'The Killing's' Michelle Forbes relaxes amid nomination

Playing the mother of a teenaged murder victim on a dark, rainy television series can be pretty taxing, but it all paid off Thursday morning for Michelle Forbes.

The actress was nominated for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series for her portrayal of Mitch Larsen on the show. She told Marquee the nomination was unexpected.

"I try not to have too many expectations about anything really in this lifetime," Forbes said. "But it being a freshman show I wasn't sure what its hopes were."

Indeed, "The Killing" was not nominated for best drama series, but co-star Mireille Enos received a nod in the outstanding actress in a drama category and the show was also received four other nominations.

Forbes said she believes TV writing is just getting better and better, and that's evidenced by the good work her colleagues and old friends like Andre Braugher are getting and being recognized for. (Forbes and Braugher co-starred on the critically acclaimed "Homicide: Life on the Streets" together, and Braugher was nominated again this year for his role on "Men of a Certain Age.")

"I think that everyone should be allowed complicated, intelligent storytelling and we are getting that," Forbes said. "I think that's a wonderful thing and its so joyous to be a part of."

And while Forbes said "everyone is allowed their opinion" about the controversy that was her show's final episode, she admits she has yet to watch her own series. Right now, she said, she's just happy to be able to unwind after such an emotionally intense role.

"I was glad to close the chapter of Mitch for a bit and get back to some laughter and sunshine," she said.