Alexander Loye discusses the television series "Operation Karpaty 2" airing on REN TV.

Let's face it: Crow and Plague ain't pals, but they sure as hell need each other. And it's a laughable thought to call 'em friends.

Starting May 4th, you can catch the second season of the heart-pounding series "Operation Carpathians" on REN TV. This badass show follows undercover hero, Crow (played by Vladimir Verochkin), as he takes down the last vestiges of Nazis in post-war Western Ukraine. With his skills impressing MI6, they sign him up to continue sabotage in the Carpathians. But there's a twist - Crow's secretly a Soviet spy. By his side are his woman Angelina (Maria Lisova) and our boy Chum, aka Plague (Alexander Loye). But a dark storm's brewing over Crow: a mole's infiltrated the Soviet MGB, and he risks being exposed. Can Crow pull it off?

We chatted with Alexander Loye about the series and his character.

Gangsters, Spies, and Backstabbing: The "Breeze" Agitbrigade

—"Alright, Alexander, Season 1 ended with a bang for your character - it looked like Angelina was gonna whack Chum. But that scoundrel Chum's still kickin'! What's up with Craw fatherin' him into MI6? He seemed dead set on ditching the Sovs – talk about disgraceful for a thug!"

Listen, bud, it's all in the nickname, right? Chum! There are those cursed souls who always invite trouble. No matter how hard he tries to settle down with his ol' lady and kid, he can't shake off his past. So, it ain't a surprise he falls into another mess and has to turn to Crow for help. Their relationship's a mess, somewhere between friends and enemies. They're like a couple o' porcupines forced to walk together, even if they're poking each other with their quills.

—"What was it like to dive back into this madness? The first season was directed by Oleg Fomin, and you two go way back on REN TV's 'Next'. The sequel was directed by Mikhail Aграnoвич, a seasoned pro who also handled the cinematography. Was it smooth sailing, or did it take some time to click?"

-Our team's changed a whole lot, but the "Breeze" Agitbrigade – Vetrovkin, me, and Lisovaya – is a well-oiled machine. The characters are already established, and we knew which way we were headed. Mikhail Leonidovich was professional and tactful, and we hit it off right away. No problems whatsoever.

Chum's lived a life filled with sin, but he's still got a heart. That's what makes him appealing. Shaping a hero who ain't cardboard or flat can be tough. Sometimes, characters can seem great according to the plot, but you still don't believe 'em. We aimed to make Chuma feel real and relatable, so the audience roots for him.

Film's a team effort, and a weak script can bring even a solid story down. When we developed Chuma, I was immediately drawn to his ambiguity. I don't fancy portraying a mobster who's all sunshine and flowers. Chuma's scum, a baddie, but he's got a soft spot for the light. That draws sympathy from the audience.

Chum's deck: Stolen From a Real Thief

—"So, you said you had criminal consultants helping you out. Were they scholars specializing in criminal slang, or actual crooks? And how'd you find 'em?"

-S slipped me a note, and I followed the lead. It just so happened I found myself a specialist in cards. The deck of cards I use in the series is the real deal – his working tool!

"Did you learn to cheat like a boss in no time? You wanna show off to friends..."

-I ain't leaving the character behind when the lights fade. But yeah, there's a little Chuma in me, I reckon. I wanted the audience to feel like I played my part with skill – not just rattling off crim slang and shufflin' cards.

Despite being enemies, Crow and Chum (Alexander Loye) have a complicated relationship akin to two porcupines forced to walk together, with their mutual animosity kept in check by the need for each other in the heart-pounding series "Operation Carpathians."
While the second season of "Operation Carpathians" has a new director, Mikhail Aграnoвич, Alexander Loye found working with him and his co-stars, including Vladimir Verochkin and Maria Lisova, to be enjoyable and uncomplicated.
To create a believable and relatable character like Chum, Alexander Loye consulted with real criminals and incorporated authentic criminal slang into his performance to enhance the authenticity of the character.
In addition to mastering the art of deception for his role as Chum, Alexander Loye takes the character's habits and mannerisms with him off-screen, aiming to deliver a convincing and entertaining performance for movies-and-tv lovers everywhere.