Unveiling the Mastermind Behind Crafting a Morally Ambiguous Lead Character for Primetime Television

Article Overview

Found is a crime-drama series on NBC that follows Gabi Mosely, a public relations specialist who focuses on finding missing persons overlooked by law enforcement.

Nkechi Okoro Carroll, the mastermind behind Found, aimed to illuminate the discrepancy in missing persons cases and draw focus towards those who are frequently overlooked, particularly individuals from marginalized communities.

The show delves into intricate characters with their unique imperfections and past traumas, such as Gabi and her cadre at Mosley & Associates.

Stream Found on Peacock now, with new episodes airing Tuesdays at 10pm ET on NBC. This procedural follows Gabi Mosely, a PR specialist on a quest to find missing persons who have been overlooked by law enforcement. However, her unconventional methods have a darker side. Having been a kidnapping victim herself, Gabi holds her abductor captive and offers him necessities in exchange for his help solving cases.

Nkechi Okoro Carroll is the creator and showrunner of Found for NBC. Okoro Carroll has an impressive resume as an executive producer and writer, with notable work on projects like All American, The Resident, and Bones. Leading the cast of Found is Shanola Hampton as Gabi, joined by Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Kelli Williams, Brett Dalton, Gabrielle Walsh, Arlen Escarpeta, and Karan Oberoi.

Nkechi Okoro Carroll Talks Found

Nkechi Okoro Carroll was interviewed on our website regarding her creation of a character that deviates from the usual network TV prototype, and her aspiration for Found to spark broader discussions on missing persons cases.

Nkechi Okoro Carroll: The conception of Gabi's backstory was greatly inspired by the disparities and the manner in which missing individuals are searched for in real life. Some names are widely recognized and rightfully receive attention, but there are others that deserve equal recognition, yet remain unknown. My intention is not to divert attention from one group to another, but rather to foster awareness and vigilance for all missing individuals worldwide. I commonly refer to them as the Forgotten Ones.

The individuals who go unnoticed by the media tend to come from marginalized communities or societal groups that hold certain preconceived notions about them. Whether it's their occupation or struggles with addiction, these individuals often face neglect. Personally, I wanted to find a way to use my laptop to spark a meaningful conversation and inspire others to pay closer attention to these issues in real life.

This is what led me to the concept of Found. During my research on the factors contributing to this inequality, I pondered whether people in this field hired public relations officers. Who were the independent workers striving to make a difference, aside from law enforcement and lawyers? These inquiries ultimately inspired the creation of Gabi Mosely, a character who was once abducted as a teenager and spent a year in captivity. Having felt unnoticed, she took it upon herself to ensure that no one else would suffer the same fate. Gabi is a determined woman with a clear mission, but of course, she's not without her flaws. [Laughs]

I found this storyline to be incredibly refreshing and bold, particularly when it came to choosing our protagonist. Were there any concerns or challenges you faced in creating a main character who could be considered an antagonist in certain aspects?

Nkechi Okoro Carroll: I definitely had worries, mainly about whether or not this character would be allowed on network TV. I thought maybe cable would be more fitting, but I genuinely love the fast-paced nature and procedural elements of network TV. My goal was always to have a network TV show with a character that didn't necessarily conform to the traditional model. That was my only concern; it was never about whether or not she was the right character. I just wondered if anyone would allow me to put her on network TV. I am grateful to NBC for giving me that opportunity.

None of us are perfect. While Gabi's actions may be more extreme, we tend to idolize certain individuals as heroes. However, when they make mistakes or fail, we are quick to judge them harshly, as if they are not human and incapable of flaws. Gabi represents an extreme version of this phenomenon. Initially, we may have seen her as the epitome of successful healing following trauma, but by the end of the first episode, it becomes clear that her healing has not gone as planned, and her unchecked trauma has taken control. This inner turmoil leads her to believe that it is justifiable to hold another person captive if it aids in solving her cases promptly and if it helps save lives.

Gabi firmly believes that the ends always justify the means, a topic often discussed in our writers' room. There is seemingly no limit to how far she is willing to go to save a life. However, as the series progresses and she is able to help reunite missing individuals with their families, she begins to experience a form of healing that she had previously been lacking before starting Mosley & Associates. Now she faces a dilemma. A terrible act committed in her darkest moment lives in her basement, while she continues to heal through her work. She questions whether she is becoming the very monster she hunts each week, and if she is capable of being better. How can she correct this wrongdoing? These are the struggles Gabi grapples with as the season unfolds.

Each member of Gabi's team has a unique background that has shaped their present circumstances. In one particular episode, Dhan appears to express a sense of superiority towards Zeke due to his inability to overcome agoraphobia. Can you elaborate on the significance of this storyline to you?

Nkechi Okoro Carroll: Let's discuss the incredible cast of this show, which includes Arlen Escarpeta, Karan Oberoi, Gabrielle Walsh, and the amazing Kelli Williams. It's unbelievable that Kelli agreed to be a part of this project. I grew up watching her on The Practice and have so much love for her. This cast is truly outstanding. They brought depth and complexity to the characters I worked so hard to develop. My intention was to showcase a non-traditional family on television, highlighting their imperfections and humanity.

I wanted people to understand that despite their flaws, insecurities, and past traumas, these characters found a way to make a positive impact on the world. Karan, in particular, took his role as Dhan to new heights. He not only embodies the strength of the group but also serves as Gabi's conscience. He has a tender side alongside his more aggressive nature, always willing to fight for answers. And then there's Zeke, whose past experiences have left him unable to trust the outside world. The mere act of stepping out his front door is a daunting task for him.

The beauty of the friendship between Dhan and Zeke lies in their ability to work together and open up to each other. This friendship empowers Zeke and brings out a softer side in Dhan. A remarkable aspect of their relationship is that they do not judge each other's traumas or the healing process. Instead, their friendship serves as a constant reminder for both of them to keep moving forward. The actors truly shine in their roles, effortlessly handling every challenge thrown at them. It's a truly remarkable sight.

Being a fan of network TV, I love witnessing the evolution and surprises in characters and relationships from week to week. Although we are still in the early stages, I am curious if there are any dynamics or duos that you would like to see explored further in the future.

Nkechi Okoro Carroll acknowledges the ongoing nature of the show and the constant presence of new cases both in real life and on the show. She highlights the unique dynamic at Mosley & Associates, where Trent, although technically a cop, relates more to his friends at the firm. The shared experience of dealing with missing person cases creates a common bond among the characters. This bond allows for exploration of non-traditional dynamics this season, with hopes for future success and more planned for the future. The talented group of actors excites the writers' room, as it opens up endless possibilities for pairing them up and playing with different dynamics in scenes.

Nkechi Okoro Carroll: Our inspiration comes from a mix of real-life cases and the generosity of our fellow writers and crew. We take real cases and put our own twist on them, while also incorporating the stories and experiences shared with us by those who were inspired by our show. The result is a creative gumbo of ideas that comes together to shape the cases and characters we see on Found.

There would be instances in the writers' room where we would creatively brainstorm and devise the plot, fully convinced that our ideas would never be approved or occur in reality. Surprisingly, the following day, our writers would come in and reveal their research findings: the scenario had indeed transpired in a specific country. Regardless of how boundary-pushing our concepts seemed at first, there was always a corresponding real-life event to draw inspiration from.

About Found

Every year in the United States, over 600,000 individuals are reported missing. Shockingly, more than half of these cases involve people of color, a segment of society that often goes unnoticed. Addressing this dire issue, a public relations expert — who herself was once a forgotten individual — and her team specializing in crisis management have taken on the responsibility of vigilantly seeking justice for these overlooked missing persons. Little do they know, this dedicated champion conceals a bone-chilling secret of her own.

Check out our interview with Found producing director Nikhil Paniz, as well.

Found airs Tuesdays at 10pm ET on NBC and is available to stream the next day on Peacock.

Source: Our website Plus

Editor's P/S

Nkechi Okoro Carroll, the mastermind behind Found, has crafted a morally ambiguous lead character that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Gabi Mosely, played by Shanola Hampton, is a public relations specialist who focuses on finding missing persons overlooked by law enforcement. However, Gabi's methods are unconventional and she has a dark secret: she holds her abductor captive and offers him necessities in exchange for his help solving cases.

Carroll's decision to create a morally ambiguous protagonist was a bold one, but it is one that pays off. Gabi is a complex and flawed character who is both relatable and fascinating. She is a survivor who has turned her trauma into a force for good, but she is also capable of great darkness. This complexity keeps viewers hooked, as they are constantly trying to figure out what Gabi will do next.