Conviction: Hayley Atwell studied Clintons for new role

To play former first daughter Hayes Morrison in ABC’s legal drama Conviction, Hayley Atwell looked to a real-life political family for guidance.

“I’ve been keeping up to date with what’s happening in the political climate, especially with thrillingly, amazingly having a woman leading a party at the moment,” Atwell says, referring to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign, “and then watching Chelsea Clinton and how she comes across.”

The Clinton women weren’t the only ones who helped Atwell capture Hayes. Aside from watching The Good Wife, Atwell says focusing on one action — or rather, inaction — allowed her to command the screen.

And Hayes certainly has a good time. Not only did she grow up in the public eye while living in the White House, but, as a high-powered lawyer, she’s also forced to run the Conviction Integrity Unit in exchange for her freedom from jail, which she briefly landed in for cocaine possession. All of that drama, though, happens outside of the office — a duality Atwell enjoys exploring.

“She has tensions and demons that leak out in other areas, mainly in her personal life, but at work that’s where she excels, so she can be on fire there,” Atwell says. “She also knows that she can’t get fired… I think it’s really fun to play.”

Conviction premieres Monday, Oct. 3, at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.