Brodie Hanson
Brodie Hanson | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 2000–2004 |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Brodie Hanson is a character created for the Australian television soap Home and Away, brought to life by actress Susie Rugg. Her debut occurred on 20 July 2000, with her exit on 7 November 2002, followed by a short-lived comeback in February 2004.
Development
The show's writers crafted a romantic storyline between Brodie and the recurring figure Miles Alcott (Steven Rooke), which was interrupted when Miles departed from the Bay. Upon his return, their relationship resumed, stirring feelings of jealousy in Brodie's former boyfriend Alex Poulos (Danny Raco). Rugg noted that Alex experiences insecurity because Miles is both one of his oldest friends and Brodie’s new partner. At a school dance, Brodie and Miles attend dressed as Anthony and Cleopatra, with Alex providing the ride in an effort to maintain harmony. Despite the evening being described as "perfect" and the couple appearing "so happy," underlying tension surfaces during the journey home.
While driving, Brodie requests that Alex lower the radio volume, which causes him to lose control and veer off the road. When Brodie regains consciousness, she discovers that a tree has crashed through the windshield, resulting in Miles sustaining fatal injuries, while Alex suffers a concussion. Rugg conveyed Brodie’s shock and denial as she grapples with accepting Miles’ death, frequently speaking about him as if he were still alive and imagining seeing him again. The filming of the car accident was particularly challenging for Rugg, especially during the graphic scenes involving shattered glass and disoriented fellow actors.
Toward the end of 2002, Rugg shot her final scenes portraying Brodie. She reflected on her departure as a mix of emotions but recognized it was time to move forward, expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided by the series. In 2004, Brodie returned to participate in a storyline featuring a "sizzling love triangle" alongside another intense car accident.
Storylines
Brodie arrives in Summer Bay escaping from her abusive mother, Jan (Genevieve Sulway). Shelley Sutherland (Paula Forrest), an employee at the Sarah McKay drop-in centre, offers Brodie shelter by taking her into her home, where she and her husband Rhys (Michael Beckley) become her foster parents. Brodie quickly forms a close bond with their daughter Dani (Tammin Sursok) and develops feelings for Mitch McColl (Cameron Welsh), which provokes jealousy from his ex-girlfriend, Hayley Smith (Bec Cartwright). Brodie’s brother, JT (Luke Ford), arrives and assaults Hayley, leaving her deeply traumatized.
Following difficulties with Mitch, Brodie befriends an outsider named Hamish "Woody" Woodford (Chris Foy). After receiving a poor response at the school talent show, Woody takes Brodie, Sally Fletcher (Kate Ritchie), and several classmates hostage at gunpoint. Woody is eventually overpowered and arrested; subsequently, Brodie reconciles with Mitch before he departs for New Zealand. After Mitch leaves, Brodie is hospitalized due to injuries sustained in a bicycle accident involving newcomer Alex Poulos. She recovers after undergoing surgery. Jan resurfaces claiming she has changed but flirts with Rhys; Brodie confronts her mother, leading to Jan’s departure.
Brodie begins dating Alex but ends their relationship after meeting his mother, Helen (Peta Toppano). Miles Alcott, Alex’s friend, arrives and shows interest in Brodie; they start dating despite Alex’s jealousy. After attending the school formal together, Alex drives them home but hits a pothole causing a crash that results in Miles’ death. Although an inquest clears Alex of fault, Brodie initially blames him. Encouraged by Shelley, she ultimately forgives Alex. Brodie briefly dates Mav Patterson (Clayton Williams) before reuniting with Alex. Their relationship ends when Brodie opts to travel after completing Year 12.
When she returns in 2004, Brodie discovers that Alex is now dating Hayley. The rivalry between them escalates into another car crash that leaves Brodie with minor injuries while Hayley suffers memory loss and facial disfigurement. Despite these events, Brodie and Alex rekindle their romance but find it difficult to inform Hayley. The couple eventually leave Summer Bay and marry overseas. Three years later, Alex returns revealing they have since separated.
Reception
Sacha Molitorisz from The Sydney Morning Herald observed that the storyline involving Brodie and Hayley's car accident mainly resonated with devoted followers. The critic found the narrative lacking in engagement and characterized the soundtrack, acting, and dialogue as inconsistent and uncomfortable. Molitorisz highlighted that adding melodramatic elements without substantial character depth leads to a shallow result.