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The Unit's Robert Patrick Takes the Lead

In the conclusion of the third-season opener, The Unit (9 pm/ET, CBS) faces extinction as Colonel Ryan tries to help Jonas and his hunted comrades uncover the identities of those behind the team's dismantling. We discussed the cloak-and-dagger storyline with Ryan's alter ego and onetime Terminator nemesis Robert Patrick. TV Guide: Who is targeting the squad and why? Robert Patrick: It's a conspiracy. The show alludes to six wealthy families who are using our military for their interests and that is the ultimate betrayal. We find out how honest, noble and real our guys are as a result. TV Guide: What sets The Unit apart from TV's other military men? Patrick: We're looking at what it means to be a soldier — what it means to be the ultimate warrior. These are the elite

G.J. Donnelly

In the conclusion of the third-season opener, The Unit (9 pm/ET, CBS)faces extinction as Colonel Ryan tries to help Jonas and his hunted comradesuncover the identities of those behind the team's dismantling.We discussed the cloak-and-dagger storyline with Ryan's alter egoand onetime Terminator nemesis Robert Patrick.

TV Guide: Who is targeting the squad and why?
Robert Patrick:
It's a conspiracy. The show alludes to six wealthy families who are using our military for their interests and that is the ultimate betrayal. We find out how honest, noble and real our guys are as a result.

TV Guide: What sets The Unit apart from TV's other military men?
Patrick:
We're looking at what it means to be a soldier — what it means to be the ultimate warrior. These are the elite of the elite and they have wives, families and kids.

TV Guide: What makes Ryan unique?
Patrick:
Ryan's my favorite character that I've ever played. He's flawed but I think he's just — a fair, capable leader. I think he's the way we would want our military leaders to be.

TV Guide: You played John Doggett on The X-Files. Do you believe in aliens or the paranormal?
Patrick:
There could be somethingelse out there. I don't believe inghosts, but I believe there could bealiens. It's a lot to think about.

TV Guide: What was it like clashing with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Terminator 2?
Patrick:
He's asupercool guy. The fight sceneswere really fun because he's a competitiveguy and here's this 160-pounddude coming in and grabbing theshotgun. I think it was a lot forhim to handle. I'm pretty lucky — that character is an icon. But it'smuch more fun being Col. TomRyan, human being.

TV Guide: If, like the T-1000, you could take the appearance of anyone, who would it be?
Patrick:
I like me.

Find the colonel and his ultimate warriors from The Unit in our Online Video Guide.

Check out our exclusive interview with Bionic Woman’s Michelle Ryan in the Oct. 8 issue of TV Guide. Plus: Get the inside scoop on the Sex and the City movie. Try four risk-free issues now!

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