Kat Harlton
Photos: Provided via artist / credit: Andrew Fleming
Poster: Copyright of Netflix
Actor Jesse Collin is set to return as Dodge in the highly anticipated second season of Netflix‘s hit series The Recruit making its premiere on January 30th, 2025.
The series follows Owen Hendricks played by Noah Centineo, a CIA lawyer who becomes involved in massive international conflicts with dangerous parties after an asset tries to expose her relationship to the agency.
Jesse plays Dodge, who is Dawn Gilbane‘s (played by Angel Parker) right hand man. An experienced covert operator for the CIA—a studious man with a penchant for casual violence. Capable. Dependable. Loyal. Exactly who Dawn needs him to be.
In season two, Owen is being pulled into a life-threatening espionage situation in South Korea, only to realize that the bigger threat just might be coming from inside the Agency.
I had the opportunity to chat with Jesse about his role, what fans can expect from season 2 and more.
Kat: How does it feel to step back into the role of Dodge for the second season of The Recruit?
Jesse: It’s incredibly exciting. Coming back for Season 2 meant stepping into a character that’s already established, but still evolving. What made it even more special was knowing that the writers were continuing to build Dodge’s story with me in mind—it’s such a rewarding experience as an actor. Dodge challenges me everyday to grow. His relationships—especially with Dawn—are constantly evolving, which makes every interaction fresh and unpredictable. It was also great to reunite with the cast and crew. There’s something really special about returning to a set where you already have a foundation. It sounds like a cliché, but it truly does feel like coming home to a family.
Kat: Can you share with us more about Dodge’s character evolution in this new season
Jesse: Without giving too much away, Dodge is tested in new ways this season. We already know he’s a capable operator, but Season 2 pushes him to prove it even further. He’s put into situations that demand quick thinking, adaptability, and trust—but trust is dangerous in his line of work. This season reveals different sides of Dodge, and I think fans will appreciate seeing more of what makes him tick. The hair, makeup, and costume teams did phenomenal work in shaping his evolution—after pulling him out of the desert in Season 1, we definitely see him in a new light this time around.
Kat: What are some of the biggest challenges Dodge faces in the upcoming episodes
Jesse: Dodge has always been skilled at navigating the chaos, but this season throws him into even more unpredictable circumstances. He’s dealing with external threats, shifting alliances, and the constant need to stay ahead of the game to survive. There’s also a deeper look at his dynamic with Dawn, which adds another layer to his decisions. Their fates are tied together, for better or worse, and that tension affects every decision Dodge makes. This season, Dodge is pushed harder than ever—physically, mentally, and strategically. The stakes are higher, the margin for error is slimmer, and survival depends on staying one step ahead.
Kat: What aspects of Dodge’s experience as a covert operator do you find most fascinating or challenging to portray?
Jesse: What fascinates me most about Dodge is his self-reliance. Operating in foreign countries with no official backup or safety net means he has to be a jack of all trades—adapting to any situation, blending in when needed, but also excelling in high-pressure environments. He only has himself and Dawn to rely on, and that adds an intense layer to every decision he makes. The physicality of the role is also a challenge. Operators are highly capable, and I wanted that to come across in the way Dodge moves, reacts, and takes action under pressure. There’s a precision to that skill set, and making it feel authentic meant focusing on everything from posture to reaction time when handling equipment or engaging in tactical maneuvers. And, of course, running around with all the gear, weapons, and training is an absolute blast.
Kat: How has Dodge’s relationship with Dawn Gilbane (played by Angel Parker) evolved from the first season?
Jesse: Dawn and Dodge have a fascinating dynamic. There’s mutual respect, but it’s built on necessity, not necessarily sentimentality. This season, you see more of what makes them such an effective team—and how that relationship is tested. Working with Angel Parker has been a highlight of my career. She brings so much nuance to Dawn, and our scenes together have this great push-and-pull energy. There’s an unspoken history between the characters that you can feel in every exchange—it makes you want to know more about what they’ve been through together.
Kat: Without giving away too much, what can fans expect from Dodge’s involvement in the espionage situation in South Korea?
Jesse: You’ll just have to wait and see! South Korea plays a major role in shaping the season’s identity. The new setting brings a fresh intensity to the story, with high-stakes operations unfolding in a completely different environment. The addition of the Korean cast also brings a new energy to the show, adding layers of complexity to the already nebulous world of espionage.
Kat: How does Dodge navigate the internal threats within the CIA, and what impact does this have on his character?
Jesse: The CIA is as dangerous as the enemies outside of it. One of the biggest challenges is knowing who to trust—if anyone. This season, you’ll see more of that internal tension and how it affects his choices. He’s always had a clear sense of duty and loyalty, particularly to Dawn, but the lines are getting blurrier.
Kat: What kind of preparation or research did you do to accurately depict Dodge’s role as a CIA operative?
Jesse: I did a lot of reading on real-life operations to understand how people in Dodge’s position function. Surprise, Kill, Vanish: The Secret History of CIA Paramilitary Armies, Operators, and Assassins by Annie Jacobsen was an invaluable resource. It gave me insight into the mindset and discipline required—being hyper-aware of your surroundings, always having a plan, but also being able to pivot in an instant. These operatives often work without backup, meaning self-reliance is everything.This season, I also focused more on tactical training and firearms work to ensure Dodge’s physicality matched his expertise. I wanted every movement to feel intuitive and instinctual, like second nature. YouTube was a huge resource—I watched interviews with special operators, retired CIA officers, and CQB (close-quarters battle) training videos to understand their skill set and mentality.Physically, I worked with a personal trainer ahead of shooting and followed a structured meal plan to be in the right shape for the role. It was important to me that Dodge felt genuinely capable, like someone who could handle any situation thrown at him, while also being someone who could blend in and disappear in a crowd when needed. I also watched a lot of films, like 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, to get a better sense of the type of people who do this kind of work. And funnily enough, playing Dodge has sparked a real interest in EDC (everyday carry), knives, and watches—things that are both practical and deeply tied to a character like this.
Kat: Can you share any memorable moments or behind-the-scenes stories from filming the second season?
Jesse: Shooting season two in Vancouver gave us a lot of unique opportunities to hang out and bond as a cast. For the second season in a row, we all watched the Super Bowl together, which, as a Canadian on an American show, is always a fun experience. One of the highlights for me was organizing a kayak tour for the cast in Deep Cove. World-class kayaking, stunning scenery—and a rare moment where the lawyers and operatives actually got along!
Kat: How has your experience been working with the ensemble cast, especially with Noah Centineo and Angel Parker?
Jesse: Noah has a maturity beyond his years. He has so much responsibility on our show, as the lead actor, as well as an executive producer, but he handles the weight of that so well. He always had our backs, and made sure that everyone was prepared to deliver our best for the show. He’s charming, thoughtful, and funny—he’s turned Owen Hendricks into an iconic character. Angel is phenomenal—she commands every scene she’s in with such effortless strength and presence. She makes everyone around her better, and every scene we share is a masterclass in nuance and intensity. She’s one of the most generous scene partners I’ve ever worked with. You’d never think that the pitbull that is Dawn Gilbane could be played by one of the kindest, warmest people in Hollywood. The whole cast has incredible chemistry, and that energy is part of what makes The Recruit so engaging to watch—and so much fun to be a part of.
Kat: What has been the most surprising or rewarding feedback you’ve received from fans about Dodge?
Jesse: I think the biggest surprise was how quickly fans connected with Dodge. He’s not the loudest guy in the room, but he’s competent, sharp, and gets things done. People seem to appreciate that reliability. I’ve had a lot of messages from fans who love his dynamic with Dawn, which is really cool to see because Angel and I love bringing that relationship to life.One of the more unexpected highlights was discovering that Dodge has become a bit of a style icon. After the first-look images for Season 2 dropped, I found out that my jacket was being recreated and sold online. That was a wild moment—realizing people not only connect with the character but also want to dress like him. The wardrobe department did a great job with all my looks this season.
Kat: Are there any upcoming projects or roles you’re excited about that you can share with us?
Jesse: Right now, I’m focused on The Recruit and enjoying everything that comes with this season. That said, I always have an eye on what’s next. There are a few things in the works that I can’t talk about just yet, but stay tuned!
Connect with Jesse on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessecollin.actor