“Marshals”’ Ash Santos Breaks Down Andrea’s Difficult Finale Decision and How She’s Involved in Season 2 (Exclusive)

Title: Ash Santos Discusses Andrea’s Journey Ahead in *Marshals* Season 2

As the first season of CBS’s *Marshals* came to an emotional conclusion on May 24, viewers were left grappling with the fates of the characters, particularly Andrea, portrayed by Ash Santos. In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, Santos reflects on the dramatic finale and teases the challenges her character will face in the upcoming second season.

In the finale, Andrea stands at a significant crossroads, having finally accepted a coveted job in Washington D.C. However, her achievement is shadowed by uncertainty. Santos shares that the character experiences “a lot of doubt” following her big decision, emphasising the internal conflict that arises when one attains their long-desired goal. “It’s that thing of, when you finally get what you’ve been wanting, do you still want it?” the 32-year-old actress muses.

Andrea’s tumultuous journey in season one included a harrowing kidnapping and the tragic loss of her love interest, Garrett, played by Riley Green. Santos empathises with her character, noting the numerous challenges Andrea has faced. “As much as she tries to make it seem like she’s not really fazed, there’s a lot she’s going through,” Santos adds. The actress indicates that Andrea’s love for Montana complicates her decision to move on, suggesting that emotional ties linger beyond career ambitions.

Santos hints at significant character development in the forthcoming season, stating, “We’ll really start to see the cracks in her.” While she cannot reveal precise plot details, she affirms Andrea’s unwavering care for her team, hinting at a transformation that contrasts with how the audience first came to know her.

For Santos, playing Andrea has been a dream come true. “It’s been a big blessing in my life,” she reveals, crediting the role as a significant milestone in her career. With aspirations to star in a Taylor Sheridan production, Santos felt an instant connection to Andrea during the audition process, noting, “It was one of those opportunities that doesn’t come around very often.”

Santos shares a personal connection with her character, as both hail from the Bronx, and she notes that her father’s career as a police officer has influenced her portrayal. She expresses pride in being direct and unflinching, traits she feels resonate with Andrea. “We’re both kind of underdogs. People underestimate us,” she observes.

Despite her performance in an action-packed role, Santos admits to being taken aback by the physical demands required of her. “I didn’t know that I’d be as good at it as I am,” she confesses. The actress recently underwent an intensive week-long military training boot camp in Utah, designed to prepare her for the series’ action scenes. She excitedly discusses the addition of skilled professionals to the fight coordination team, which includes a former Green Beret and a Navy SEAL, indicating that the training is rigorous and closely mirrors real-life military preparation.

Alongside the demanding physical training, Santos expresses the joy and camaraderie shared among cast members. “We get yelled at sometimes because we’re laughing too much,” she says, describing the fun atmosphere on set with co-stars Arielle Kebbel, Logan Marshall-Green, and Tatanka Means. She playfully points out that Luke Grimes, who reprises his role as Kayce Dutton, contrasts sharply with his serious character, bringing a light-hearted dynamic to their interactions.

Off-screen, Santos and Grimes have encountered curiosity about the romantic dynamics between their characters. Santos reveals that she was initially unaware of any romantic undertones until her co-star Arielle pointed it out during a test. She appreciates the subtle storytelling approach taken by showrunner Spencer Hudnut that keeps audiences guessing. “It hints at things but then at times doesn’t,” she explains. “So it leaves you guessing, which is more exciting to me than the obvious.”

When asked about the potential for a romantic future between Andrea and Kayce, Santos remains coy. “Oh, I don’t know. I think there’s so much happening,” she remarks, suggesting that the plot twists are full of surprises for viewers. “So much is being cooked up that we’ll just have to see,” she adds, hinting at unexpected developments on the horizon.

The anticipation leading into *Marshals* season two is high, particularly after the season one finale, which is currently available for streaming on Paramount+. As fans await the next chapter for Andrea and the rest of the cast, Santos’s reflections suggest that the storytelling will delve deeper into both personal and professional turmoil, assuring an engaging continuation of Andrea’s complex journey.