Back again after first season debuted earlier this year to rave reviews and record-breaking ratings for PBS

PETERSBURG — The bell at the Petersburg courthouse tolls at noon, as men in Union military uniform patrol the street on horseback. From the sidewalks, men with muttonchops and women in fine dresses watch, careful to avoid the muddy streets after a rainy morning.

If that sounds like a scene out of the Civil War, that's because in a way it is, as Old Towne Petersburg hosts the filming of PBS’s Civil War drama series, Mercy Street, for the show's second season.

The show, branded as “ER in the Civil War”, is a medical drama set during the Civil War in Alexandria, Virginia. The first scripted show produced by PBS in a decade, the first season, filmed in Petersburg last May, debuted earlier this year to rave reviews and record-breaking ratings for PBS.

Andy Edmonds, director of the Virginia Film Office, who played a big role in getting Mercy Street filmed in Petersburg, is quick to play up the impact the film industry has on the economy, which continues to grow larger each year, and how it draws millions of eyes to both Virginia and Petersburg.

“Every time we have a movie or television show filmed here in Virginia, it highlights the wealth of what the area has to offer, not just to Hollywood but to tourists,” said Edmonds. “When an episode of Mercy Street sweeps over Petersburg, it's one of the best advertisements you could ask for.”

The Mercy Street production team can certainly attest to that, each of whom had kind things to say about being back in Petersburg.

“I love shooting in Petersburg because you have this wonderfully preserved historic side of town, which is a real rarity,” said Tom Trigo, the locations manager. “A lot of cities may have a few buildings, but Petersburg has several city blocks, which makes it perfect for period dramas, and gives the production a level of authenticity you can’t get from a sound stage.”

Chad Darnell, the extras casting director, had high praise for the work ethic of the local actors Mercy Street draws on, and the sense of community among the arts scene of the region.

“I love working in Virginia, and working with Virginian actors, they always show up and give 100 percent, which has been a real challenge in other places I’ve filmed,” said Darnell. “I could not wait to get back here, there’s a real sense of community among the crew and the local arts community, and that’s so different.”

Darnell also took the time to praise two Petersburg restaurants that have since become favorites of his, Saucy’s Sit-down and Demolition Coffee, the latter popular with several other crew members as well.

As for what season two of Mercy Street holds for the show, publicist John Kelly, was willing to drop a few hints about the direction the show will take.

“This season, our goal is to expand the view so to speak, move a little bit beyond just the hospital, and show a bit more of the war,” said Kelly. “As for some of the cliff-hangers the last season ended on? All I can say is they won’t be cliffhangers for very long.”

Shooting started on April 16th, and production will continue until the end of June.

•Sean CW Korsgaard may be reached at skorsgaard@progress-index.com or 804-722-5172.