TV Guide Online: Though the producers deny it, rumor has it a salary dispute made them decide against bringing you back next season.
Chris Carmack: There was no salary dispute. They were unsure where the character was going to go. He started out as an antagonist, became a bit of a protagonist — a character you cared about — and that grew. I don't know what precipitated the choices the writers made about writing him off. But they talked to me about it, and I understand how that goes.
TVGO: Seems strange he'd suddenly move to Portland with his gay dad.
Carmack: Luke has hurt so many people on the show and has done things you can't defend. How can he keep going at this pace? He came to his senses and chose to distance himself to give everyone a chance to get back to normal, because he keeps screwing stuff up. I think it's the most mature decision he's made this whole season. It felt very natural.
TVGO: What about Luke's personality switcheroo? He starts off as a jerk, fighting Ryan over Marissa. Then, Luke's dad comes out, he endures some teasing and, suddenly, he's a sweetie and best buds with Ryan. Did you mind him changing so quickly?
Carmack: It didn't at all. What happened was that something went very awry in Luke's life that made him think and reevaluate things. His parents are divorcing, he's got two younger siblings lost in the mess and, all of a sudden, the girlfriend thing isn't that big of a deal. I don't think it was as big a switcheroo as it seems.
TVGO: How did you feel about Luke's affair with Marissa's mother, Julie?
Carmack: [Laughs] I certainly didn't have any objections. Melinda Clarke and I had a blast working on those scenes.
TVGO:It's funny that Melinda's barely a dozen years your senior, but she's playing your ex's mother.
Carmack: I know. If you want to talk reality, she's like a smidgen older than my last girlfriend!
TVGO: What's next for you?
Carmack: I'll be in a movie called The Last Ride, which will be on the USA Network June 2. It's about street-racing and revenge. It's also about three generations of men in a family. Dennis Hopper is my grandfather and Will Patton plays my father. The O.C. was imperative in me [getting] this project. It's a great stepping stone.
