The unthinkable occurred on Evil Season 4 Episode 10, and we had the chance to catch up with Christine Lahti to bring it all into perspective.
During our conversation, the powerhouse actress who brought Sheryl Luria to life on the Paramount+ series Evil reflected on her character’s wild journey.
From Sheryl’s sinister beginnings to her unexpected moments of redemption, Lahti shared insights into what made Sheryl one of the most compelling characters on the show.
Reflecting on the season, Lahti didn’t hold back her excitement and appreciation for the show’s writers.
“I think the writers wisely got the audience to really finally care about her in a way because she was so kind of evil and wild and crazy. And this season, she really tried to do the right thing and found she had remorse and redemption.”
It was a journey that had us all hooked, and Lahti’s portrayal made it impossible to look away.
Related: Evil Season 4 Episode 10 Review: The Unthinkable
Sheryl’s tumultuous relationship with Leland Townsend, played by Michael Emerson, has always been a central storyline.
When asked about balancing Sheryl’s conflicting sides, Lahti explained, “I think once Leland broke up with her… from that moment on, I think it was, ‘I will get power at whatever cost, and I will bring you down, you motherfucker.’”
Lahti’s dedication to crafting a backstory for Sheryl gave depth to her character. She imagined Sheryl’s past in the rock and roll world, hinting at a history of abuse and toxic relationships, which fueled her relentless pursuit of power.
Lahti’s chemistry with Michael Emerson was undeniable, making their on-screen tension all the more palpable.
“A complete and utter joy. He’s so fun to work with. And we improvise, and we play, and he’s completely game to try anything and such a dear, sweet man,” Lahti said, highlighting the collaborative spirit that brought their scenes to life.
Sheryl’s death scene was a gut-wrenching moment for fans, and Lahti herself found it deeply emotional. “I read the episode and wept. I was so sad. I was really just shocked and sad,” she revealed.
The decision to kill off Sheryl was a tough pill to swallow, but Lahti understood its place in the storytelling. “I realized finally that in a show called Evil, in a showdown between Sheryl and Leland, Leland was going to prevail ultimately.”
One of the most touching aspects of Sheryl’s arc was her relationship with her daughter, Kristen, played by Katja Herbers. The mother-daughter duo had a complicated relationship, but their final moments together provided a sense of closure.
“Filming it was really, really moving. And both Katja and I were sobbing and really grateful to have that moment of closure, I think, finally of love because there was so much love between them.”
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Lahti recounted that there was initially more dialogue in the scene, but it was cut down for realism. Despite the cuts, the emotion shone through. “I haven’t seen it, but filming it was really, really moving,” she said. “There might be some moment of reconciliation and love between them.”
We asked Lahti what Sheryl’s last words might have been had they made it to the final cut. “I am sorry. Please forgive me. I did my best,” she mused.
“All the things that you want on your deathbed that when you feel like you’ve done people wrong you want to somehow make amends and take responsibility and ultimately get, I guess, forgiveness.”
One of Lahti’s favorite scenes this season was in the confession booth with David, portrayed by Mike Colter. “She finally reached out for help, and I think all that guilt and remorse was starting to bubble up, and she couldn’t keep it down,” she explained.
For Sheryl, the confession was less about seeking divine forgiveness and more about gaining acceptance from David.
When discussing Sheryl’s ultimate fate and what she would have wanted for Leland, Lahti didn’t hesitate. “What she wants more than anything is that he is accountable and is kept away and put in jail for the rest of his life and kept away from my daughter and my granddaughters.”
As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Lahti felt a deep connection to her character, and the fans’ reactions had touched her. “It means the world that you cried a little at her death,” she said, genuinely moved by my unabashed empathy for Sheryl.
Christine Lahti’s portrayal of Sheryl Luria on Evil has been nothing short of extraordinary. She took a character that could have been a one-dimensional villain and turned her into someone with depth, vulnerability, and an undeniable spark.
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As we bid farewell to Sheryl, we’re left with a mix of sadness and gratitude for the unforgettable journey Lahti took us on.
With Evil behind her, we eagerly anticipate what Christine Lahti will do next.
One thing is for sure: whatever role she takes on, she will undoubtedly bring the same passion, intensity, and authenticity that made Sheryl a character we loved to hate and, eventually, just loved. Thank you, Christine, for bringing Sheryl to life and for an unforgettable four seasons on Evil.
