Andrew Howard plays the character of Red Scare in HBO’s Watchmen. The series, deemed by critics as one of HBO’s greatest shows yet, is Alan Moore’s graphic novel TV debut. The dark, smart, allegorical world of the show was layered with the depth and the brilliance of its stars like Regina King, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Louis Gossett, and Don Johnson.

Red Scare is the Welsh actor’s latest major role from his impressive resume of film, TV and stage roles.

In this exclusive interview, Howard dishes on the dynamic character of The Red Scare and the layers behind the mask, playing a character in the world of Watchmen, playing dark and twisted characters over the years, and playing Alex in A Clockwork Orange.

How would you describe your character Red Scare, the tracksuit wearing mafioso cop, in HBO’s Watchmen?

‘Red Scare’ is not the schlub that he might appear to be. Could his donut intake and red mist be part of his mask?

What’s your take on Red Scare’s costume? Does the mask protect the wearer or does it unleash your inner violent tendencies?

‘Red Scare’s’ costume is loud and pulls focus. It’s brilliant. We had to tweak the mask so I could talk and eat etc.; I love how low rent it is. It is the quickest wardrobe I’ve ever had to stick on. I had a gold tooth put in for the role, which was the key to my commitment to the character.

“It is not what’s behind the mask, but what is behind the eyes.”

Who watches Red Scare? Who should police the vigilantes?

In the “Watchmen” world, the internet is infancy. The www big brother algorithm is not upon us yet. Police shouldn’t be masked, but they shouldn’t be mistreated or have their families threatened. The police play a large part in why the country is so divisive and split right now. But without the boys in blue, we’re fucked.

Since your character is not originally in the comics, what’s your approach in embodying Red Scare’s character?

I read the novel and did my homework. It was important to know how to exist in the “Watchmen” universe. An actor needs to know how they walk and talk and feel pain; that’s my gig. It is not what’s behind the mask, but what is behind the eyes.

How would you describe the show to those who are curious and new to the world of Watchmen?

Trying to describe this show is like trying to decide an acid trip, or is it? Just give it a crack. I say, you don’t need the “Watchmen” world. There’s a massive cyclical adventure in this show that’s witty, super smart, allegorical, dark, troublingly of the now and fucking kick ass.

Out of all the roles that you’ve portrayed, is there one role that resonates with you the most? Why?

It has been nice that I get to play a lot of dark, twisted characters over the years, so conversely, I had a rather cool run playing a kind father in “Bates Motel.” I haven’t been on stage for quite a while, but one of the best roles I’ve ever played was ‘Alex’ in “Clockwork Orange.” I would come off drenched after 3- hours every night. I even had my front teeth knocked out one-night on stage by a mad actor with a dumbbell. I was out for the count.

Catch ANDREW HOWARD as the Red Scare in HBO’s WATCHMEN