Wendie Malick: Sexiness Has No Age Limit as Gus' Romance Ignites

A New Chapter for Gus in The Chicken Sisters

The second season of The Chicken Sisters is taking a dramatic turn, especially for Gus (Wendie Malick). As the series continues to explore the complexities of family and relationships, Gus finds herself facing a past she thought she had left behind. An old flame, played by David James Elliott, has returned to Merinac, reigniting emotions that Gus has long tried to suppress.

This development comes as a surprise to many, given how protective Gus has been of her emotional space throughout Season 1. However, the heart has its own way of pulling people back together, and Gus is no exception. Malick, who also stars in the Emmy-nominated show Shrinking, sees this as an opportunity to highlight the ongoing sexuality and attractiveness of older women.

“I am so glad these two shows are showing that you don’t stop being sexy just because there’s a six in front of your age,” Malick shared. “It’s short-sighted of Hollywood not to realize that chemistry isn’t something that dies, ever, in your life. People will still have romantic relationships right up until the very end.”

The episode ends with the arrival of Clayton Briggs III (Elliott), who is not only Gus’ ex but also the father of her eldest daughter, Mae (Genevieve Angelson). Gus decides to call him, hoping to give Mae the chance to meet the man she has always been curious about. This decision is one of the hardest things Gus has ever done, as it forces her to confront a past she has tried to forget.

“Calling Clayton is one of the hardest things she’s ever had to do. It is a testament to how much she loves her daughter. Mae has begged her so many times to tell her who her dad was. Out of protective instinct, Gus has refused to,” Malick revealed. “Gus wonders what could she give Mae now that she’s getting married. It’s the hardest thing for her to do, but it’s worth it.”

Clayton’s return brings more than just nostalgia; it opens old wounds that Gus has spent years trying to heal. It also forces her to face feelings she has avoided for decades. Malick explained that Gus has kept his number in a safe box in her pantry for all these years, never allowing herself to care for anyone else after he broke her heart.

“She’s kept his number in a safe box in her pantry for all of these years. She’s never stopped loving this man, but he broke her heart so badly. She’s never allowed herself to care for anyone since, and the minute she saw him walk in the door, it brought all of these old feelings,” she said. “She’s confused about what to do with them. She’s overwhelmed because she’s so drawn to him, and always was.”

Malick warns fans that the road ahead for Gus and Clayton will be anything but smooth. However, she teases that Elliott’s presence on set was a delight, and there is definitely more to come. “He had such a good attitude, a good sense of humor, and he wasn’t intimidated to be surrounded by women. I think he’s very comfortable surrounded by them. And he’s a good kisser. That helps too. If you have to kiss someone on camera, it’s really nice if they bring it.”

Although Malick couldn’t reveal the circumstances that led to Gus and Clayton sharing a kiss, she emphasized that it’s a sign of growth for Gus. “There’s a sense of redemption. It’s never too late to change your ways. We are all works in progress. You should never feel like your growth is over.”

In addition to Gus’s journey, the other sisters are also navigating their own romantic challenges. Mae is preparing for her wedding, while Amanda (Schuyler Fisk) is figuring out her identity as a divorced woman and dealing with her attraction to Sergio (Ektor Rivera). Malick teased that the rest of the season promises an emotional ride filled with unexpected twists and turns.

“Everyone kind of has romantic relationships, which is really fun. Some very interesting men are going to be coming through this group,” she said. “It’s a season of empowerment, which I love. Everyone is going to continue on their journey and become a lot more confident as the season goes on.”