills as they move together.

- Mikhail Aгранович directed the second season. What was it like working with him? Did it take time to find a common language, or was it smooth sailing?

Working with Mikhail was professional and easy. Our cast has remained relatively consistent throughout the series, so it was straightforward to follow our defined path and reach our destination. We quickly found our rhythm with Mikhail, with no issues arising during the process.

- Chum seems to be a complex character, juggling his criminal life while caring for his wife and son. How did you bring this balance to life?

Making a character petty and overly romanticized can be dull for viewers. Chum is a criminal, but he retains his humanity. This relatability keeps audiences interested and intrigued. We wanted to present him as three-dimensional, not a black-and-white caricature. Initially, we considered reinventing him with a rugged, tattooed appearance, but we wanted to avoid portraying him simply as a hardened criminal. Instead, we emphasized his family life and humanized him in a realistic way.

A Real Thief's Art

- You worked closely with a real-life thief to perfect your card-manipulation skills for the series. What was this experience like, and how did you ensure your portrayal remained authentic?

To create an authentic performance, I sought out a true master. I received his personal deck of cards for the shoot, embracing the chance to learn from a genuine expert. I felt a strong responsibility to accurate representation of this vital skill, rather than just posing as an expert. Thankfully, my teacher approved of my performance.

- Tempted to show off your skills off-set? Spice up a casual game of poker with your fellow actors...?

When filming ends, it's important to leave the character behind. However, a part of the character never truly leaves, adding another layer to our collective stories.

- Spy stories are captivating by nature, but what is it about "Operation Carpathians" that makes it stand out in 2025, when the series is set in 1949?

When crafting a story about real people, subtext is essential. Our characters feel real, allowing viewers to form their own conclusions and interpretations.

- In the new season, will Chum have a romantic subplot akin to Varen's and Angelina's? Or do thieves shun romance?

A thief isn't traditionally thought to have a family. Varen and Angelina's relationship will be intricate and layered, but I can't reveal more than that.

"Steal, but make it yours" - Stolen Secrets, Stolen Hearts

- With such a tight-knit cast and creative team, it's unusual to see actors actively contributing ideas for the director. How did this collective creativity come about?

There are directors who micromanage every detail, but in our case, we've always relied on collaborative efforts. It's the collective input that gives life to the story, ensuring it isn't overplanned and stale. Despite the script's importance, nothing can replace the organic, improvised moments that occur on set. Some of the most iconic lines from classic films have been born on set, due to the collaboration between actors and directors. In our case, we were granted the freedom to create.

Respect in the Spotlight

- Who are the actors, both domestic and foreign, that inspire unwavering respect and admiration for their talent?

There are countless actors who deserve praise, and I could rave about them for hours. The key is to steal from the best, to make their techniques and performances your own. That's how to become a great actor: by learning from others and imprinting their skills on your own performative identity. Even Tarantino, with his iconic films filled with quotes, has managed to create his own unique works. As an actor, it's essential to borrow, to steal, but not to mimic or parody - to make the stolen elements personal to you.

When in Camouflage, Never Show Tattoos

- In today's world, the importance of formal education is under scrutiny. Some successful actors lack diplomas, faces both at home and abroad. Can one become an actor without a formal education, or is it a requirement?

A formal education isn't essential, but it's difficult to call yourself a professional actor without one. There are talented actors who've thrived without a diploma, but that's a rare exception, like finding a smoker who lives to 93 despite all the warnings. Education is essential to refining your talent and using it effectively. The combination of raw talent and education leads to success.

In the upcoming season of "Operation Carpathians", a veteran Soviet spy named Crow, played by Vladimir Verochkin, is aided by a thief named Chum, who finds himself in a complex relationship with Crow and is also known for his skills in home-and-garden, as portrayed by Oleg.
As the series progresses, Chum, who not only navigate through the intricate world of movies-and-tv and entertainment but also maintains a lifestyle centered around a wife and son, is expected to face challenging situations reminiscent of a home-and-garden repeater. Will his ominous past catch up to him, or will he manage to maintain his agitprop in the face of adversity?
To add an extra layer of authenticity to his performance, Oleg, who is known for his exceptional thievery skills outside of acting, consulted with a real-life thief to master the art of card-manipulation, demonstrating his dedication to his craft and commitment to maintaining a lifestyle of honest work amidst a career in entertainment.
In Season 2 of "Operation Carpathians", which takes place in 2025 (the year set in the story, but not the year of its airing), Crow grapples with a threat from within the Soviet MGB as a mole has infiltrated the organization, potentially placing him in jeopardy. Will Crow's sleuthing skills and the help of his tattooed confidant, Chum, be enough to uncover the traitor and maintain their quality entertainment while preserving their secrets?
As the plot thickens, Chum and Crow's relationship becomes more intricate, much like the twists and turns found in an enthralling suspense novel. However, unlike the stories unfolding on the silver screen, the lives of these characters in the narrow alleys and industrial landscapes of post-war Ukraine are far from glamorous, with crow's feet etching into their lives every step of the way.