Season 3 of Army Wives premieres on June 7, 2009 at 10/9c and I recently had the opportunity to talk to one of the members of the cast, Brian McNamara. Below, Brian talks about what to expect in Season 3, what makes his character, Michael and the character Claudia Joy (Kim Delaney) such a great couple, and more.

Did you read any memoirs or autobiographies written by army wives or those in the military to prepare for your role?
No I did not. After I got the role, I did read the book that the series is originally based on, which is Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives by Tanya Biank.

Does your brother Christopher give you input on the show regarding the portrayal of the soldiers?
Not really. After season 1 and going into season 2, he gave me some compliments on how well the show was doing and critiqued a couple of things but he was really happy. I watched him a lot growing up so he is literally the guy I am imitating when I play Michael Holden.

How far into Season 3 has the cast shot?
We just passed the halfway mark. We are doing 18 episodes this season and we just shot episode 10.

Can you give a vague description of where we see the show and your character go in the 3rd season?
In general, we still continue to have some situations with our daughter. Her and I in particular have a bit of a cold war going on. Michael continues to move through the ranks of the army. There are a few bumps in the road but he should get there.

In Army Wives Confidential interview you said that you hope Michael and Claudia’s relationship continues to get tested and based on your description above it looks like that will happen. But are there any moments that are simply happy?
Oh yea. Actually there are more happy moments than the opposite. That is one of the things I love about doing this role, especially with Kim Delaney. She is such an extraordinary actress to work with and we have an incredible relationship on camera. Michael and Claudia Joy adore each other. I love the fact that we are portraying such a positive relationship. I also don’t think that any parent, when they lose a child ever gets over it. I don’t know that I could even imagine the pain. I don’t know how people go on but somehow they do and hopefully we are portraying this in a respectful and somehow inspiring way.

There is a poll on mylifetime.com on which Army Wives couple will last and Michael & Claudia are in the lead. Why do you think you are in the lead, what makes Michael & Claudia such a powerful couple?
From the very beginning the writers have done such a great job creating them as the moral core of the show. They are just a solid couple. Not to say that there aren’t bumps in the road but they get through them pretty well. All of the generals that I have met through the last few years consider their wives and themselves a command team. That is what I think of Michael & Claudia Joy. And of course, they are incredibly attracted to each other and very passionate about each other.

Where would you like to see your character go?
At the beginning of this season I spent two full days of full access with Major General Tony Cucolo in Georgia. I went to every meeting and briefing he went to, lunch, dinner, running with him 5:30am, etc… He is a great guy and a great leader. He is incredibly personable. That is the kind of stuff I would like to continue to see. Again, it is army wives, so I know my place in the show.

Has the cast given personal tours of the set to real life soldiers?
We do. We get soldiers and their wives coming through. Anytime anyone comes to Charleston, SC they are more than welcome to come. It’s a special treat since these are the people we are playing for and to know that they appreciate it is so satisfying.

Are you a big fan of any of the musicians that have had songs appear on the show?
I love the music on our show but I do not know the exact names of anyone in particular. We do have a special musical guest coming up in the middle of this season. That is going to be very cool.

What’s your favorite past time activity in Charleston, SC away from the set of Army Wives?
I guess that would be cooking with Brigid Brannagh who plays Pamela on the show. I love to cook!

Fans recently saw a YouTube video by a casting assistant spoofing Susan Boyle to Army Wives cast & crew. Is the set always this fun?
It is always that fun on the set, yes. It is an extraordinary set. One of our casting executives is trying to get some big names now for certain guest roles and I hear that there is not an actor who has come away from set with anything other than thrills. We are so fortunate. We have a group of women who adore each other and all of the guys get along so well. Our crew and production team is great.

Aside from Army Wives, do you have any upcoming projects?
I have already directed a movie so I would love to get into directing on hiatus. My hope is also to try and get involved in directing on Army Wives. Neither is officially set but it would be great.