Mason Turner

Mason Turner
Occupation	Fictional character
Years active	2013–2014 (Neighbours)
Known for	Character on Neighbours

Mason Turner is a character created for the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Taylor Glockner. Although Glockner originally auditioned for minor guest parts, the producers crafted a permanent role specifically for him. Mason was introduced alongside the Turner family during a significant cast update, signing on for two years and making his first appearance on 22 February 2013. Glockner exited the series in February 2014.

Mason joined the storyline two weeks following his parents and siblings, having recently completed a three-month juvenile detention term for robbery, an act influenced by Robbo Slade (Aaron Jakubenko). Executive producer Richard Jasek portrayed Mason as fundamentally good-hearted, while Glockner described him as "intelligent, humorous, serious, angry, caring, playful," and deeply devoted to family. His narratives involved romantic links with Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer) and Imogen Willis (Ariel Kaplan), as well as participation in a robbery alongside Robbo.

Creation and casting

On 4 November 2012, the introduction of the five-member Turner family to Neighbours was announced for February 2013, marking a notable cast renewal.<ref> The production team aimed to bring in a classic, engaging family embodying relatable values and storylines connected to established character Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver), who is Lauren’s father and Mason’s grandfather.<ref>

Taylor Glockner secured the role of Mason, the eldest Turner sibling, after previously trying out for guest appearances. The role was designed with him in mind. Glockner described the audition process as "very interesting" and considered the role a "fantastic opportunity," partly inspired by former cast member Guy Pearce. He began filming in November 2012 alongside Ashleigh Brewer (Kate Ramsay) and made his debut two weeks after his on-screen family on 22 February 2013.<ref>

Backstory

Initially, Mason’s fictional birth date was set in June 1999 but was later adjusted to 15 February 1995 when he was introduced. His arrival in Erinsborough occurred two weeks after his family due to serving a three-month juvenile detention sentence. Actor Taylor Glockner explained that Mason had fallen under the influence of "troublemaker" Robbo Slade while living in Mount Isa. Robbo orchestrated a warehouse robbery that failed; although Robbo escaped, Mason was apprehended by the arresting officer—his own father, Matt Turner.

Characterisation

Prior to his on-screen debut, Mason was labeled as "smouldering" and rebellious. Executive producer Richard Jasek described him as a "bad boy" with a kind heart who makes poor decisions driven by good intentions. Glockner agreed, emphasizing that Mason’s mistakes stem from positive motives and that he is fundamentally "a good kid" who loves and would fiercely protect his family. The actor pointed out Mason’s blend of cleverness, wit, seriousness, anger, compassion, and mischievousness as defining attributes.

Glockner further depicted Mason as impulsive and akin to "a lost puppy," frequently encountering trouble despite attempts to do better. At first, Mason’s relationship with his father Matt is tense due to lingering resentment over the juvenile detention episode. Glockner expected this conflict to be resolved over time. Upon arriving in Erinsborough, Mason quickly adjusts and pursues work at the local garage owned by Chris Pappas. Although Chris is initially cautious, Mason gains his confidence by assisting with a community problem and earns a job opportunity.

Relationship with Kate Ramsay

Soon after his arrival, Mason showed interest in Kate Ramsay (Brewer), even though she was initially hesitant due to their age difference. Glockner commented that they made a compatible pair, with Kate potentially helping Mason stabilize his life. To win Kate over, Mason went as far as appearing shirtless and presenting her with a CD featuring her sister's music. Just as Kate begins to warm up to him, Mason’s former girlfriend, Rhiannon Bates (Teressa Liane), appears, complicating the situation. Mason kisses Rhiannon to gain information about Robbo, but Kate witnesses this, putting their developing relationship at risk.

Initially resistant to Mason’s advances, Kate grows jealous of Rhiannon. Brewer expressed some doubts about the couple due to Kate’s history with younger partners but recognized their strong chemistry. The two eventually start dating, only for her ex, Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor), to return, sparking conflict and a confrontation between the men. Although Kate chooses Mason, his insecurity over her past causes a breakup after he discovers she kissed Mark.

Following the split, Glockner described Mason as "devastated," attempting to move on by dating neighbour Imogen Willis (Ariel Kaplan). However, Imogen quickly realizes Mason still harbors feelings for Kate and ends their relationship. Mason tries to reconcile with Kate but remains unaware of her one-night stand with housemate Kyle Canning (Chris Milligan), a fact that could trigger conflict given Mason’s volatile nature.

Robbo and Lassiter's robbery

Mason’s criminal history comes back into play when Robbo Slade arrives demanding his cut from a previous heist. Robbo’s arrival brings Mason and his father Matt together as they unite to safeguard their family. Unable to settle the debt through legal means, Mason agrees to participate in robbing Lassiter's Hotel during Sonya Mitchell and Toadfish Rebecchi's wedding reception. Despite the potential consequences linked to his criminal record, Mason feels compelled to take part. The robbery is unsuccessful; Sonya witnesses the event but suffers memory loss following an explosion, temporarily protecting Mason. When her memory returns, Mason is arrested and faces a prison sentence of up to 15 years.

Kate forgives Mason, but her uncle Paul Robinson opposes their relationship and manipulates legal actions against him. Paul’s scheme is ultimately foiled by Toadie and Ajay Kapoor.

Robbo resurfaces later; Mason alerts the police and confronts him physically. Robbo then blackmails Mason with an illicit video involving Amber Turner, escalating tensions further. In desperation, Mason seeks assistance from Paul and attempts to recover the video himself. Glockner suggested that Mason’s impulsive decisions might lead to severe repercussions.

Departure

On 3 December 2013, it was revealed that Glockner would be departing from Neighbours, citing the necessity for a creative hiatus following an intense year involving nearly a thousand scenes. Although he did not dismiss the possibility of future appearances, he described his tenure on the show as "the time of my life." By January 2014, reports surfaced indicating Mason’s exit to explore new career prospects. Glockner’s concluding scenes were broadcast on 28 February 2014.

Character reflection

In 2022, after the announcement that Neighbours would end its 37-year run, Glockner shared his thoughts on portraying Mason. He expressed satisfaction with the character’s evolution from an unpopular "bad boy" to a more empathetic individual. While acknowledging the demanding workload, he appreciated the acting experience gained, which benefited his ongoing projects. Although receptive to returning for the series finale, he noted that the final episodes primarily focused on characters from the 1980s.

Storylines

Following an early release from juvenile detention, Mason reunites with his family in Erinsborough, aiming for reconciliation despite lingering resentment toward his father. He uncovers missing stolen money, which leads to conflict with Robbo Slade, who demands repayment. To resolve debts and protect strained family relationships—particularly those affected by Robbo’s manipulation involving Amber—Mason secures employment at Lassiter's Hotel.

Under pressure from Robbo, Mason becomes involved in a botched robbery attempt at Lassiter’s during a wedding reception; heightened security and an explosion cause Sonya Mitchell to suffer temporary amnesia. After she regains her memory, Mason is taken into custody but later receives a good behaviour bond following a change in legal representation.

In matters of romance, Mason pursues Kate Ramsay despite interference from her ex-partners Rhiannon Bates and Mark Brennan. Their relationship undergoes several breakups fueled by jealousy and hidden pasts. Short-lived relationships with Imogen Willis provide distraction but underscore unresolved feelings for Kate.

Robbo’s return escalates tension through blackmail involving Amber; desperate actions include seeking assistance from Paul Robinson and attempting to retrieve incriminating evidence. Robbo’s eventual death triggers police investigations that implicate multiple characters.

Mason confronts intricate family issues and romantic complexities—including revelations about Kate’s one-night stand—and experiences personal growth that culminates in his departure from Erinsborough to start anew in Darwin.

Other appearances

In October 2014, Glockner reprised his role as Mason in the five-part webisode series Neighbours vs Zombies, where he teams up with Hope Gottlieb (Louna Maroun) to combat a zombie outbreak.

Reception

Mason’s arrival as a juvenile offender elicited varied responses; The Daily Telegraph criticized his involvement in illicit activities despite themes of rehabilitation, while other media outlets emphasized the tension his presence created within the Turner family. Often labeled as the "resident bad boy," Mason’s romantic entanglements and legal challenges were recognized as significant plot elements that engaged audiences. His popularity contributed to a rise in female viewers, with some commentators describing his relationship with Imogen Willis as "a contemporary Romeo and Juliet."