Zeta-Jones plays the role of Dr. Vivian Capshaw, a psychiatric doctor charged with supervising Michael Sheen’s serial killer character, Dr. Martin Whitly.
Dr. Capshaw enters Martin’s life when he leaves his hospital room to tackle his infirmary duty. The new doctor oversees his daily responsibilities and assigns him menial chores. But when she realizes he’s a medical genius, Capshaw develops a sense of respect for him.
“Catherine Zeta-Jones, is the perfect foil for the brilliant Michael Sheen,” FOX Entertainment President Martin Thorn said of her character. “I can’t wait to see these two go head-to-head in a season that is bound to raise the bar set by an outstanding season one.”
In a recent interview, Prodigal Son showrunner Chris Fedak talked about expanding Martin Whitly’s world. “Martin’s usually the smartest guy in the room,” he said. “We really wanted to paint a different picture here. Now that he’s actually done a couple good deeds — helped solve a murder in Episode 4, was helpful with COVID, cured Jerry accidentally using electroshock — we have an opportunity for him to get a new responsibility: work in the infirmary, not as a doctor, but cleaning bedpans.”
To further push Whitly’s character, the writer created Vivian Capshaw, who would be his intelligence and prowess match.