Kendra Chanae Chapman was behind one of the latest twists form this sci-fi thriller, in which a trusted character proved to be artificial intelligence.
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"I wrote it and read it 15,000 times, but seeing it in editing - he glows - it was like, oh my God, it's insane. I am still surprised by it," she said.
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More surprising story lines are expected from South Side-born Chapman. A Jones College Prep and Carnegie-Mellon grad, she took a chance after college and headed for Hollywood.
"My dad drove my car out by himself and moved to LA," Chapman recalled "I've been there for 8 years and I climbed the ranks as an assistant, and now I am writing. And 'Emergence' is the second show I've been staffed on. I am in the beginning of my journey but I love it."
Aside from mystery, "Emergence" is also a show about divorce, co-parenting and fostering.
I think it's really fun to be part of a project that is highlighting that type of theme and, yeah, I think the themes of family go a lot deeper than family shows," said star Allison Tolman, who plays Chief Jo Evans. "And so getting to have these themes of family wrapped up in this sci-fi show is really fun and also to test the boundaries of what family means."
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"We try to prioritize that and not lose that as we are telling this huge sci-fi story," Chapman added.
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Chapman also had a message for aspiring Chicago writers.
"My parents grew up in Englewood and Gresham," she said. "If I can do it and make it out here in LA, all the people can do it!"
"Emergence" airs 9 p.m. CT on ABC7.