VARIETY: The episode ends with Dina and Ellie on the roof looking toward where they think Abby is, holding hands — and Dina says, “Together.” I’ve seen the whole season, so I know how complicated things get, but it’s so powerful in that moment. As a queer person, what does it mean to you to have that kind of representation on such a massive show?
MERCED: I mean, it’s awesome! No one actually thinks I’m queer, which is fine. I don’t really care. I’m an actor, so I can play anyone, right? But for it to mean so much to me personally is great and grand. And I just think about people from my hometown who maybe have never seen this side of me watching this and really getting to know me in a way, and understanding me and them really seeing it on a large scale. And then picturing someone maybe who was like me: Grew up Catholic, shoved down their emotions and maybe wants to be an actor — because you’d be surprised. There’s a lot of those specific archetypes in Ohio!
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