Exclusive Interview: Brett Dalton Reflects on Mark Trent’s Struggle Between Love and the Law in Found Season 2

Brett Dalton is known for his remarkable ability to fully immerse himself in his roles, seamlessly transforming into each character he portrays. In Found Season 2, Dalton continues to shine as Mark Trent, a detective caught between his duty and his personal connections, delivering a performance filled with depth and complexity. His skill in navigating the nuances of moral dilemmas and emotional struggles brings authenticity to his character, captivating audiences as they follow Mark’s journey.

In Found, a series that highlights the often-overlooked issue of missing persons in the U.S.—where over half of the 600,000 reported annually are people of color—Dalton’s character plays a pivotal role. As Mark Trent, he is torn between his job and his love for Gabi Mosely (Shanola Hampton), whose crisis management team works to ensure no one is forgotten. But Gabi hides a chilling secret: she once imprisoned her childhood kidnapper, Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), who has now escaped, turning her greatest secret into her biggest threat.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Brett Dalton about Found Season 2, where he opened up about the moral gray areas his character faces and the deeper responsibilities of bringing awareness to underrepresented communities through storytelling. Brett shared his thoughts on Mark Trent’s inner conflict, the push and pull between love and duty, and how the show’s diverse, thought-provoking narratives have sparked necessary conversations.

PC: One of the most powerful things about what you all do as storytellers is create art and bring awareness to timely, important subject matter—such as the lack of media coverage for underrepresented communities who have lost so much. Film and television have this incredibly subtle way of lowering people’s guards and making that information digestible. That’s always been Found‘s North Star. You’ve described, as a father, how difficult it is to see these stories on the news and how you’ve struggled with that. But shows like Found are fostering a lot of necessary conversations. Do you feel a different weight or responsibility when working on a show like this? What has it been like to witness firsthand the discussions happening because of the show?
Brett: That’s a lovely introduction and a lovely way of framing the show, so thank you. I’ve noticed that this show has more diversity than any other cast or crew I’ve ever worked with, and the storylines are unlike anything I’ve seen on television. Nkechi [Okoro Carroll] has made it a point to include stories that take place on a reservation, represent the LGBTQ+ community, and include non-binary characters. These are the stories of the world we live in, and we’re exploring them without judgment. It’s all about finding justice and reuniting people with their loved ones, regardless of who they are. Everyone deserves to be found.

I’m really pleased with how far-reaching the writing is because it all starts with a blank page. Someone has to write these stories, and it’s fascinating how Nkechi and the writers have cast such a wide net, telling different stories we haven’t seen before. It’s really lovely. It’s also rewarding for us to do the research. At the end of the day, while this is a television show, it’s nice to see justice served and to witness reunions. It doesn’t always happen in the real world, but on our show, it tends to—because we’re really good at what we do. We’re the best at it, so there’s a satisfying conclusion. It’s been really wonderful, and I feel honored to be part of something like this.

PC: Throughout the series, we’ve seen Mark grapple with being stuck in this gray area—wanting to follow the law and proper protocols while also acknowledging all the good that Gabi and her team have done. When she reveals her secret, it sparks an interesting discussion among the team about whether everything they’ve achieved is now tainted. What’s your take on that, both personally and through the eyes of your character?
Brett: That’s essentially the real question. For my character, especially this season, it’s tough because Mark is someone who follows the rules, and he just happens to be in love with someone who breaks them all. We’re aiming for the same outcome, but in two completely different ways. We’ve seen Mark Trent look the other way a few times, but now it’s crossing a line—this is entering territory that’s not only illegal but possibly morally reprehensible as well. That’s what’s so interesting, especially for Mark, because he wears the badge. There could be legal consequences, and we have to see how that weighs on his decision-making. When someone you love is doing something truly wrong and illegal, how do you resolve that? It’s the worst day of our lives, but great television for viewers. We’ll have to see how it plays out. But you’re right—it’s a gray area for the character. There’s a lot to consider, and it’s really complex. That’s where many of the characters find themselves, in this gray space. Yet, like roses growing from concrete, they manage to turn all of that into something beautiful and productive.

PC: That’s why this show has been so gripping to watch. As you mentioned, Mark’s connection to this world is through his work as a detective, but also his relationship with Gabi. That dynamic is so rooted in love, yet there’s so much push and pull throughout the first season. What has it been like collaborating with Shanola [Hampton] and exploring a dynamic where there’s a lack of trust between the characters, but so much trust between the actors who get to ‘play in this playground’?
Brett: That’s exactly it. We’re dealing with such dark material, but we keep it light on set—and we do that well. We joke around all the time. Everything like that is great. But it’s definitely a lot to balance. I think we do a pretty good job of it, and we’re all professionals who come in so prepared and willing to play. We’re in this together, so when I go there, I know the other person will go with me, and when they go there, I’m with them. There’s a lot of talking, listening, and a lot of trust. You absolutely have to have that. I’ve heard from so many guest actors that this is their favorite set to work on because we’re so generous with each other. We all understand how lucky we are to be part of a show with twenty-two episodes, which is rare these days. It’s a fantastic gig, and we’re fortunate to be part of it. That feeling of love, trust, and respect comes through—even to people who are just visiting the set. They’ll say, “Whatever is going on here, it’s excellent. I feel a lot of love, trust, and respect.” That’s how it should be in any working environment.

PC: I love that you sing off all the guest stars.
Brett: [laughs] I didn’t know you knew that.

PC: You do such a brilliant job portraying this character who holds space for Gabi, even though she’s not fully able to let her guard down. Why do you think that’s so difficult for her? To me, it ties back to the secret she’s been holding, but now that all the cards are on the table, do you think this is the beginning of a new chapter for them, or the end?
Brett: It depends on who you ask. I’m playing Mark Trent, so I’m eternally optimistic. I think there’s something about Trent—he’s such a good guy at his core, and even with all the signs pointing toward something else, he still believes in the goodness of people and the world. There was a scene that was cut from the pilot where I knock on her door, and she says something about being fine but mentions she doesn’t like people knocking on her door in the middle of the night, even if they’re wearing a badge. I’m like, “Oh my God, yes, of course. I’m so sorry,” and I step away. A lot of that scene played in silence, and while it didn’t make the final cut, it was full of respect and understanding. I don’t know exactly what her trauma is, but I’m giving her space and letting her know that whatever she needs, I’m here for her.

I’m the good guy trying to reach out and lead her step by step out of this. I haven’t been kidnapped myself, so I don’t know what that’s like, but I’m here for it all. I don’t know how that process works for her, but I want her to know I’m one of the good ones, and I’ll always be here. So, if you ask me, I think Trent is still optimistic, even with everything that’s happened. There’s something there between them, and it’ll always be there. I don’t know how it all plays out, but there’s always that spark.

Now, if you ask Shanola [Hampton], she might say this is the end of the chapter! [laughs] But I think there’s always room for something, even if it’s not version two or three, or them walking off into the sunset. In my eyes, Trent’s relationship with Gabi is even stronger than the one Sir thinks he has with her. That’s twisted, and I’m not sure what’s going on there, but I know I’m the good one.

To keep up with Brett, follow him on Instagram. Season 2 of Found premieres on October 3rd. Stream it the next day on Peacock.

Photo Credit: Kwaku Alston/NBC