The third episode of The Night Manager series two delivered a shock twist as Jonathan Pine discovered that the mysterious Gilberto Hanson is none other than Richard Roper. Hugh Laurie reprises his role as the villain, who has been held captive by a cartel for years but has now bargained his way back into the game.
According to Laurie, Roper was a prisoner after owing a large debt to the cartel. Initially marked for death, he used his persuasive skills to negotiate his survival. Now, he is working to clear his debts and rebuild his empire, driven by an insatiable thirst for power and control.
Roper's primary goal is to settle his creditors and establish a new force in the world. He is utterly ruthless, willing to do almost anything to achieve power and status, but he shuns public glory, preferring to operate from the shadows. A key personal objective is revenge against Pine, who bested him previously.
Laurie also discussed Roper's relationship with his son Teddy, played by Diego Calva. Teddy is the result of a secret liaison, and Roper has exploited this relationship for his own ends, acting as a protector from afar. Laurie described this as a chilling strategy, using his own child for manipulation.
Despite Roper's monstrous nature, Laurie admitted to loving the character. He believes that an actor must love the character they play, even if that character is despicable, to fully bring them to life.
