Viewers who tuned into last Sunday night's episode of Cold Case, "Forever Blue", had little inkling of the emotional ride for which they were in store. After all, passionate, same-sex love stories aren't exactly a network staple.

The premise of Cold Case is that a team of present day detectives diligently works to solve unsolved murder cases whose trails have gone cold. Sunday night's episode centered on the 1968 murder of a cop named Sean Cooper (Shane Johnson), known to his fellow officers as “Coop”.

As the episode unfolds, it first appears that Coop had been a “dirty” cop, on the take from a local drug dealer. However, it quickly becomes clear that things are not what they seem, especially Coop's close friendship with his police partner Jimmy Bruno (Brian Hallisay). In a set-up reminiscent of last year's Brokeback Mountain, Coop and Jimmy turn out to have been secretly gay and in love with each other, despite the fact that Jimmy was married and had three children.

In one scene that is still a real rarity for network television, Coop and Jimmy even share an extended kiss, first aggressive, then extremely passionate. As the story continues, the relationship is questioned, but Coop, acting as the story's moral center, refuses to let their relationship be devalued. He tells Jimmy, in a heartbreaking speech, that they are “the lucky ones” because they know true love when most people, gay or straight, never do.

AfterElton.com recently had the opportunity to speak Shane Johnson, the actor who played Coop.

AfterElton: What sort of response have you received about the episode and your role?
Shane Johnson: It's been quite impressive. Many people telling me that it's the best work they've seen out of me. I agree - it's my favorite role to date. I've loved the response. A lot of people talking through tears, were really moved by the story. I myself was crying at the end of it and I knew how it was going to end.

AE: Are you surprised by that response?
SJ: Honestly, no. When I read the script, I knew that it was something special. Even the regular cast on the show commented on how great they felt the episode was. I was emotional and connected just reading the thing. I could sense that this was a really important story and very well crafted by Tom Pettit.

There was one phone call though, that really meant a lot to me. The phone rang the moment the credits were rolling. It took me a minute to figure out who it was, because I couldn't understand them through their emotion.  After a good 15 seconds I finally got that it was my good friend and agent. He was so moved by the show. He told me that this performance is what he knew I was capable of when he signed me two years ago.  Said he was proud and honored to represent me. That felt great.

AE: How did you come to get cast? What was the process like?
SJ: Actually, I've auditioned for Cold Case many, many times. I've become well known to the producers and casting directors. It was actually frustrating wondering why the hell I hadn't been cast yet, then when this part came along, I knew why. This was the part that was meant for me. Although, when I went in and read for the Director, I walked out of the room a few short minutes later feeling like it didn't go the way I wanted because it was so quick and easy.  A good lesson that things don't always have to be difficult.

AE: What was the atmosphere like on the set?
SJ: The best I've worked on. The regulars know they're blessed to be on such a good show and so well taken care of by the producers and writers.  As you may know, Paris Barclay is on that list - I went to the GLAAD Awards with him about 4 or 5 years ago when he was being honored. He's an amazing director and friend.

AE: You're a married man and your career is in its early stages. Was there any concern on your part about taking a gay role?
SJ: Not in the least.  If the part is true to something and has a strong purpose, I couldn't care less about sexual orientation. If there are people out there that have a problem with it (which there are) that's their own battle and prejudice they'll have to come to terms with - hopefully sooner than later.

Page 1 / 2 - Next