David Tanaka
David Tanaka | |
---|---|
Neighbours character | |
Portrayed by | Takaya Honda |
Duration | 2016–2024 |
First appearance | 21 September 2016 |
Last appearance |
|
Classification | Kim Tanaka |
Brothers | Leo Tanaka |
Half-brothers |
|
Half-sisters | Kazuko Sano Hilary Robinson |
David Tanaka is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Takaya Honda. He made his first appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 21 September 2016. The character was introduced alongside his twin brother Leo Tanaka (Tim Kano), and they arrive in Erinsborough to find their long-lost biological father. The show's producer had planned their stories out six months in advance and was excited about the prospect of them joining the series. Both Honda and Kano auditioned for both roles and were later awarded their respective parts. David is characterised as the more self-conscious and socially awkward of the Tanaka twins, but he is career minded and confident in his role as a doctor.
Writers developed an issue-led storyline for David which saw him struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. Having been pressured by his great-grandmother
Casting
The character and Honda's casting was announced on 22 August 2016, along with Tim Kano who plays David's twin brother Leo Tanaka.[1] Of his casting, Honda said, "I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to join the regular cast of Neighbours. To learn from such prominent and longstanding Australian talent is truly seeing my dreams fulfilled."[1] David and Leo come to Erinsborough in the hope of solving "a family mystery".[1] David is a doctor, who has "a social conscience".[1]
The show held a lengthy casting process for the characters because they wanted to find similar looking actors. Honda described it as a "strange" process with numerous call backs. He and Kano auditioned for both David and Leo to discover who was better suited to each role.[2] Kano's first audition required him to switch from playing either character in a matter of seconds.[3] Honda added that it was "tough" audition because the characters are completely different.[2]
Development
Webisodes and introduction
Neighbours' executive producer
Characterisation
"Good looking, highly intelligent and kind - David is a catch. Not that he seems aware of the attention he attracts. Losing himself in his work, David avoids intimacy. But the question of who he really is – what he really wants - will be tested when he forms some unlikely friendships in Erinsborough."[8]
—An excerpt taken from David's character biography hosted by
David is characterised as kind and intelligent doctor who was born in Parramatta to an ambitious mother. Her influence taught David the importance of excelling in his medical career. His backstory details his teenage years spent focusing on studying instead of socialising. This meant the character had missed out on "normal teenage rites of passage" which resulted in him being socially awkward and self-conscious.
Despite being twins, David and Leo have different personalities. David is "more serious and conscientious" planning out his career path, in comparison to his impulsive entrepreneurial brother Leo.[10] Honda believes that the two characters do share similarities ranging from a strong work ethic and sense of discipline. Though he noted that their methods of achieving their goals are completely different.[9] They also have conflicting morals, but both believe they do things for the right reasons. Honda has described the pair as having an unspoken and "innate brotherly twin" connection which is apparent on-screen. The actor said: "it's underlying every line of dialogue and I think that Tim and I are pulling that off."[9] Honda and Kano had natural chemistry off-set which helped them to play twins. They are both half Japanese with Caucasian mothers, which they thought was a "crazy" coincidence that helped them bond.[11]
Paternity mystery
David's main story following his introduction to the show was his desire to find his biological father. David's initial findings lead him to a homeless man named
Writers developed the story further with the introduction of
The show introduced a further
Honda later explained that his character was nervous about forming a relationship with Paul because he is a "conservative businessman". However, unlike Leo, he accepts the news that Paul is their father.[19] He also researched the Robinson family's history within the show to provide realism. Honda added "There has been a lot of thought in terms of history and trying to stay true to everything. We wanted to make sure that it didn't come across as just a random thing that was thrown together. We thought a lot about it."[19]
Sexuality
David has been portrayed as struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. When he arrives in Erinsborough it becomes apparent that he is attracted to men but David ignores these feelings.[6] Honda said that David struggles and feels pressured by those around him to make a decision. He decides to focus on work until he can make sense of his feelings. The actor explained that "he doesn't quite understand who he is or what he is attracted to. He thinks he's meant to fancy girls, but it's never really worked out with them in the past."[6]
Honda felt pressured portraying a sensitive subject that real people experience. He wanted to make David's story "respectful and understanding" for the show's audience.[20] On-screen, Kazuko pesters David to find himself a girlfriend to settle down with. Honda said that because of Kazuko's interference David presumes he may have not met a compatible female and even questions if there is something "wrong" with himself. When David spends time with Amy, the pair share a kiss, but David knows he is not attracted to her. The actor told Rachael Gavin from TV Soap that Amy is "an almost perfect person" for David but there is no "chemistry" between them when they kiss.[20] He then begins to spend more time with Aaron and there is an attraction between them. Assessing David's situation Honda explained that "It tortures him because he can't understand it. He's always tried to intellectualise it and once stuff develops with Aaron he comes to more of an understanding of what is going on and then he start to break down some of the barriers."[20] Aaron believes that David is gay following an intense moment the pair share. He warns Amy of his suspicions and confronts David, who then denies it, claiming to be heterosexual.[7]
Aaron organises a day out for Kazuko and he urges David to question her about his father. She does not react well and David blames Aaron. He apologises to David, who thinks Aaron is trying to seduce him. He insults Aaron in a homophobic manner. David later apologises for his behaviour which leads to their "most intense" and "charged" moment together, but David stops himself from kissing Aaron and runs away.[21] The storyline reached a turning point as David decides to confide his fears about being gay to the local priest, Father Jack Callahan (Andrew James Morley).[22] However, writers were quick to add more turmoil to David's sexuality struggle. His great-grandmother's health begins to deteriorate in hospital. David visits Kazuko and she orders him to not pursue his homosexual feelings any further. She then dies, which leaves David feeling as though he has to adhere to her dying wish.[22]
David receives encouragement from Paige to accept his feelings for men. David then realises he should be honest about both his sexuality and the baby. A promotional trailer released by Neighbours teased David paying a late night visit to Aaron's home to confess his feelings.
As a heterosexual, Honda found some challenges in playing a gay man, but did not find it difficult to portray love for his on-screen partners. He stated that "to me, love is love. And playing a character, whether I’m having to love a man, woman or other, is giving a representation of that love." He viewed the issues that David had negotiated as learning experiences for him, believing that "being exposed to those storylines in an intimate way raises those issues in my mind strongly".[27]
Relationship with Aaron Brennan
David and Aaron later begin a relationship; viewer reaction had been positive, with many hoping they would get together, even earning them the
Writers later devised another break up for the characters. They began by planning a "disastrous proposal" of marriage, which has David asking Aaron to be his husband. Shocked by his proposal, Aaron rejects him.
David and Aaron get back together following his relationship with Rafael. Honda told Sasha Morris from the Daily Star that "the audience like to see a couple fight for their romance and fight to be with each other, and David definitely needs to grow from what has happened in the past."[35] He also hoped that David and Aaron would be more intimate on-screen.[35] Honda told Katie Baillie from Metro that Aaron wanted David back the entire time they were apart. David feels more confident to take charge of their relationship, which the actor thought was "a nice full circle" for the story.[36]
Their relationship is soon strengthened by a proposal of marriage, to which they both agree.
Neighbours script producer Shane Isheev used his own experiences and relationships to inform David and Aaron's story, and wished for the couple to be "the next Karl and Susan". Upon David's death in 2024, Isheev stated he was "devastated" that their relationship had come to an end.[39]
Relationship with Rafael Humphreys
When the pair decide to become intimate, David discovers that Rafael has substantial scarring on his back. Rafael feels insecure, and thinks David will not be attracted to him once he sees his scars; however, David reacts positively, in a caring manner, and the two have sex.[41] Honda told Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy that his character dealt with the situation well. He explained that "I think the scene is a true exposé for both characters. David is so happy because he feels that Rafael has finally opened up to him."[41] Writers created the scene, but the director of the episode allowed Honda and Thomas to change the scene; they wanted to make it as "powerful as possible".[41] Neighbours is a G-rated programme, but the scene was more intense and intimate than previous depictions of same-sex intimacy. It received praise from viewers, and was acknowledged by various media outlets, including Gay Times and the Evening Standard.[42][43]
Rafael begins to scheme with
Paul manages to prove his innocence, and they learn
Foster care
In April 2020, it was announced that David and Aaron would explore adoption and foster care in a new storyline, which saw Ezra Justin join Neighbours as teenage boy
As the storyline began, David and Aaron faced intrusive questions while being assessed to become foster parents, and are surprised to be contacted as emergency carers for thirteen-year-old Emmett, having requested to foster a child between the ages of two and five. Emmett's initial week-long stay with the couple is turbulent, when he disappears upon learning they wanted a younger child.
The production also worked with Stacy Blythe, a Western Sydney University academic in the fields of developmental trauma and out-of-home care, on the storyline. Blythe stated that "the Neighbours team were very receptive to my feedback, and worked to ensure that the experiences and behaviours of Emmett, David and Aaron provided an accurate representation of out of home care in Australia". She also highlighted the misbehaviours displayed by Emmett, and David and Aaron's responses, as aspects of the story that were crafted with the intention of displaying both the challenges of foster care and the possibilities for progress: "It’s important to understand that Emmett’s reactions are not intentional moments of delinquency – his behaviours are symptoms of previous trauma that he has experienced. And the only chance that Emmett has for a positive outcome, is if his trauma is recognised, and he receives understanding, love and support."[48] Honda stated that "a lot of foster kids who have experienced trauma react in very strong ways, the fight or flight response can be incredibly strong… because they feel threatened. So the thing that’s important for the foster parents is to give love, not hate or anger, no matter what they give you, you’ve got to give them love back."[27] He further stated that "it’s very easy for us to disconnect from the fact that there are children out there who don’t have a safe home, who don’t feel safe in their home, who are actively being attacked in what is meant to be the safest place for them", and expressed hope that the storyline would expose people to this "on an emotional level".[27] Herbison stated that David and Aaron would find ways to negotiate their different opinions through experiencing parenthood, and ultimately become a stronger couple.[53]
Emmett left the series at the conclusion of his storyline, after choosing to live with his aunt in New Zealand. This created tension for David and Aaron, as David had attempted to convince Emmett to stay with them while Aaron encouraged him to make his own decision.[54] The following year, Emmett returned following Brent's reappearance.[55]
Planned departure and conclusion
In 2021, Honda informed producers of his intention to leave the role at the end of his contract.
Although David's role in Gareth's death was not revealed prior to its UK broadcast, Honda hinted that audiences would be left asking 'who is David?' and that his "life is about to change in a really big way". He also expressed delight at being involved in dramatic location scenes, having not been part of the
As David's planned exit storyline continued, the truth of his actions was revealed and he was arrested for medical manslaughter. Subsequently, he was imprisoned after failing to return from a family holiday in time and missing his bail check-in.[59] However, Neighbours was cancelled in March 2022, meaning David would remain on-screen until its conclusion. The storyline was therefore truncated and redeveloped to provide a happy ending for David and Aaron, a decision that Honda agreed with. Shortly before the broadcast of "Neighbours: The Finale", which saw a recently-released David remain on Ramsay Street, Honda revealed his earlier decision to quit the role and that David's 2022 storyline was designed to write him out of the series. Honda admitted that he did not know the full details of how the story would have developed if it had proceeded as planned, but nevertheless stated "I don't think the audience will feel robbed of that story having closure".[56] Honda expressed his pleasure over the entirety of David's arc on screen, highlighting the "strength" he found through coming out and the challenge to his morality over the previous year. Honda hoped that the audience "appreciates the effort to maintain that arc and make it a full thing, rather than each storyline being separate".[56]
Return and death
When Neighbours returned in September 2023, Honda was not initially part of its cast. Dialogue confirmed that David, Aaron and Nicolette had all moved away following the breakdown of Paul and Terese's marriage.[60] However, in October 2023 it was announced that Honda would be returning to the show the following month.[61]
On 13 November 2023 David returned alongside Aaron and Nicolette (now played by Hannah Monson). Honda explained that his decision to return was prompted by the storyline offered to him and Wilson: "Ultimately, I think for both of us the story that Jason Herbison, our executive producer, pitched to us was something that was really intriguing to get us back onto the show and kick it off and the larger story that was happening on the show itself. We could tell that there was something different happening on the show, so we wanted to be a part of that really".[62] Both actors praised the interrelationship of concurrent storylines in Neighbours following its return.[63] Honda also spoke positively of the secrecy around the characters' return and the "fun" of filming in secret.[62]
Part of David's return storyline saw him maintain a grudge against Paul, after his actions caused David, Aaron and Nicolette to flee Erinsborough.[64] Honda suggested that "David has a huge, immense amount of love for Paul; and that's the reason why he has such a strong reaction and why he's so against Paul".[65] He further observed that audiences had begun to turn against David, as "he's in opposition to Paul... But that's the brilliance of Stefan Dennis. If you go up against Paul on this show, you have to expect the audience is going to be on his side".[65]
David's exit from the series aired in February 2024, when David was involved in a storyline which was promoted as culminating in a character's death.
The following day's episode saw David die from his injuries, after he insists Aaron and Leo rescue Eden before him. Honda revealed that David's death had been planned from the beginning of his return, and its heroic aspect had convinced him to reprise the role.[68] He stated that he had wished to "finish David off properly" after his previous conclusion as part of the show's 2022 finale, which the storyline referenced through showing David save a villainous character's life rather than letting them die.[69] Honda reflected that David "started off as this reserved, closeted man who didn't have all this confidence in the world outside of when he was working - now, he's in a place where he's being a hero and saving his brother's life. So I feel like of all the endings you could've predicted for David when he was first on screen, I don't think this would've been one of them."[68]
Explaining the decision to kill David, Herbison explained that "we felt it was crucial to see David, Aaron and Nicolette together as a modern family unit once more, before we formulated a story that would allow the others to stay if David left. In soap tradition, that meant a tragic death."[70] Script producer Shane Isheev revealed that writer Paul Gartside was chosen to script the episode as he had also written David and Aaron's wedding.[39] Honda acknowledged that "it was a wonderful storyline that they'd come up with and I think it's a beautiful send-off for the character and everyone around me".[69] He expressed hope that the audience would be moved by David's death, despite their recent ambivalent response towards him. He approved of the decision to kill David, believing that he would only leave his family by dying or returning to jail and viewing the latter as a "lame" option. He also viewed David's death as beneficial for his own mental health, as it put "a line in the sand".[69] Honda stated that "the way that the show has built this story, and also executed it at such a high level, means that it hopefully will go down as one of the major deaths in Neighbours history for good reasons and not bad ones".[69]
Honda further stated that he was allowed input into the realisation of the storyline, particularly through the voice memo that David records for Aaron before he dies, which was agreed upon but not initially included in the episode's script. The voice memo allowed David to urge Aaron to move on, though Honda mused that the nature of Neighbours may cause this to happen sooner than his character would like.[69] Writing on Instagram after his exit aired, Honda connected his motivation to film the voice memo to his own mother, who suffered from Alzheimer's disease and died while the storyline was being filmed. As his mother had never been fully cognisant of his role on Neighbours due to her illness, Honda viewed the scene, and his ability to complete the role despite his bereavement, as a testament to her pride in his success.[71]
Storylines
While visiting his great-grandmother at Erinsborough Hospital, David befriends
David asks Kazuko about his father but she cannot remember. David takes Kazuko out for the day. His friend Aaron Brennan brings a golf cart to them, so Kazuko does not have to walk. David shows Kazuko a picture of Bradley Satchwell, but she denies knowing him. She refuses to tell David who his father is and asks to be taken back to the hospital. David confides in Father Jack that he likes men. In hospital Kazuko's condition worsens and she tells David to renounce homosexuality, just before she dies. David tells Aaron to never speak to him again and tells Jack he was just confused about his sexuality. David supports Paige when she learns she is pregnant, and he helps her when she suffers a miscarriage scare. They later agree to tell everyone that he is the father of her baby, as Paige feels she is unable to reveal who the real father is. Paige's ex-boyfriend, Father Jack is jealous of David and Paige's friendship, and that David is being named as the father of his baby.
David and Leo want to know about their father. At first they think it may be a homeless man named Bradley Satchwell, who is taken to the hospital, where a blood test proves that he is not. Then new evidence indicates that their father may be a man named Hiro, who died a year ago, and was related to the Udagawas. His relative Jasmine tries to prevent David and Leo from investigating the family link. Clive Gibbons (Geoff Paine) investigates an old lead but can find no evidence of Hiro being related to the Tanakas. Kim denies that Hiro is the father. When Leo and Amy go on a weekend break together intending to sleep together, Kim confesses that Amy's father Paul is the twin's father. David spends time with Paul and they begin to bond. He then decides to tell Leo, Paul and Amy that he is gay. David kisses Aaron, but feels rejected when Aaron tells him that he needs to date other men first to understand who he is. David is involved in an accident, when Amy's Ute crashes into the backpackers injuring both Piper Willis (Mavournee Hazel) and himself. The doctors' fear he may have brain damage and may have problems with his memory and speech, leaving Paul and Leo worried.
While he is recovering, David flirts with his nurse
When the sociopathic
David and Aaron plan on having a child via surrogate, and ask Pierce's former partner
When Nicolette suddenly leaves Erinsborough close to her due date, David is distraught and risks his career by attempting to find information on her whereabouts through medical records. He also disowns Leo for scheming to come between Chloe and Nicolette, and accuses Aaron of caring less about their child, but eventually works through his anger. Paul searches for Nicolette and returns to Erinsborough with
Driving to join Aaron at the River Bend resort, David finds him at the side of a road in a severely beaten state. When David then encounters a critically injured
Two years later, David, Aaron, Nicolette and Isla have moved to the country, where they run a guest house, after Paul involved them in the cover-up over
Reception
David and Aaron's partnership was nominated for Best Soap Couple at the 2018 Digital Spy Reader Awards; they came in seventh place with 5.3% of the total votes.[72]
Daniel Kilkelly (Digital Spy) viewed the Road Trip webisodes and observed David as "less confident and a whole lot more insecure" than Leo. He added that the character appeared to have a bigger conscience than his twin.
Anthony D. Langford often scrutinised the character in his weekly
He also took issue with David's possible romance with Aaron, opining that the two did not share enough screen-time to form a relationship. In addition he accused the show of missing out important scenes the two could have shared.[77] Langford grew so tired of waiting that he later scathed "this show is dragging out Aaron and David getting together to the point of it being ridiculous."[78] He also pondered whether Neighbours were intentionally avoiding the portrayal of gay male intimacy.[79] Langford was also unsure David and Aaron were well matched. He branded David as an "okay" character lacking personality. He did not believe Aaron should be partnered with yet another "bland nice guy" such as David, as it risked writers being unable to create stories for the "dull coupling".[80] In 2022, Sam Strutt of The Guardian compiled a feature counting down the top ten most memorable moments from Neighbours. Strutt listed David and Aaron's wedding as the eighth most memorable. Strutt branded it the show's most memorable wedding since the ceremony of Scott Robinson and Charlene Mitchell.[81]
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External links
- David Tanaka at the Official Neighbours website