Mason Morgan

Mason Morgan
Occupation	Fictional character
Years active	2016–2019
Known for	Home and Away

Mason Morgan is a character created for the Australian soap Home and Away, brought to life by actor Orpheus Pledger. To take on this role, Pledger relocated from Melbourne to Sydney and began filming in December 2015. Mason made his first television appearance on 7 June 2016.

Mason was introduced as part of a sibling group including Tori Morgan (played by Penny McNamee), Justin Morgan (James Stewart), and Brody Morgan (Jackson Heywood). He is portrayed as an optimistic, family-centered "free spirit" who, like his sister, is pursuing medical studies. Early plotlines revolved around the Morgans concealing their involvement in witness protection, with Mason eventually disclosing their secret, which triggered a hostage crisis.

Throughout the series, Mason's storylines have featured romantic connections with characters such as Evelyn MacGuire (Phillipa Northeast), Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno), and Beth Ellis (Anneliese Apps). The relationship with Beth brought attention to the topic of organ donation in Australia. Additionally, Mason experienced temporary paralysis after a car accident caused by his brother Brody. In the finale of the 2019 season, Mason's character was killed during a siege at a hospital.

Casting

On 5 December 2015, Jonathon Moran from The Daily Telegraph announced that Orpheus Pledger, along with Jackson Heywood and James Stewart, had joined Home and Away portraying brothers Mason, Brody, and Justin Morgan respectively. This new family unit was often compared to the popular Braxton brothers who first appeared in 2011. The actors commenced filming the following week in preparation for their mid-2016 introductions.

For this role, Pledger moved from Melbourne to Sydney and noted that his previous experience on Neighbours helped him adapt to the rigorous filming schedule. His debut came alongside Heywood and Stewart on 7 June 2016.

Characterisation and introduction

Prior to Mason’s first appearance on screen, Pledger described his character as someone with a "positive outlook on life," deeply connected to family, and "a hopeless romantic." He added that Mason "follows his instincts and defends what he believes in, always standing up for those who are vulnerable." Later, Pledger referred to Mason as "a free spirit" who radiates positivity. After losing their parents, Mason’s siblings took on caretaker roles; however, Mason himself has not been burdened with many responsibilities compared to them. Jackson Heywood highlighted that unlike the Braxton brothers, the Morgans prioritize family above all else. As a medical student, Mason finds it challenging to juggle his studies alongside social activities and gym sessions. Pledger pointed out that Tori serves as a strong role model for Mason, fostering a close sibling bond.

Pledger identified some parallels between himself and Mason, especially regarding commitment toward achieving career goals. He explained, "I’ve pursued acting with passion... if something drives me, I’m willing to follow it wholeheartedly." In 2017, Mason’s look shifted when Pledger cut his distinctive curly hair short. The actor later remarked that the new haircut suited Mason’s character at that time but he eventually allowed it to grow longer again.

In one storyline, Mason, Justin, Brody, and their dog Buddy narrowly avoid a car accident caused by Martin "Ash" Ashford while en route to Summer Bay to meet their sister Tori. Ash swerves due to texting; Justin confronts him while Brody and Mason intervene to prevent escalation. Upon arriving at Summer Bay, tensions ease when Tori reveals they are siblings. Ash admits fault for the incident; Justin feels relieved that his family arrived unharmed. This event initiates the Morgans’ initial major storyline involving uncertainty about settling into their new environment.

Witness protection

An Inside Soap columnist observed that the Morgans were hiding their history from the residents of the Bay. Initially, they kept a low profile, with Justin cautioning Tori against forming a friendship with local physician Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor). Stewart clarified that the Morgans adhered to strict rules connected to their concealed past. When Mason’s former partner Lara Adams (Elle Harris) arrives, Justin warns Mason that he has endangered the family. Mason confides in Lara that their family is under witness protection. After Brody mentions feeling stalked, Mason admits to revealing their secret, prompting Justin to arrange for them to leave.

Following threats directed at Tori by Spike Lowe (Jason Montgomery), police liaison Atticus Decker (John Adam) relocates the family to a safe house. The Morgans grow weary of constantly fleeing those responsible for their parents' deaths. Upon encountering Lara again, Mason discovers she is allied with Spike and Blaine Varden (Ashley Lyons), the individual behind their parents' murder. They deceive Mason into disclosing the safe house’s whereabouts and take the family hostage. Blaine reveals that Justin was aware of the truth surrounding their parents’ deaths.

Mason is one of nine characters involved in a plane crash caused by Spike sabotaging a flight arranged for Tori’s birthday. Despite a carbon dioxide leak causing all on board to lose consciousness, pilot Duncan Stewart (Benedict Wall) manages a safe crash landing. Mason experiences intense panic when Brody goes missing.

Later, the Morgans meet Decker’s nieces, Hope (Jessica Falkholt) and Raffy Morrison (Olivia Deeble). They suspect Raffy could be their half-sister after Decker admits to an affair with their mother. A DNA test confirms this relationship; however, before they can inform Raffy, Hope steals Mason’s car in an attempt to flee town. The Morgans disclose Raffy’s identity as their half-sister and explain their witness protection status resulting from their parents’ murder by drug dealers. Eventually, this secret becomes public knowledge through a local newspaper report.

Evelyn MacGuire

After sharing a drunken kiss with Evie, Mason enters into a casual friends-with-benefits arrangement following a dinner together. Concerned about Evie’s reckless behavior and her belief that her late brother Oscar watches over her, Mason confronts her during a risky car stunt. Although he develops romantic feelings for Evie, she declines pursuing a relationship. Their casual arrangement ends when Mason is later seen filming a kissing scene with Matt Page, indicating a new direction in his romantic life.

Olivia Fraser Richards

Mason becomes entangled in a romantic triangle involving Olivia Fraser Richards and her ex-boyfriend Hunter King. He expresses interest in Olivia and accompanies her to the formal; however, tension arises as Olivia still harbors feelings for Hunter. Following altercations with Hunter and several confrontations, Mason struggles with emotional turmoil. Despite sharing a kiss with Olivia at the Summer Grooves festival and beginning to date her, concerns about Olivia’s unresolved feelings for Hunter ultimately lead to their breakup.

Beth Ellis

In August 2017, guest character Beth Ellis (Anneliese Apps) was introduced as Mason’s new romantic interest. Beth initially claims to be a nurse and connects with Mason while he is hospitalized recovering from a car accident. Mason later learns that Beth is actually a patient suffering from a critical heart condition requiring a transplant. Although feeling "angry" at her deception, Mason supports her hope for receiving a transplant, which deepens their bond and leads to them going on a date. Pledger remarked that Beth "brings out the best in Mason," emphasizing their playful and uninhibited chemistry.

Beth’s bucket list reveals her acceptance of her deteriorating health and reconsideration of treatment options. Mason attempts to comfort her but faces her frustration before surprising her with a champagne lunch where they share a kiss. He assists her in completing items on the list, including visiting a casino inspired by James Bond themes. When Beth faints while driving, Mason is "terrified" and feels powerless over her condition.

Mason meets Beth’s parents, Alan and Jackie Ellis, during lunch where he aims to make a positive impression. Both actors hoped this storyline would increase awareness about organ donation in Australia and encourage more registrations. Filming these scenes was emotionally demanding; Pledger described it as "a harrowing experience." The storyline concludes with Beth’s death after she collapses during a beach lunch organized by Mason; before going into cardiac arrest, she expresses her love for him.

Paralysis

Mason becomes ensnared in the consequences of his brother Brody's substance abuse following a car accident that leaves him temporarily paralyzed. The plot commences when Mason discovers Brody in the midst of a relapse, searching for drugs, and drives him to a rehabilitation center. During their journey, Brody, convinced that his dealer William Zannis is pursuing them, seizes control of the steering wheel, resulting in a collision. While Brody sustains only minor injuries, Mason's condition deteriorates significantly, rendering him comatose with severe spinal trauma. Tori informs Brody, Justin, and Raffy that Mason may face permanent loss of mobility. This revelation compels Brody to sell his restaurant and commit to private rehabilitation.

Several weeks later, Tori prepares to remove Mason from the ventilator; however, he remains unresponsive until the spinal shock diminishes. Upon awakening, Mason is unable to feel his legs and fears lasting paralysis. Medical assessments indicate he might regain some sensation as inflammation reduces. When discharged, Brody apologizes for causing the accident, but Mason responds with anger and attempts to strangle him. Intervention by Justin and Tori helps mend the brothers’ relationship. Later, Justin reinforces the importance of family by visiting their parents’ graves with Mason, prompting Mason to accept Brody’s handshake and reconcile.

Actor Orpheus Pledger later confirmed Mason’s recovery by sharing an image of himself walking on set.

Departure

In the season finale broadcast on 27 November 2019, Mason was killed off after being shot by a member of the Ouroboros gang during a hostage situation at the hospital. Actor Orpheus Pledger revealed that his departure was a mutual creative decision made with producers to provide a meaningful conclusion and allow for personal preparation. He characterized Mason’s death as a "heroic" and emotionally charged moment that served the storyline.

Storylines

Mason, along with brothers Brody and Justin Morgan, reunites with their sister Tori in Summer Bay. Early storylines include preventing Justin from engaging in a fight with Martin "Ash" Ashford and confronting Mason’s ex-girlfriend Lara Adams, whose involvement exposes their family’s witness protection status following their parents’ murder by a drug cartel. After a kidnapping incident and subsequent police rescue, tensions escalate as Justin’s past deceptions surface.

Mason’s relationship with Evie MacGuire evolves from casual encounters to realizing deeper emotions before they end their arrangement. During a plane crash event, Mason treats pregnant Billie Ashford and sustains injuries while rescuing Evie. The family later discovers that Decker’s niece Raffy Morrison is their half-sister; Mason advocates for her inclusion within the family.

Mason pursues a romantic relationship with Olivia Fraser Richards; although initially rejected, they date briefly before breaking up when Olivia confesses lingering feelings for her former partner. He also has a short-lived connection with Lena Ascot but ends it upon learning about her drug use. Supporting Brody through addiction relapses and hospital stays leads to a strained yet eventual friendship with Hunter King.

After suffering spinal injuries in a car crash caused by Brody’s panic-induced actions, Mason confronts paralysis and life support dependency. He forms a bond with fellow patient Beth Ellis, helping her fulfill her bucket list and developing a romantic relationship. His efforts to prioritize Beth for a heart transplant result in professional repercussions when he pressures another donor’s family. Beth ultimately dies, profoundly affecting Mason.

Following Beth’s passing, Mason leaves university but later returns after securing placement at the hospital. He faces workplace challenges including false accusations from Jennifer Dutton and develops feelings for Jasmine Delaney amid complex interactions involving Colby Thorne.

Mason enters into a relationship with Dempsey Blackwood; after she reveals her pregnancy, he offers support. However, after experiencing a miscarriage scare, Dempsey chooses to have an abortion. Mason successfully resumes his hospital career.

During an Ouroboros Gang hostage crisis at the hospital, Mason disputes patient care decisions and is fatally shot. His memory lives on when Brody names his son in his honor two years later.

Reception

Pledger earned a nomination for Best Newcomer at the Digital Spy Reader Awards, although he garnered just 3% of the total votes. Jonathon Moran from The Daily Telegraph anticipated that Pledger's physique would resonate particularly well with younger female viewers. Inside Soap referred to Mason, Brody, and Justin as "a fresh set of troublesome brothers," emphasizing their appealing looks. Meanwhile, TV Week commended the trio for being "devoted, compassionate, and diligent," labeling them as "Summer Bay's latest attractive family of brothers." Daniel Kilkelly of Digital Spy described the Morgans as "the unluckiest family in Summer Bay." Kerry Harvey from Stuff.co.nz characterized Mason as "the good boy of Summer Bay" and regarded him as the most level-headed member among the Morgan siblings.

External links

• Mason Morgan on the Official Home and Away website
• Mason Morgan at TVNZ