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David Schwimmer gets a new taste of friendship in AMC's 'Feed the Beast'

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A bad friend.

Yes, I know this is ironic when we're talking about David Schwimmer. But his character in the new series Feed the Beast is putting up with a really bad friend. At least, that's my take.

“That's interesting you say that,” said a chuckling Schwimmer, whose new show debuts Sunday, June 5, on AMC. “Because yeah, until you get deeper into the season and really start to understand his motives, it's questionable.

“It's like, 'Is he a good friend? Why is he not being completely forthcoming?' But you find out a little more and you realize he actually, well, I'm not going to give it away, but it's complicated.”

Schwimmer plays Tommy Moran, who along with his best friend Dion Patras, played by Jim Sturgess, has a dream of opening up a high-end restaurant in the Bronx. Tommy, who is a wine sommelier, and Dion, who is a chef, believe that the Bronx is about to become the next hot area in New York.

Tommy and Dion go way back, but both have had their struggles. Tommy is dealing with substantial personal loss. And Dion can't stay out of trouble, with either the law or the mob.

“Tommy has changed since they were kids and Dion probably hasn't,” Schwimmer acknowledged. “Tommy has grown up. He is a more responsible and thoughtful and ethical and moral guy now than he was when they were street rats together, as teenagers and even as young men.

“But what do you do? They're brothers in a way, and you can't always choose your family.”

An actor can choose his roles from those that are offered, though, and Schwimmer has been doing a good job of that lately. While he always will be remembered as Ross on Friends, Schwimmer recently portrayed Robert Kardashian in the acclaimed FX series The People vs. O.J. Simpson.

“It was so exciting to be part of something that became a watercooler show,” Schwimmer said of the O.J. project. “I was amazed, and really proud to be a part of that.

“And then in terms of another great role coming up so soon, I do realize it's just dumb luck. But at the same time, I'm really grateful.”

Feed the Beast is based on a Danish series, and Schwimmer accurately described it as a combination of psychological drama, dark comedy, violent crime and cooking.

“I thought, 'Wow, if we can pull this off, it will be something really special,' ” Schwimmer said. “I really liked the character, and I really liked the idea of working with Clyde, who I'm a fan of.”

Schwimmer was referring to Clyde Phillips, Feed the Beast's showrunner, writer and executive producer, who previously has worked on shows such as Dexter and Nurse Jackie.

So how much does Schwimmer actually know about food and wine?

“I definitely love food and I love wine, but this is next level,” Schwimmer said. “I had waited tables for seven years, so I know how to open a bottle of wine and present it and pour it. But not nearly as beautifully and as effortlessly as the top 'soms' do.”

After being cast, Schwimmer asked a pal who is a top sommelier for some advice and training.

“He would do blind tastings with me, and I would have to be reminded to spit,” Schwimmer recalled. “The first tasting I did with him, I was hammered after 45 minutes. I was like, 'Okay, I think we gotta stop, because I am GOOD.' But I learned a lot, and I still have a lot to learn.”

Tommy and Dion still have a lot to learn about running a restaurant in Feed the Beast. But I'd argue that the Dion character still has something to learn about trust, too.

David Schwimmer insisted I should keep watching and let it play out. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, I'm sure that he, more than anyone, knows the difference between a good friend and a bad friend.

Twitter: @billharris_tv

bharris@postmedia.com

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