In the latest episode of CBS's Cupertino, titled "A.J. & Buddy," Michael Price (Mike Colter) and Olivia Siffre (Rachel Keller) find themselves on opposite sides of a legal battle involving two founders of a prediction market startup. The case gets personal when one founder jets off with Christy (Ella Stiller) after a one-night stand, while the other faces intense questioning. As Michael and Olivia each fight for their client, the episode delivers a twist that has fans talking: a kitchen counter buried under a mountain of baking powder.
In an exclusive chat with Collider, Colter opened up about that unforgettable scene, his character's evolving relationship with Olivia, and what it's like to work with the legendary duo behind the show, Robert and Michelle King. He also shared his thoughts on the show's David vs. Goliath premise and teased what's next for Michael Price.
Mike Colter on the Baking Powder Scene
When asked about the episode's most shocking moment, Colter laughed, acknowledging that the scene was as bizarre on set as it sounds. "You say it with a straight face and hope for the best," he said, adding that he's used to the Kings' unpredictable writing. "I guess I've worked with them so much that I'm always more surprised watching other actors who haven't worked with the Kings discover the material for the first time. I'm living vicariously through that."
The actor, who has previously starred in The Good Wife, The Good Fight, and Evil, praised the Kings for crafting characters that are "interesting no matter what side of the law they're on." He described their collaboration as "an actor's dream," noting that he never expected to build such a lasting relationship with prolific storytellers.
Michael and Olivia: A Dynamic Duo
One of the highlights of Cupertino is the chemistry between Michael and Olivia. Colter explained that their partnership is like a sport. "It's like a hacky sack or a volleyball—we're bouncing and catching balls. There's a rhythm to it, and when it's flowing and it's right, it's so good." He also enjoys playing characters "probably smarter than you are, or at least smarter than I am."
The show's setting—a small law firm taking on Silicon Valley giants—is another draw for Colter. He sees his character as a "Trojan horse" in the tech world. "When the outside doesn't look like the inside, you have to figure out how to use that to your advantage," he said. "Michael says to Olivia, 'People see me coming.' Yeah, they do. But they also must know that I must be pretty good at something, otherwise I wouldn't be here."
Building an Office and a Life
The series also features the quirky detail of Michael and Olivia running their firm out of a lobby while they slowly build their actual office. Colter found this metaphor fitting. "They're building the office while these characters are rebuilding their lives," he noted. It's a visual representation of the show's themes of reinvention and resilience.
As for the future, Colter remains hopeful about a potential Evil revival, though he admits the odds are slim. "We suffered through the cancellation, and we are still actively in mourning," he said. "There's never a time when we aren't thinking, 'Oh, wouldn't it be nice if we could just do this again?'" But for now, he's fully invested in Cupertino, a show that continues to surprise and delight.
For more on Mike Colter's career, check out our review of Tracker's darkest case or explore Karen Page's near-tragic moment in the Daredevil universe.
