Siobhan Thompson Discusses Jaysohn's Near-Death Experience in Burrow's End & Fantasy High: Junior Year

Article Overview

Jaysohn's near-death experience in the latest episode of Dimension 20 was intense, but he didn't seem to fully grasp the concept of his own mortality.

Siobhan Thompson, the actor portraying Jaysohn, places complete trust in the GM and stays adaptable, avoiding the formulation of particular strategies in hazardous situations.

Despite Jaysohn's character evolving and fostering friendships over the course of the season, they consistently uphold their self-assurance and refrain from excessively pondering the sociopolitical consequences of their newfound community.

In the latest installment of Dimension 20, titled Burrow's End, viewers are taken on a poignant journey with a family of stoats who must relocate after their habitat is decimated by toxic fumes. Wandering through the treacherous Blue Forest, they encounter newfound perils and develop extraordinary powers through continued exposure to the enigmatic Blue substance. Although their newfound abode initially appears secure, doubt hangs in the air as they question the integrity of their society and their plans to confront the inevitable return of their greatest threat: humans.

This compelling narrative is spearheaded by the talented Aabria Iyengar, who resumes her role as the Game Master. Joining her are esteemed Dimension 20 veterans Brennan Lee Mulligan, Siobhan Thompson, Erika Ishii, and Isabella Roland, as well as newcomers Jasper Cartwright and Rashawn Nadine Scott. Drawing inspiration from beloved classics such as The Secret of Nimh and Watership Down, Burrow's End offers a gripping exploration of the dome's darker side, permeated with enigma and heartrending tragedy.

Siobhan Thompson Talks Dimension 20: Burrow's End

Our website had the opportunity to interview Siobhan Thompson regarding the latest installment of the Dimension 20 series, Burrow's End. During the interview, Thompson shared insights on Jaysohn's journey throughout the season, including the perilous circumstances he faced. Additionally, she provided a tantalizing glimpse into Adaine's character development in Fantasy High: Junior Year. Thompson expressed her desire to revisit various Dimension 20 worlds and shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming live shows.

Our website: This was an intense episode for Jaysohn.

Siobhan Thompson: Yes. Yeah, you're going to have to remind me slightly of what happened, because I have not finished the episode yet.

This is when Jaysohn almost dies.

Siobhan Thompson: Oh, yeah. Look, listen. Do you think he'll remember that tomorrow? No, absolutely not.

Siobhan Thompson was extremely anxious when Jaysohn began sprinting towards the Blue. The outcome of whether he would succeed or fail, and ultimately face death, weighed heavily on her mind. Jaysohn, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the concept of mortality, which extended to both children and adults alike. There are individuals like Jaysohn who possess an inherent desire to engage in risky activities, such as willingly hurling themselves off cliffs purely for enjoyment. Although perplexing to Siobhan, she couldn't deny that these individuals appeared to be genuinely enjoying themselves. In fact, she even expressed her aspirations to be reborn as someone who thrived on intense physical dangers without any rational motive. Such a life seemed remarkably fulfilling.

No thoughts, just run and see what happens.

Siobhan Thompson: No thoughts, just vibes. I almost died, isn't that the coolest thing you've ever heard?

Siobhan Thompson: No, I didn't have any plans. I wish I could strategize more like a chess player. I do that in other roles, especially as a spellcaster, where I have to think ahead mathematically. For instance, if I use a third-level spell now, I won't have one available in two hours. But when you're just running around and attacking, you have to rely on your instincts, jump in, hit, and smash, and trust that your Dungeon Master has your back and everything will work out. I have so much trust in Aabria that I was like, well, if I die, I die, and we'll figure it out.

I really adore that. Jasper's luck with the dice finally improved, preventing that unfortunate outcome, and everything worked out in the end.

Siobhan Thompson: Bless his heart. He was incredibly thrilled about landing that job. Both him and Rashawn cried tears of joy on the first day of shooting because they were so excited to be a part of D20. However, throughout the entire time, Jasper consistently rolled terribly. It has been quite amusing since I enjoy teasing Jasper in a lighthearted manner, but he truly deserved a victory. It felt like he absolutely needed to come out on top at this moment.

We've also seen Jaysohn grow a lot the last few episodes with a lot of really big intense experiences happening in such a short amount of time.

Siobhan Thompson: Yes, he made friends.

Yeah, he made friends.

Siobhan Thompson: Decided he didn't like that friend that much, but then his friend is just kind of there.

That was great. Just immediately, I kidnapped a child. I don't like this one.

Siobhan Thompson expressed her dislike for this option and suggested finding an alternative before swiftly departing. I really enjoyed that. Could you share some insights about Jaysohn? One fascinating aspect of education was how he quickly transitioned into his teenage years.

Siobhan Thompson reflected on the topic of education and shared a personal anecdote. She recalled a childhood acquaintance, who was a genuinely kind and pleasant person, but had attended a free-spirited school in the woods. Surprisingly, his parents then enrolled him in the strict Catholic school that Siobhan herself attended. This institution had a rigid code of conduct, with students required to wear blazers and ties, address teachers as sir or miss, and stand when a teacher entered the room. It had somewhat of a military-like structure, even though it wasn't a military school. On his first day at the new school, this acquaintance wandered around aimlessly before approaching a teacher and boldly requesting a Coke. The audacity of his request quickly became legendary within the school, leaving everyone astonished.

I loved experiencing that with Jaysohn. It perfectly captured the vibe.

Siobhan Thompson: That was exactly the energy I wanted to portray. It's like this kid had never been to school or had friends before. It's a strange mix of being genuinely excited to make friends, but also thinking that being friends means being the leader of the group. At the same time, they feel like they don't need anyone because they already see themselves as great. It's a peculiar combination of defensive insecurity and genuine self-confidence.

Jaysohn has some of the highest self-esteem I think I've seen in a character.

Siobhan Thompson: Yes.

But weirdly, can simultaneously not back it up, but also kind of does.

Siobhan Thompson: Indeed, Jaysohn possesses a clear understanding of his strengths and weaknesses. He acknowledges that his sister surpasses him in intelligence and recognizes the specific talents of other family members. However, he confidently identifies his own exceptional skill set, which he deems as the utmost significance.

This approach suits him perfectly.

What are Jaysohn's thoughts on the Last Bast and the recent activities of the new stoats, such as their weapon development and the establishment of a society involving thousands of other stoats?

Siobhan Thompson believes that Jaysohn is not giving much thought to the situation. She perceives him as a child who is adaptable and able to go with the flow. While he may not like certain aspects of their current living conditions, his discontent is not rooted in socio-political issues. Rather, it is more of a comparison to their previous living situation, which was not much better. For Jaysohn, the inconvenience of the lights staying on while they try to sleep is a reminder that their current military compound lifestyle is not as luxurious as he had anticipated. However, Siobhan believes that if Jaysohn were alone without his family, he would easily assimilate and adapt because he is a resilient child who knows how to make the best out of challenging circumstances. In her opinion, Jaysohn lacks the drive to initiate any change if he were to be on his own.

Siobhan wonders if it is Lila's and Tula's suspicions that are influencing Jaysohn's attitude.

Siobhan Thompson: Absolutely. Although he isn't typically inclined to be suspicious, he heavily relies on the opinions of his mother and sister, both of whom possess a natural inclination towards suspicion. If Lila or his mother express concerns or hesitation about something being strange, he readily believes them.

Indeed. In a prior episode, Jaysohn and Lila unintentionally revealed their secret when they began questioning the involvement of a stoat in weapon development. In response, their mother had to explain the potential dangers, emphasizing the risks of challenging them and the possibility of losing their lives. Is Jaysohn now more concerned, or does he still maintain an indifferent attitude?

Siobhan Thompson: I find the word "worry" to be complex because, although he may be more alert or cautious, he doesn't fully comprehend the reason behind it. He simply follows my mom's suggestion that we should be worried. However, he doesn't engage in forward-thinking or critical analysis about the possibilities of "if" or "when." Jaysohn is a straightforward person with basic desires.

Jaysohn is completely supportive of the idea that we're a group of stoats, and he has no doubt that we can successfully eliminate humans. This question doesn't even arise for him.

Siobhan Thompson: Absolutely! Jaysohn would be thrilled to eliminate a human. Seriously, no joke. It would be incredibly awesome. Absolutely cool. However, no deep thoughts, just positive vibes.

I adore this character. Analyzing it is undeniably challenging.

Siobhan Thompson highlights that playing him is enjoyable because he remains authentic without any facade or hidden agenda. He lacks the skill of deception since he has never attempted it, resulting in a hilariously inept liar.

Siobhan Thompson believes that if he has something to hide, he tends to avoid the situation because he knows that his lies will be exposed quickly. Therefore, he simply waits for the attention to shift away from him.

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He doesn't consider the possibility of a larger conspiracy behind our discovery of the wolf skull and human skull. He simply remains unfazed and confident that we will find a solution.

Siobhan Thompson: The fight continues beyond this episode and carries over to the next one, which is a significant and eventful installment.

It feels like that is true every single episode-

Siobhan Thompson: That is true, yes. It is action packed. There's a lot of stuff, but it really is ramping up from here.

I had no doubt in my mind that Jaysohn was going to meet his demise based on the editing.

The way they edit it, and having Jasper roll, I was like, oh.

Siobhan Thompson: Oh, no.

I was pleased to see that he survived and immediately suffered some harm from being saved. It was a perfect moment.

Siobhan Thompson: It felt accurate. However, he manages to pick himself up and continue as if he hadn't just died. This was an incredibly enjoyable experience. I adore puzzles and battles that have additional elements at play. There's a sense of intrigue and familiarity, perhaps. Rick Perry and his team have once again exceeded expectations. What else can you say? They're exceptional at what they do.

Jaysohn likely has thoughts about Viola and Thorn becoming parents in the future, particularly after the incident where he and Lila playfully scared Thorn. It seems that Jaysohn is quite excited about the idea, perhaps even seeing it as an opportunity to educate Thorn about the realities of having a baby with his aunt. Although Jaysohn's actions may have been a form of initiation, it's important to note that Thorn is quite sensitive, and both Jaysohn and Lila are the type of children who challenge boundaries and explore inefficiencies.

Indeed, I can clearly perceive that. I am genuinely fond of the fact that Jaysohn has meticulously planned this concept, as there exists a rationale behind subjecting him to torment. This situation is perfectly acceptable.

Siobhan Thompson: Yeah, he reminds me of numerous inadequate substitute teachers we had who were around 22 or 23 years old. They made you feel like the worst 12-year-old ever. Personally, I don't recall being the one bullying these young teachers, although I didn't intervene either. I was just a child finding it amusing.

Yeah, it seems like I shared a similar experience.

Siobhan Thompson: Yeah. There's no way to do anything about it. If I suggest stopping the bullying of the teacher, the bullies just... They realize that they can also bully me, so it's great for them - they're now bullying a teacher, which means they're not bullying me for a moment. Fantastic.

Has there been a specific non-player character (NPC) in Burrow's End that has stood out to you so far? Aabria has introduced so many amazing ones, one after another.

Siobhan Thompson: Yeah, I mean, I love... God, I'm so bad with names. What's the name of the teenage girl? Sybil?

Yes.

Siobhan Thompson: I have a deep admiration for Sybil. It reminds me of the special bond I had with my older cousin or sister who also acted as a fun babysitter. There's something pure about a child's admiration for someone slightly older, who deigns to engage with them and is perceived as cool. This is the type of hero worship that I cherish the most. It's enjoyable to experience that feeling once again. As adults, we may be conditioned not to openly express this admiration. However, there have been moments in my adult life when I've thought, "That person is so cool, and they're talking to me!" But as a child, you can freely vocalize these thoughts without it seeming strange.

In this episode, Erika had a rather insane moment. They abruptly entered a war room meeting and attempted to get involved.

Siobhan Thompson: Why? Oh God, Erika Ishii's portrayal of a character with three charisma in this show is unparalleled. Watching it is truly agonizing yet perfectly captures the essence of an oblivious grandmother, completely fixated on finding a husband for her daughter.

It was an incredibly enjoyable experience. I can't even fathom sitting through it.

Siobhan Thompson: The whole idea of wanting to be a writer and reaching out to Aaron Sorkin, it's like, why not give him a call? But realistically, I don't have his contact information and I highly doubt he would appreciate a random phone call from me. That's just not how things work.

Yet somehow, they actually show up at his house and it all falls into place. I find it fascinating. It looks like you seamlessly transitioned from Burrow's End to Fantasy High: Junior Year. Jaysohn and Adaine are such contrasting characters, so what was the most enjoyable aspect of that shift?

Siobhan Thompson expresses her excitement about reprising the role, mentioning that her character has overcome many challenges. Without revealing any spoilers, she highlights the joy of portraying this character and mentions that in the current season, the character is in a better state. In Junior Year, Adaine's mindset aligns somewhat closer to Jaysohn's, with a slight shift where she isn't overanalyzing everything and her anxiety is reduced. This enables her to engage with others in a healthier manner.

I'm pleased to know that because Adaine truly deserves it.

Siobhan Thompson: Absolutely. As we enter this season, I personally believe that Adaine has come to terms with many of her issues. What excites me is the opportunity to witness her self-discovery without carrying that weight. Let's discover the true essence of Adaine, free from all the nonsense.

Are there any other Dimension 20 worlds that you would be excited to revisit? It could be because you really enjoy that particular world or because you believe there is more to explore with your character.

Siobhan Thompson: Starstruck is a world that I always have a fondness for and would love to revisit. We have discussed various ideas, and one concept we find intriguing is exploring an Unsleeping City set in a different city. We only have the opportunity to do one or maybe two of these projects a year, and considering the vast number of different worlds available, it's a tough decision. Additionally, I really enjoy creating something completely new. So, I'm not entirely sure, but those are my top two choices, I believe.

Siobhan Thompson expressed her envy for not having the opportunity to create A Court of Fey & Flowers in the Dimension 20 space. Being from Bath, which resembles Austin in various aspects, she feels a strong connection to that genre. She believes that a comedy of manners or a similar genre would be incredibly enjoyable to explore in the future. However, what truly makes the experience special for her is the opportunity to collaborate with the talented individuals she gets to work with.

I find certain stories, worlds, and genres enjoyable. However, what truly excites me the most is being able to collaborate and engage with the people I play with. It's a wonderful feeling to trust and be trusted by everyone involved. This is what I cherish the most.

By the way, it seems like we should have a second season of A Court of Fey and Flowers, so you can further explore that world.

Siobhan Thompson eagerly pleads, "Yes, I implore you. Please."

As we enter the 20th season of Dimension 20, what excites you about the upcoming seasons? This can include the ones already recorded, such as Fantasy High: Junior Year, or even the unexplored storylines that may be in the works.

Siobhan Thompson: I haven't filmed anything since my junior year. I've heard rumors about a side quest that was done afterwards, and let me tell you, all the rumors are the most absurd and ridiculous things I've ever heard. So get ready for some truly dumb content. If you thought previous seasons of Dimension 20 were silly, brace yourself, because this is next level.

I'm thrilled that we'll be touring in the UK in April. I can't wait to show everyone around and treat them to some delicious food. Although we won't be visiting my hometown, I feel like we should go back there someday, especially to explore the West Country. That's something I'm really excited about. We haven't made any concrete plans yet, but it's definitely on the horizon for all of us.

Siobhan Thompson: The energy and excitement of performing Dimension 20 in front of a live audience surpasses anything else. It serves as a powerful reminder of the show's popularity and the genuine connection we have with our fans. Online engagements, although convenient, can often feel artificial. However, having experienced numerous sketch and improv shows in small, intimate venues where we had to prove ourselves to a skeptical crowd, the overwhelming roar of enthusiasm when we step onto the stage is an affirmation that resonates deeply.

I can distinguish between an enthusiastic audience and a disinterested one. It helps me appreciate the work, the fans, and the sheer excitement of being able to do what we do. It still astonishes me that this show has achieved such success, considering that, ultimately, it's just a group of people who genuinely love each other playing D&D. The fact that people enjoy watching that is absolutely mind-blowing to me. I mean, I thoroughly enjoy every moment of it, but... I don't know if you've ever attempted to explain your profession to your parents.

Yeah.

Siobhan Thompson: Very confused, deeply confused. Getting to meet people in person is a great reminder of, oh right, yeah, this is a real job. This is a thing that people like.

I absolutely love Dimension 20 and always recommend it to my friends, who also become instantly hooked. Trust me, it has a huge fan base. Now, going back to Burrow's End, can you give us a hint of what's to come? As you mentioned, it's action-packed. Will we witness Jaysohn's near-death experiences again?

Siobhan Thompson: No comment. But I can tell you, the fights are about to begin. Words can't even begin to describe how intense things get from this point onward. It's absolutely insane. Truck makes a return, and there are some references to previous events, as well as some foreshadowing. There are fights, tragedies, and even moments of comedy. Jaysohn is just thrilled to be a part of it all.

I don't know how you guys have made the season so funny with how horrifying each new reveal is. It's very impressive.

Siobhan Thompson: You have to, otherwise we're just sitting there crying.

That's true. That's fair

Siobhan Thompson: Defense mechanism. It's fully a defense mechanism.

Thank you for your time. I wanted to express my love for Dimension 20 and specifically Burrow's End. Jaysohn is my favorite character, but I'm constantly worried that he might meet his demise, especially now that he's immortal and fearless.

Siobhan Thompson: Embrace the fear and take action, just like Jaysohn does.

About Dimension 20: Burrow's End

Explore our collection of exclusive interviews from Dimension 20 Burrow's End, taking you into the enchanting realm of the Blue Forest. Join the resilient stoat family, led by matriarch Ava, alongside her daughters Tula and Viola, Viola's husband Thorn Vale, and Tula's children Jaysohn and Lila, as they confront not only the perils of nature but also unexpected obstacles. Don't miss out on these compelling interviews!

Aabria Iyengar

Siobhan Thompson

Brennan Lee Mulligan

Erika Ishii

Jasper Cartwright

New episodes of Dimension 20's Burrow's End debut on Dropout every Wednesday.

Editor's P/S

Siobhan Thompson's discussion of Jaysohn's near-death experience in Dimension 20: Burrow's End was both insightful and entertaining. Her perspective as the actor portraying Jaysohn provided a unique lens through which to view the intense events of the episode.

I found it particularly interesting that Jaysohn didn't seem to fully grasp the concept of his own mortality. This is in contrast to Siobhan, who was extremely anxious when Jaysohn began sprinting towards the Blue. This difference in perspective highlights the importance of trust in the Game Master and the ability to stay adaptable in hazardous situations.

Overall, I think Siobhan's discussion of Jaysohn's near-death experience was a valuable addition to the conversation surrounding Dimension 20: Burrow's End. It provided insight into the thought process of an actor in a high-stakes situation and highlighted the importance of trust and adaptability in role-playing games.