SON: Is Ned truly happy that he is out of ELQ?

WK: I don't think Ned knows that yet and has really figured out what his feelings are at this point. He is in such a transition now so it's hard to say. That's a good question and, hopefully, we'll all find out.

SON: So he's just putting on a brave front?

WK: Yeah. Really, what else is he supposed to do? How do you react to situations like that? In a way, I think he was relieved and, of course, he was hurt because Ned is very proud. Deep down, he was very hurt. Whether he is happy about ELQ, Ned would say yes but Wally thinks otherwise.

SON: As much as he always wanted control, how will he deal with the change of hands?

WK: I think Ned really feels it's a good riddance. I actually think he would like to see it completely fall apart just so he would feel vindicated, but then there is another part of him, too, that he doesn't wish ill on his family - he's not that spiteful. Ned is still going to be making money because he still owns the same amount of stock. It's just that now, he has less hassle, so I think control is a big thing for him. There may be some issues coming up between Ned and Lois when it comes to control in his career.  He may want to start taking control of that.

SON: What is Ned's biggest beef with Edward?

WK: Control. That's a big point with Ned. It's all about control. Ned likes control and likes having somebody looking over his shoulder and having hold of the reigns.

SON: Does he like butting heads with Edward?

WK: Oh yeah! I think he really likes butting head with Edward because then he knows that someone is out there. As long as you get some attention, you feel that you're loved and they still care, even if they are throwing something at you. Ned thinks at least Edward still cares to throw something. So, yeah, Ned kind of looks for that. He enjoys that whole battle - getting in the trenches and battling it out with Edward.

SON: Is it possible for the Quartermaines to have a good, smooth relationship?

WK: Oh, God, how boring that would be. There are a lot of families like that, even when it's all ironed out, something will come up. It's just not like that. If there weren't any problems, we probably wouldn't be here. We'd be dead. I mean, when you think you have all your problems worked out, God finds a reason why you shouldn't be here. I think it's all about learning lessons.  It's all about figuring it out and making it work. I think that's what life is too - I don't think it's about being happy, I think it's about the process of being happy. That's what life is all about. So, that's what the Quartermaines actively do and that's why they are attractive too. They are appealing because they are acting out what we're all feeling and what we're all going through.

SON: So what are Ned's true feelings for his mother?

WK: That's another answer that Ned doesn't know. Wally knows, but I'd rather not say. That is something that Ned struggles with. Of course, he loves her and wants to love her. I think he has dreams of a better relationship and an ideal relationship with her, but he has sort of given up on those. So there is regret there. His relationship with his mother is a work in progress and Wally knows a lot more about the relationship than Ned does, so I'd rather not say.

SON: Are you glad to see Jane back as Tracy?

WK: Oh yeah. She is wonderful and I get along great with Jane. I think it's great for the character Ned. He needs a little goosing, a little something.  Some kind of storyline. We were so hot there for a while, now there's nothing.

SON: What's the best part of playing a Quartermaine?

WK: The Armani suits. Actually, the family. When I was on Days of Our Lives, I had one uncle and one wife. On this show, I have cousins, aunts, uncles, a grandmother, a grandfather, a mother. I don't have my father around. Once again, I don't have a father. I just think all that family stuff is great. I love Anna Lee. I love John Ingle. I love working with the generations. The most fun of playing a Quartermaine is being able to work with all these wonderful, delightful actors. I love everyone. They're really great people.

SON: What are Ned's goals now?

WK: Surviving. He is taking things one day at a time and I really think he is looking forward to being a father. He's really in a transition and I don't think he really knows where he is going to be and what really scares the hell out of him. He is so much in control and he doesn't like being in transition.  Ned always likes to know where he is headed and that's why he is in a scary place. He probably won't show it, but hopefully, the writer's will understand that he will be coming face to face with stuff that he has to deal with. He fears giving up control and where his life is going. Giving up control in the relationship with Lois - she has lots of opinions of about who she is and where she is heading. To give up that part in a relationship is hard and that's the same in any relationship. I find that true with my own relationship. That's the hardest part. You have your way of doing things. Maybe you want to not be present, maybe go do something, but you can't because you have a commitment.  Now, Ned and Lois are having a child. That's an even bigger commitment.  You're not only giving up your life just for your wife, but now also for a child. Giving up control is something that Ned is going to have to deal with.

SON: What else can we look forward to with Ned?

WK: Hopefully some fun and entertaining storylines, instead of him just sitting around touching his wife's belly. Let's hope there are some fireworks between Ned and Tracy and that they can resolve some of their long-standing antagonism. I'm curious to see how Ned reacts to the ELQ takeover. I have no idea what will happen with that. They haven't told me anything. I'm curious to see how Ned handles being just Eddie Maine and not putting on the suits anymore. I think Ned likes wearing the suits. I know some fun stuff is coming up. All hell breaks loose in a few weeks.