Tyler Hoechlin Talks Return of Teen Wolf, "Mutual Admiration" Between Derek and Scott

Teen Wolf Season 3 is on hiatus.

Which may actually be a good thing because, let's face it, we need to catch our breath following a terrific summer finale.

As for what fans can expect when the series does return in January? Jeff Davis already gave us an exclusive preview - and now we're here with Tyler Hoechlin for a look ahead to how Derek and Scott's relationship will change; whether Derek still feels anything for Jennifer; and a lot more...

TV Fanatic: Despite everything she did, do you think Derek is still going to have feelings for Jennifer? Can he just turn those off?
Tyler Hoechlin: Yeah, I think with any relationship like that it’s always hard to just shut those feelings off. I mean it’s a grand circumstance that he is under. The relationship has kind of taken a drastic turn so I definitely don’t know that there is going to be any lingering feelings. I think if anything, it’s going to be those feelings that you regret and just kind of really be upset with himself.

TVF: What is Peter and Derek’s relationship at the end of the season?
TH: I’m not sure that Derek has ever fully trusted him. I think it’s a relationship based on dependency. I think Derek feels he needs Peter for guidance at certain times. I feel like everything that Peter kind of throws at him is always taken with a grain of salt. So, I think that at the end of this season, obviously Derek is very unaware of that whole situation. So, I think it’s not a completely busted relationship yet, but I don’t think it’s a solid one built on a strong foundation of trust.

TVF: In the end of the episode, Derek and Scott are a very united front when they let Deucalion go. Should we trust that they are on the same page and they get each other’s roles now?
TH: I am not necessarily sure. Obviously we don’t know what’s coming up but I would say that I’m not sure they are going to be exactly on the same page. I do think that Derek is going to take Scott’s own power and authority much more seriously. I think that respect level has reached a completely new height, and at this point, there’s really not that separation of, you know, being superior to, it’s really a mutual admiration respect for what each other’s strengths are.

TVF: In Scott’s voice-over at the end of the episode, he says that Derek leaves, but is it safe to say you’ll be back in Season 3B?
TH: I cannot say that.

TVF: What was the hardest challenge for you in filming Season 3A, whether it was physically or emotionally?
TH: I think finding that vulnerable side of Derek. It was nice to see that side of him, but definitely, it was a challenge in the fact that it was finding new ways to present this character without compromising the integrity of who he was to begin with while being honest of who he is becoming and the things that he was going through. So, I think that, to me, was a really fun and interesting thing to do [to take] a character that you have been playing for two years and completely add a new side that people have never seen. That was really fun, and a challenge in ways as an actor. It is always fun to play with.

Jim Halterman is the West Coast Editor of TV Fanatic and the owner of JimHalterman.com. Follow him on Twitter.