Army Wives - Season 6 - Kellie Martin talks last night's reveal

Though it was hinted at last week, Nicole’s army colleagues found out officially that she is a lesbian and happily partnered with a woman named Charlie (Ryan Michelle Bathe). The significance of playing one of the first gay military characters in primetime is not lost on Martin. “I’m an actor. I kind of go where the wind blows me,” she says, “and I’ve loved so many of the characters I’ve played, but they don’t necessarily have this gravitas of this character.” In fact, that’s exactly what drew her to the role. ”Nobody’s ever seen me do a part like this,” she says. “I think it was a bit of a surprise for the viewers.”

But at the same time, “There’s nothing in your face about it. Army Wives is not getting up on a soap box,” she says. “Nicole’s situation is so common, and it’s actually something that people are talking about right now,” since the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell in December. ”I like the way [the show] deals with the storyline. The writers were really willing to make her an important character and explore.”

Read more at EW