Todd Landers
Todd Landers | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Years active | 1988–1992 |
| Known for | Character in Neighbours |
Todd Landers is a fictional persona featured in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, brought to life by actor Kristian Schmid. He made his first appearance on 15 February 1988, arriving alongside his younger sister Katie Landers (played by Sally Jensen), with their connection to the storyline established through their aunt, Beverly Marshall (Lisa Armytage). When Schmid decided to depart from the series in 1991, he proposed that Todd’s character be written out through death; consequently, Todd died in the episode broadcast on 13 July 1992 and subsequently appeared as a ghost in the next installment.
Casting
At the age of 12, Schmid enrolled in an acting course in Melbourne. Shortly thereafter, casting director Jan Russ organized auditions seeking a teenage boy approximately 14 or 15 years old to portray Todd Landers. Schmid auditioned and secured the role, remaining with Neighbours until his character’s demise at age 17. Schmid disclosed that he had requested such a dramatic exit, viewing it as an honor on a program of this stature. He returned once more for a final scene as Todd’s spirit following the character’s death.
Characterisation
Todd is described as Beverly Marshall's "playfully independent nephew." To escape their abusive father, he and his sister Katie move in with Beverly, joining her and Jim Robinson’s household. Initially depicted as overprotective and somewhat skeptical, Todd matures into a responsible student whose attention is often diverted by romantic involvements.
The writers paired Todd with fellow student Cody Willis (Amelia Frid), whose flirtatious nature led her to pursue him, resulting in an onscreen kiss that Schmid found "awkward" due to the presence of the production crew. Later, Todd develops a relationship with Phoebe Bright (Simone Robertson), sharing the experience of losing their virginity together. When Phoebe becomes pregnant, she initially agrees to terminate the pregnancy; however, Todd changes his stance, illustrating the complexities inherent in teenage relationships.
Storylines
Todd and his sister Katie accompany family friend Hilary Robinson to their aunt Beverly Marshall's wedding to Hilary's cousin, Jim Robinson. Upon arrival, Todd dismisses attempts by Jim's children Paul Robinson and Lucy Robinson to engage with them. Soon after the wedding ceremony, Todd steals Hilary's car keys to retrieve their belongings and runs away with Katie but are located by Jim's son Scott Robinson and his wife, Charlene Robinson.
Jim and Beverly forgo their honeymoon plans to care for Todd and Katie, allowing them to reside at Number 26 while Bob and Annette work through personal challenges. Early on, Todd antagonizes local residents Harold Bishop and Nell Mangel. He later clashes with streetwise graffiti artist Nick Page, especially after Todd’s romantic interest, Emma Gordon, shows affection toward Nick. Following Nick’s grandmother’s death and his subsequent move into the Robinson household, Todd softens his attitude toward him.
After a babysitting incident where Jamie Clarke nearly drowns, Todd runs away and ends up living with petty criminal Skinner, who pressures him into criminal activities. Nick follows them during an attempted warehouse robbery which results in Nick’s arrest. Overcome with guilt, Todd confesses to protect Nick but receives only a warning. The ensuing stress causes Helen Daniels to suffer a stroke.
While staying at Number 22 with Paul and Gail, Skinner threatens Katie during a VCR theft. Gail intervenes to protect the children; Skinner is apprehended by Nick and arrested. Katie reveals that Bob is in Erinsborough; Todd confirms Bob left Annette two weeks earlier. Todd extracts a confession from Bob about extorting Helen but prevents him from fleeing town.
On a bus journey from Adelaide, Todd meets Alison Ryder and becomes enamored. Alison stays with the Robinsons but is suspected of theft when $30 goes missing. Although Todd defends her initially, he finds Helen’s brooch in Alison’s bag. After confronting her, Alison abruptly leaves town.
Melissa Jarrett begins piano lessons with Hilary and expresses interest in Todd. Initially hesitant, Todd eventually dates Melissa after sharing his experience with Alison. Melissa’s father disapproves of Todd following a misunderstanding involving Melissa.
When the Jarrett family moves to America, Todd is heartbroken. Classmate Cody organizes a party intending to seduce Todd; they share a kiss which leads Melissa to end their relationship. Todd harbors resentment toward Melissa when she flirts with Hilary’s son Matt to provoke jealousy.
On his sixteenth birthday, Todd befriends Josh Anderson, whose family moves to Erinsborough after purchasing the local newsagent shop. Together with Melissa and Cody, they form a teenage social group but face shifting dynamics as romantic feelings develop among members; these challenges are eventually resolved.
Todd desires a trail bike but Beverly refuses permission, causing tension within her marriage to Jim. Following their separation, Todd moves into an apartment behind the surgery and associates with petty criminal Gary "Boof" Head, much to his friends’ frustration. After an unsuccessful attempt at raiding a bike yard and an assault by Boof, Josh assists Todd in recovering.
When Cody’s parents acquire Number 28 next door, Todd eagerly anticipates having Cody nearby. Beverly suffers a second miscarriage leading to her divorce from Jim; she takes Todd back to Adelaide. Devastated by this move, Todd secretly returns to Erinsborough until Pam Willis discovers him.
An arrangement permits Todd to remain while Katie returns to Adelaide. After being forbidden contact with Cody due to a misunderstanding regarding sex education class content, they attempt to run away together but are separated when Cody falls ill. Following three months on the run, Todd returns home after Helen is hospitalized.
Principal Dorothy Burke recommends that Todd repeat Year 10 due to absenteeism but ultimately allows him to join Year 11 peers. Cody’s study program in America strains their relationship; they break up but reconcile prior to her departure. Months later Cody informs Todd she has moved on.
During Christmas time, Bob escapes prison and hides at Number 32; Helen reluctantly agrees to shelter him for Christmas Day. While repairing roofs at Lassiter’s complex, Glen Donnelly falls; despite Paul attempting to bribe Todd into altering his testimony regarding Glen’s lawsuit, Todd refuses.
Todd develops romantic feelings for Phoebe Bright after she admits her affection for him. Their relationship causes tension with Josh but resolves before Josh leaves Mildura. When Phoebe becomes pregnant, Todd pledges support by leaving school for employment. Bob advises against marriage based on his own experiences.
Phoebe opts for abortion; Todd struggles emotionally with this decision. While traveling by bus en route to the clinic after chasing a taxi across a highway, he is struck by a van and hospitalized for surgery. Despite appearing stable post-operation, he suffers cardiac arrest due to an undetected ruptured artery and dies as Jim, Phoebe, and Dorothy watch.
Following his death, Todd appears as a spirit offering reassurance to Phoebe that he will always be present for her and their unborn daughter Hope, whom Phoebe later delivers.
Reception
The telecommunications company Orange pointed out that Todd holds the distinction of being the youngest character ever to die in Neighbours, recalling his demise at the age of seventeen after being struck by a van while hurrying to prevent his girlfriend Phoebe from having an abortion.
In 2007, the Herald Sun placed Todd's death as the tenth most significant moment in their list of Neighbours Top Ten highlights. Joe Julians from Digital Spy referred to Todd’s departure in 2018 as "one of the most heartbreaking deaths in Neighbours history." By 2020, Adam Beresford of HuffPost recognized Todd, along with Melissa, Cody, and Josh, as part of the show's standout teenage ensembles. Additionally, the Herald Sun featured Todd's death among their "30 most unforgettable moments" from Neighbours.
British playwright Alice Birch singled out Todd’s accident involving a van as the most striking soap opera event in a profile for Time Out, sharing her personal childhood memories of the scene. Donna Hay from What's on TV included Todd and Phoebe in a list titled "marriages made in heaven," commenting that their relationship "deserved a joyful conclusion" but was prematurely ended by the scriptwriters. In May 1993, TVTimes addressed audience concerns regarding sexual themes in early-evening soap operas, referencing complaints about young characters such as Todd and Phoebe engaging in sexual activity.