Mackenzie Booth
Mackenzie Booth | |
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Home and Away character | |
Jai Simmons | |
Nieces | Izzy Thompson |
Mackenzie Booth is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Home and Away, played by Emily Weir. Weir decided to audition for the role after reading the character brief. She was attending a different audition when her agent informed her that she had won the part of Mac. Weir described the moment as overwhelming and revealed that she had been a big fan of the show since she was young. She began filming in December 2018 and her casting was publicly revealed when she was photographed filming scenes at Palm Beach. Weir made her first appearance as Mac during the episode broadcast on 13 June 2019.
The character is portrayed as an independent, smart, strong and confident woman. Weir stated that Mac comes from a privileged background and is financially independent, which she enjoys playing, as there were not many women in soaps that owned their own businesses Mac's motivation for coming to
Mac was then paired with
Casting
Weir joined the cast in December 2018.
Development
Characterisation and introduction
"It's so amazing to step into the shoes of a character as three-dimensional as Mac. She's outspoken, she's blunt, wears her heart on her sleeve and doesn't suffer fools. I'm not sure if people like Mackenzie – but I do!"[9]
—Weir talking to Inside Soap's Alice Penwill about playing Mac (2021).
Ahead of her first scenes airing, Weir called Mackenzie, or "Mac", "a very fierce and independent, smart woman."[10] Jackie Brygel of New Idea dubbed the character "mysterious" and "fiery".[10] Weir later described Mac as "strong, confident, witty and loving human being."[11] She found Mac fun to play because of her background, explaining: "She comes from quite a bit of privilege, which is definitely different from me. So she sort of rocks in from out of town with a Porsche and some high heels and a bit of attitude."[7] Weir said it was her dream to play such a character and called Mac "super-fabulous!"[4] She also liked that Mac was financially independent, noting that there were not many women in soap operas that owned their own businesses, adding "she's a boss and she doesn't apologise for that."[4] Weir also branded Mac "a straight-shooting boss", although she said that Mac can sometimes be "terrible and abusive, mostly she's good. Mac is either riding high, or really low..."[4] Speaking to Sarah Ellis of Inside Soap, Weir told her that she would be friends with Mac if she were real. She did not think they would move in the same social circle, but she would be able to "appreciate her humour".[11] Mac is a keen surfer in the show, but Weir admitted that she cannot surf in real life and body doubles were used whenever her character goes surfing.[4]
Weir said the audience is initially unaware of her character's motivation for coming to
Mac is later shown rejecting a phone call from her father, hinting at a bad relationship between them.[12] Weir told Ellis (Inside Soap) that Mac and Rick's relationship is "very strained, to say the least! There's a lot of distance between them, and the relationship is filled with pain. But she is absolutely genuine about getting to know Dean better and building a relationship with him."[11] Weir admitted that she personally connected with Mac's "tested relationship" with her father.[4] Writers soon reintroduced Rick, as he comes to the Bay to confront Mac and Dean.[13] Ahead of this, Mac is left "fuming" after learning about her father's new political career in the press. Dean attempts to calm her down by asking her about her revenge plan for Rick. Mac assures him that she is leaving him out of it, but viewers then learn Mac is blackmailing her father for $100,000 to keep quiet about Dean.[13] This threat brings Rick to the Bay, where he meets with Dean. O'Conner commented "Dean doesn't want to be involved in this, but fans will see different shades of him as the storyline plays out."[13] An angered Dean "blasts" Mac for involving him in her blackmail plan, before Rick turns up to do the same.[13] Weir later called for the introduction of Mac's other siblings and her mother. She wanted the chance to explore her character's relationship with her parents, as Mac often mentions that she is close to her mother.[4]
Relationship with Colby Thorne
The character was immediately paired with Dean's best friend Colby (Franklin).[7] The pair initially clash, leading Weir to explain "There's been a war of wit and words between Mackenzie and Colby from the moment they met. On the surface, it seems that they really don't like each other, but yet they're clearly intrigued and there's an intellectual battle going on between them."[14] Weir later said that Mac fancies Colby and they initially share "a great dynamic", but it would become "a difficult endeavour" for them.[11] Of their connection, Weir commented "It's a battle of wits, it's fun, and there's great chemistry between them."[11] The pair share a kiss after bonding over their complicated families, but Mac pulls away and explains that she cannot get involved with him while he is still wearing his wedding ring.[15] Weir explained that for her character it was "a strict moral thing" that she will not excuse. Even though she knows he is separated from his wife, Weir said Mac needs the ring to be gone so that she sees Colby as a single man.[15] After Colby removes his ring, Mack invites him over to her place for a date.[16] They are soon interrupted by Dean calling Colby for some advice. Mac encourages Colby to lie and tell Dean that he is busy at work. Franklin commented that the situation was "very complicated", but Colby wants to establish a connection with Mac before getting Dean involved.[16] However, Dean then shows up at Mac's house and walks in on Mac and Colby together.[16]
Mac later ends the relationship due to Colby's occupation. As Colby becomes preoccupied with investigating a dangerous gang and is constantly called out to various situations, Mac realises how much his job is affecting her. She tells Dean that she is having doubts about the relationship, and when she sees Colby in a "confronting" situation, she breaks up with him.[17] This leads to a feud between Mac and Colby's sister Bella Nixon (Courtney Miller), who is "livid" at seeing her brother "heartbroken" by the break up.[18] Bella makes an attempt at confronting Mac, before Dean and Willow Harris (Sarah Roberts) stop her from starting a fire at Salt.[18] Miller explained that Bella feels like Mac has broken her trust and hurt her brother, like his former wife did.[19] She continued: "Bella sees Mackenzie as a threat and will go to any extreme to get revenge."[19] Colby and Mac resume their romance, after arranging "a secret rendezvous" and Bella later sees them kissing.[19] Later scenes see the couple plan a getaway to improve their relationship, but Colby is forced to cancel when Bella claims she is ill.[20] Mac is "naturally upset" and accuses Bella of putting on an act, however, Bella soon collapses and is hospitalised with tetanus.[20] This causes visible tension between Mac and Colby, as he pushes her away to care for Bella.[20]
The storyline comes to a head during the final episodes of 2019. After Colby learns Bella has been using her illness to manipulate him, she takes an overdose. Mac finds her in "a bad way" and takes her to the hospital, where they join several other characters caught up in a siege by armed gunman.[21] The pair initially hide in a small side room, where Bella admits that she has taken a lot of pills. Mac then risks her own life to try and get help for Bella.[21] Weir explained "She springs to action and risks her life. If she does nothing, Bella could die."[21] Both women are found by the gunmen and forced to join the other hostages. Bella is refused medical help and she deteriorates rapidly, but is eventually treated.[21] Following the siege, Mac's relationship with Colby comes to an end, as Mac grows frustrated with him. Weir told Tamara Cullen and Gabrielle Tozer of TV Week: "Mac felt Colby didn't prioritise her in his life. He didn't have time for her. Granted, he had a lot going on with Bella and with his police work, but she's tired of coming second."[22] Colby makes an attempt to win Mac back, but she starts to move on as she feels their romance is over.[22] Weir said the characters have "a strong connection", but Mac realises an on/off relationship is bad for her self-esteem and she decides to put herself first.[22]
Relationship with Ari Parata
Producers then paired Mac with Ari Parata (Rob Kipa-Williams), who was introduced during the siege storyline. The characters begin to interact regularly when Ari uses Salt as a base to search the newspapers for a job.[22] Mac becomes "a shoulder to lean on", as Ari struggles to find some work. She also finds him intriguing when he is unwilling to open up about himself.[22] Speaking to Cullen and Tozer, Weir stated "Ari appeals because he seems drama-free. He's relaxed and easy and she finds him attractive. She's craving simplicity and wants to avoid 'complicated'. Ari seems someone who's calm and relaxed with himself."[22] When Dean learns Mac has befriended his former prison mate, he warns Ari off and tries to persuade his sister to give Colby a second chance. When Ari does not come to Salt like usual, Mac visits him at the caravan park, where her "blunt approach" encourages Ari to open up. Weir said her character does not judge someone for having "a complicated past", since she also has one.[22] After spending days flirting, the pair spend the night together in Ari's caravan. Cullen observed that the fun and carefree nature of a casual relationship is just what Mac needs, after Colby.[23] Weir told her that Mac has no regrets and enjoys the freedom of having sex with Ari. She continued: "It makes her feel like she's found her swagger again and she enjoys the breath of fresh air."[23]
"She comes from a broken home where cheating, lying and scheming was really prevalent, and she tries to live her life in an honest way. Temptation was very high, but I think morally she couldn't cross the line by actually acting on it. She'd be too honest before she did something like that."[24]
—Weir on the temptation faced by Mac during the love triangle story with Tane.
Writers introduced a love triangle element to the storyline when Mac develops an attraction to Ari's brother
Speaking to Daniel Kilkelly of
Weir admitted that love triangle storylines were "fascinating" as an actress to play out, as they involved multiple layers and complexity.
Ectopic pregnancy and downward spiral
Following the end of Ari and Mac's relationship, writers scripted a pregnancy for the character.[29] Weir described her character's feelings about the pregnancy to TV Week's Stephen Downie: "After the break-up, Mac is heartbroken. And, on top of that, she finds out she's pregnant to a man who has feelings for someone else. She feels completely confused, lost and alone."[29] Mac is shown struggling with her decision to keep the pregnancy a secret from Ari and whether she will have an abortion. When she does go to talk with Ari, he is involved in a hit-and-run.[29] While he recovers, Mac discusses her situation with Ziggy. Weir told Downie that Mac takes on board Ziggy's advice, but she still struggles with a definite decision. She states that she does not want to keep the baby, but Weir reckoned that "she really isn't ever 100 per cent on what to do."[29] The decision is seemingly taken out of her hands when she collapses at home. Weir said Mac is in "extreme pain" and thinks she might die alone.[29] After being found, Mac is diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, causing a fallopian tube to rupture. She undergoes surgery, but loses the baby.[30]
In an interview with Kilkelly (Digital Spy), Weir explained that she was approached by the show's producers who told her that they were plotting the storyline. She then worked with the on set nurse and doctor to help convey Mac's pain. She also carried out her own research into ectopic pregnancies and how they can be life-threatening.[30] She stated "We really wanted to do it justice. There were many acting meetings and medical meetings that we implemented to make sure it was as real as possible."[30] Weir told Kilkelly that the crew did not want to misrepresent anything and they needed to know what they were doing. She used the moment that Mac's fallopian tube snaps as an example, saying that she had to understand what her character's body would be going through, so she did not "overplay or underplay it."[30] Weir "felt very privileged" by the chance to bring attention to an important issue, but she was also nervous and reiterated that she wanted to do it justice.[30] During filming, Weir found she became "much more emotionally connected" to the story than she thought she would, and she was able to play out her character's grief with more ease.[30]
When asked if Mac's decision to have an abortion affects how she is feeling about the miscarriage, Weir replied "It is a complicated situation because even though you see that Mac books in an appointment to get a termination, she didn't have the termination. It was, in the end, decided for her. Until the moment arises where she's getting a termination, everything is still up in the air and I think that's how she feels."[30] Weir believed that Mac would have changed her mind about having a termination. Mac keeps the miscarriage from Ari, and Weir said Mac wants to retain her independence and prove that she does not need him.[30] However, Mia discovers what happened after seeing Mac at the hospital, which Weir said was "difficult" for Mac, but she also said that there is "a good moment" between them in which Mac asks Mia not to tell Ari and she agrees.[30] She told Kilkelly that Mia has also experienced a number of miscarriages, so she knows what Mac has been through and gives her "a lot of empathy and understands." She called it an "interesting moment" and liked that it was played out between two women.[30]
Weir confirmed that Mac would experience a downward spiral because of "a pile-on of grief". As she "self-destructs", her relationships with her family and friends would suffer as she pushes them away due to the pain.[30] When Mac returns home from the hospital, she breaks down and Ziggy finds her crying at the kitchen table. Weir described her as being "completely burnt out and overwhelmed" due to all the physical and emotional pain she is in.[31] In the scenes between the pair, Mac details how she has lost everything, including her relationship and baby. The following morning, Mac returns to work, which Weir said was Mac's way of distracting herself from everything that has happened and a way for her to feel better.[31] However, Ari and Mia come to Salt and Mac does not want to deal with them. Weir commented that being in the same room as Ari was very painful for her character.[31] Mac later suffers cramps and ends up collapsing again. At the hospital, she is informed that her body has not had enough rest and being on her feet all day has affected the healing and caused a complication. Ari visits Mac, having seen her collapse, and she breaks down in his arms.[31]
Mac soon starts binge drinking in an attempt to numb her pain and she ends up alienating her friends. The show's producers were unaware that Weir had previously had her own issues with alcohol and had been sober for a number of years.
Relationship with Logan Bennett
Following
Mac and Logan spend weeks flirting. Dean notices there is something between them and tells Mac that she deserves a chance at happiness. After initially turning down a date with Logan, Mac finds him at Salt waiting for her and she eventually agrees to have a drink with him.[36] After "plenty of flirty banter", they go back to Mac's place, but Logan is reluctant to open up about his life and makes a sudden exit. The following morning, the pair meet at the beach and Mac "dives into Logan" and they share a passionate kiss. After spending the day texting one another, they meet up and have sex.[36] Not long after Logan agrees to move in with Mac, producers introduced his former girlfriend Neve Spicer (Sophie Bloom).[37] Weir described Neve's arrival as "confronting" for Mac after all the drama with Ari and Mia. She continued saying that Mac is in love with Logan, and tries to be rational about the situation, but she is breaking inside. Mac feels threatened by Neve's presence because she and Logan worked together as medics in the army.[37] Weir admitted to being surprised by Mac's decision to ask Neve to move in with her Logan, explaining "I thought it was Mackenzie being cool, but she's trying to understand her threat – better the devil you know and all that."[37] As Neve's story plays out, Weir said Mac empathises with Neve when she realises she is suffering from PTSD.[37]
Weir backed the couple as their relationship comes under strain by Logan prioritising Neve over Mac.[38] She also welcomed the exploration of Logan's background, saying "Because of Logan's background, he's super closed off about it. Rightly so, Mac respects that, but you want to know the past of the person you're sleeping next to at night. I think it was a really good opportunity for Mac to understand fully what Logan has been through. That's an intimate thing to know about someone and Mac was pretty keen to learn more about him."[38] Dean is also involved in the plot as he grows angry about the way Logan is treating Mac and ends up punching the doctor. This leads Logan to rectify things with Mac while also continuing to help Neve with her issues.[38] In early January 2022, it was announced that Bonner had departed Home and Away and would not be returning to set when filming resumed.[39] Bonner's sudden departure resulted in an "abrupt" exit for his character, which aired on 6 June 2022.[40] Having broken up with Mac, after learning that she has held a number of illegal poker nights at Salt, Logan decides to re-join the Army Medical Corps and leaves without saying goodbye. Mac later listens to a voicemail from Logan, who apologises for not telling her that he was leaving. He also tells her that she is "amazing" and to be happy.[40]
Reception
For her portrayal of Mac, Weir received a nomination for Best Daytime Star at the 2021 Inside Soap Awards.[41] She received a nomination in the same category the following year.[42]
Kerry Harvey of Stuff observed that Mac and Colby were "considered one of the show's hottest couples."
Stephanie McKenna of The West Australian enjoyed the chemistry between Mac and Tane and expressed her anger that the kiss between them was a dream sequence, writing "That kiss between Mac and Tane — the guy who is not her boyfriend — was all a lie and I fell for it. Don't get me wrong, I like Mac and Ari together, but this is a drama after all and that advertisement Home and Away have been spruiking for a week showed some serious chemistry and we were ripped off."[44] McKenna admitted to being "extremely shocked" by the kiss because she thought it was "hot" for the show.[44]
McKenna later called Mac "probably the smartest person in Summer Bay".[45] She also pointed out that everyone saw Mac and Ari's break-up coming following Mia's arrival, but added that "it cuts real deep and it's another heartbreak for Home and Away.[46]
McKenna did not think Mac was a convincing drunk, writing "It's like Mac is 15 and getting absolutely smashed on whatever she could find in her parents' stash. Mac is supposed to be this cashed up posh character who owns a bar so she should be drinking something actually nice instead of some indistinguishable rum, or maybe tequila."[47] McKenna disliked Mac's attempt at propositioning Tane while drunk, calling it "quite frankly humiliating".[47] As Mac's downward spiral played out, Weir's co-stars Georgie Parker, Patrick O'Connor, and Sam Frost praised her portrayal of the character.[48]
References
- ^ Series producer: Lucy Addario; Director: Ian Watson; Writer: Margaret Wilson (10 June 2021). "Episode 7581". Home and Away. Seven Network.
- ^ a b Morton, Nadine (13 May 2021). "Home and Away: Northern beaches show turns actors into stars". Northern Beaches Review. Retrieved 24 September 2021.
- ^ Soap World. No. 321. June 2019. pp. 12–13.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "You ask... they answer! Emily Weir Home and Away's Mackenzie ...faces your questions!". Inside Soap. No. 39. 25 September – 1 October 2021. pp. 52–53.
- ^ Harvey, Kerry (4 November 2021). "Jacqui Purvis is making waves on Home And Away". Stuff. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Hockey, Maddison; Burke, Tina (17 June 2019). "Emily Weir joins Home and Away as new girl Mackenzie". TV Week. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f Harvey, Kerry (26 September 2019). "Landing Home And Away role 'like winning Lotto' for Emily Weir". Stuff. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (30 November 2018). "Home and Away spoiler: Colby and Dean catch Mackenzie's attention". Digital Spy. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
- ^ a b c Penwill, Alice (2–8 October 2021). "'Mackenzie isn't a damsel in distress!'". Inside Soap. No. 40. pp. 44–45.
- ^ a b c d e Brygel, Jackie (10 June 2019). "Home and Away: Meet Summer Bay's fiery new addition". New Idea. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ellis, Sarah (20–26 July 2019). "Secret sister". Inside Soap. No. 29. p. 43.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (20 June 2019). "Home and Away airs huge shock for Dean Thompson as Mackenzie Booth's true identity is revealed". Digital Spy. Retrieved 24 November 2021.
- ^ a b c d Cullen, Tamara (6–12 July 2019). "Breaking dad". TV Week. No. 27. p. 86.
- ^ Haddrick, Milly (17 June 2019). "Home and Away: Mackenzie's shock bombshell". New Idea. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
- ^ a b Hockey, Maddison (29 June – 5 July 2019). "Ringing reminder". TV Week. No. 26. p. 87.
- ^ a b c Cullen, Tamara (27 July – 2 August 2019). "Busted in bed!". TV Week. No. 30. pp. 8–9.
- ^ "Call of duty". TV Week. No. 39. 28 September – 4 October 2019. p. 8.
- ^ a b "Bella's fiery revenge!". Inside Soap. No. 46. 16–22 November 2019. p. 35.
- ^ a b c "Home and Away: Bella crashes Colby and Mackenzie's relationship". New Idea. 14 October 2019. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
- ^ a b c Hockey, Maddison (26 October – 1 November 2019). "Liar liar!". TV Week. No. 43. pp. 6–7.
- ^ a b c d Hockey, Maddison (30 November – 6 December 2019). "Shots fired – Bella & Mackenzie". TV Week. No. 48. p. 7.
- ^ a b c d e f g Cullen, Tamara; Tozer, Gabrielle (13 April 2020). "Home and Away spoiler: Mackenzie and Ari strike up a romantic connection". TV Week. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
- ^ a b Cullen, Tamara (25 April – 1 May 2020). "Caravan spark". TV Week. No. 17. p. 5.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Kilkelly, Daniel (22 September 2020). "Home and Away star Emily Weir reveals whether Mac should be with Ari or Tane". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f g Ellis, Sarah (29 August – 4 September 2020). "Torn between two brothers!". Inside Soap. No. 35. pp. 20–21.
- ^ a b c Cullen, Tamara (3–9 October 2020). "Who to choose?". TV Week. No. 40. pp. 4–5.
- ^ a b Alexander, Susannah; Kilkelly, Daniel (2 May 2021). "Home and Away star Rob Kipa-Williams admits sadness over Ari and Mac's split". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
- ^ a b c Ellis, Sarah (20–26 March 2021). "Ari caught between two women!". Inside Soap. No. 12. pp. 20–21.
- ^ a b c d e Downie, Stephen (10–16 April 2021). "'Should I have the baby?'". TV Week. No. 15. pp. 6–7.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Kilkelly, Daniel (29 April 2021). "Home and Away star Emily Weir speaks out on Mac's devastating storyline". Digital Spy. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
- ^ a b c d Downie, Stephen (17–23 April 2021). "Rock bottom". TV Week. No. 16. pp. 4–5.
- ^ a b Harvey, Kerry (12 August 2021). "Home and Away's Emily Weir shares her booze battle". Stuff. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
- ^ a b c Downie, Stephen (3 May 2021). "Home And Away shock betrayal as Tane shares a forbidden kiss with Mac". TV Week. Retrieved 24 January 2022.
- ^ Downie, Stephen (22–28 May 2021). "Mac attack". TV Week. No. 21. p. 5.
- ^ a b Downie, Stephen (28 August – 3 September 2021). "'Can I buy you a drink?'". TV Week. No. 35. p. 5.
- ^ a b Downie, Stephen (11–17 September 2021). "Heat of the moment". TV Week. No. 37. pp. 4–5.
- ^ a b c d Penwill, Alice (12–18 March 2022). "'Mackenzie feels threatened by Neve'". Inside Soap. No. 11. pp. 50–51.
- ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (26 March 2022). "Home and Away star Emily Weir addresses Mac and Logan's future after Neve drama". Digital Spy. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
- ^ "Home and Away favourite Harley Bonner exits soap over vaccine". News.com.au. 8 January 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (7 June 2022). "Home and Away airs Logan Bennett's abrupt exit storyline". Digital Spy. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
- ^ "The Inside Soap Awards 2021". Inside Soap. No. 40. 2–8 October 2021. pp. 49–52.
- ^ Harp, Justin (18 July 2022). "Inside Soap Awards announces nominations and new category for 2022 event". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
- ^ What to Watch. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ a b McKenna, Stephanie (8 September 2020). "Home and Away Review: Mac and Tane sure have on screen chemistry". The West Australian. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
- ^ McKenna, Stephanie (3 November 2020). "Home and Away review: Colby piles on threats but is served his own, and mystery men come for Tane". The West Australian. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
- ^ McKenna, Stephanie (9 March 2021). "Home and Away: Mac's (not so) shocking pregnancy announcement is just a decoy for the real drama". The West Australian. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
- ^ a b McKenna, Stephanie (4 May 2021). "Home and Away: Mac is rejected by Tane and pays the price with a monumental hangover". The West Australian. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
- ^ McCreesh, Louise (4 June 2021). "Home and Away cast heap praise on Emily Weir after Mac's downward spiral". Digital Spy. Retrieved 10 July 2022.