'the forgotten' Set Visit & Cast Interviews

According to Project EDAN (Everyone Deserves A Name), there are approximately 40,000 unidentified people who've been found dead in the U.S. A new John and Jane Doe drama, 'the forgotten' (Tuesdays, 10PM ET on ABC), follows a team of volunteers that attempts to put names to those faces and cases.

After visiting the set of 'the forgotten' on Stage 21 on the Warner Bros. lot in L.A., I got a better sense of the sets -- from Tyler's artist's loft to Lindsey's beautiful home and the industrial police precinct. But I also got the chance to talk to the stars, including Christian Slater, who already shared with us how happy he is to be part of an ensemble, unlike his last blink-and-it-was-cancelled drama 'My Own Worst Enemy.'

"It's not a me show," Slater reiterates with a smile, "it's really a we show." He also admitted that this part is closer to him than any character he's ever played, a fact that the entire cast echoed since their characters aren't superheroes or cops -- they're just everyday people, donating their time to help solve mysteries.

Keep reading to get all the highlights from the set, including who's the funniest, the most painful part of the job, how the show is helping to bring awareness to this issue and -- network tie-in alert! -- the cast's big plans for 'Dancing With the Stars.'According to Project EDAN (Everyone Deserves A Name), there are approximately 40,000 unidentified people who've been found dead in the U.S. A new John and Jane Doe drama, 'the forgotten' (Tuesdays, 10PM ET on ABC), follows a team of volunteers that attempts to put names to those faces and cases.

After visiting the set of 'the forgotten' on Stage 21 on the Warner Bros. lot in L.A., I got a better sense of the sets -- from Tyler's artist's loft to Lindsey's beautiful home and the industrial police precinct. But I also got the chance to talk to the stars, including Christian Slater, who already shared with us how happy he is to be part of an ensemble, unlike his last blink-and-it-was-cancelled drama 'My Own Worst Enemy.'

"It's not a me show," Slater reiterates with a smile, "it's really a we show." He also admitted that this part is closer to him than any character he's ever played, a fact that the entire cast echoed since their characters aren't superheroes or cops -- they're just everyday people, donating their time to help solve mysteries.

Keep reading to get all the highlights from the set, including who's the funniest, the most painful part of the job, how the show is helping to bring awareness to this issue and -- network tie-in alert! -- the cast's big plans for 'Dancing With the Stars.'

What's In a Name?
"In the pilot, Candace says, 'What's the first thing you get in this world? A name. And you should have it when you leave.' I think that's true," Slater, who plays Alex Donovan, says. "These were human beings who had a story and a real life. I think it's a noble cause, and the fact that there are actually people that do this for real, I can't help but admire and have a great deal of respect for them."

Keeping Their Cool
Since the show is set in Chicago, but shoots in L.A., the actors have to bundle up for outdoor shoots, even in the hot California sun. So how do they stay cool? "We put Icy Hot patches all over our bodies to trick them in the heat," admits Michelle Borth, who plays Candace.

Next of Kin
The motivation is different for each character, but for Slater, it's simple: "I'm certainly curious to know where my daughter is -- I think that's something always in the back of my mind. That'd be something I'd love for the writers to come up with, and for Alex to get some questions answered as to where she is. Eventually that will certainly be a mystery that we'll start delving deeper and deeper into."

John Doe Database
In preparation, the cast met with Todd Matthews, the director of Project EDAN. "They've solved 14 cases -- he's actually been a part of solving 14 cases," says Borth. And Bob Stephenson, who plays Walter, adds: "He's actually working with the Department of Justice to make a whole database of Does. They've never had one."

Method Acting
You'll notice that when the group all comes together to work at Lindsey's perfectly decorated house, they tend to gather around her dining room table, where we ended up chatting. But the cast admits it's not all that comfortable -- the crew has had to put padding around the prominent table legs. "Did you feel the pads? Our knees are all black and blue. Those pained looks ... it's all because of this table," laughs Stephenson.

Personal Connections
The episode they were shooting the day I stopped by was "Canine John," which is a big episode for Borth: "In this episode, there's a place where the body is found that is particularly special to me, so the idea of someone getting murdered there really bothers me."

Super Veggies
Heather Stephens, who plays Lindsey Drake, has crazy amounts of energy, even after working long hours and baking cupcakes for a crew member's birthday. Her secret: kale. "It's sort of like my caffeine ... or maybe more like cocaine a little bit. I get a little insane!" Her costars agree. "She needs a little fix," laughed Carrigan.

Funny Business
So who's the biggest joker on set? Bob Stephenson is the funny one, they all agree, but Christian Slater is known to try to crack people up: "Christian's got this thing where he likes to laugh during our coverage," Borth says. "He likes to try to make us giggle."

On Demand
"Tyler is an artist," explains Anthony Carrigan. "He's really, really good ... which is great because this is the first part where I can actually show my skills as an artist. [Laughs] But he has to be part of the group because of community service." Something tells us he'll hang around even after his hours are done.

Going 'Dancing'?
Don't be surprised if you see the cast of 'the forgotten' at 'Dancing With the Stars' this season. Christian Slater admitted that he's a huge fan of the show ("I'm hoping for Donny Osmond this year!"), then admitted dancing isn't really his thing: "I'm more like the guy in that movie 'Best in Show' with the two left feet. [Laughs]" The rest of the cast seemed totally game for making it a BYOB party at a taping.