Tyler Brennan
Tyler Brennan | |||||||||||
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Neighbours character | |||||||||||
Former; regular | |||||||||||
Introduced by | Jason Herbison | ||||||||||
Spin-off appearances |
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Tyler Brennan is a fictional character from the Australian television soap opera Neighbours, played by Travis Burns. The actor was asked to audition for the role in 2014, while he was working in the United States. After winning the role, Burns relocated to Australia. Neighbours marks Burns' first Australian television acting job. He made his first screen appearance during the episode broadcast on 6 February 2015. Burns left the cast in late 2017, and Tyler made his on-screen departure on 27 February 2018. He made a brief return from 16 October 2018, and again on 3 April 2019.
Tyler was introduced as the younger brother of established character
Tyler and Mark's brother
Casting
On 30 October 2014, the serial's official website announced that actor and model Travis Burns had been cast as Tyler Brennan, the younger brother of established character
Development
Characterisation and introduction
Tyler is a mechanic and the youngest of four siblings.
After attending a toga party at the local university, Tyler came across a hungover Imogen Willis (Ariel Kaplan) and carried her to his motorbike.[9] Burns commented that "sparks fly" between them.[6] Tyler brought Imogen home to Ramsay Street and she hit her head, after falling from the bike. Imogen's state caused her friend Daniel Robinson (Tim Phillipps) to believe that Tyler had taken advantage of her.[9] Daniel confronted Tyler and when it escalated, Tyler was taken into police custody.[6] Tyler then had the station call his brother, who was "not overly impressed" at having to bail him out. Burns admitted that the brothers had a complicated relationship and had not been in touch with each other for a long time.[6] Tyler moved in with Mark and asked him for a job at the garage. Mark was not happy with the idea and Burns explained, "He knows Tyler never finishes anything he starts! But after reconsidering, he decides to give Tyler a second chance for once, and puts in a good word for him."[6] Burns added that Mark wanted to see if Tyler would prove him wrong.[6]
Relationships
Imogen Willis
After settling in, Tyler asked Imogen to spend some time with him. She agreed, but had no intention of pursuing a relationship with him due to her feelings for Daniel.[10] However, Imogen's sister Paige Smith (Olympia Valance), believed that there could be something more between them and invited them both to a pool party.[10] Imogen tried to make it clear that Tyler was more suited to Paige. But after Paige encouraged Tyler to get to know Imogen better, they bonded.[10] Tyler's crush on Imogen faded when he realised she was in love with Daniel. Valance observed "Imogen's too smart for him. That whole thing was Imogen trying to distract herself from her love for Daniel."[11] A couple of months later, Tyler proved to be "a welcome distraction" for Imogen at a law society meeting. They went on to play a game of strip poker at the Men's Shed, while flirting heavily with each other.[12] Tyler later convinced Imogen to "embrace her wilder side" and when he asked her on a date, she took him paintballing.[13] After returning to Tyler's house, they ended up kissing and Tyler tried to take things further, but Imogen panicked and left.[13]
Imogen and Tyler's flirtation eventually developed into a romance and Imogen decided to lose her virginity to him. Kaplan explained that Imogen believed having sex with Tyler would help her to move on from her feelings for Daniel.[14] Her peers were all in relationships and she thought she should be in one too. Kaplan continued, "Tyler is fun, there's nothing offensive about him, and he's probably the distraction she needs at this time."[14] Imogen soon began having doubts about the relationship. When she and Tyler were together in his bedroom, she admitted to him that she was still in love with Daniel.[14] Kaplan said that Imogen realised that she would be losing her virginity to Tyler for all the wrong reasons, and did not want to regret it. Imogen then fled Tyler's house, leaving him alone and confused.[14]
Paige Smith
After realising that Imogen did not reciprocate his feelings, Tyler switched his attentions to Paige, who had once dated his brother.
Valance thought Paige was better off with Tyler's brother, commenting "I think she needs someone with a bit more maturity – Paige and Tyler are a lethal combination."[16] When Tyler and Paige became stuck in a well together, they gave into their feelings for each other and kissed. Tyler was pleased by the development in their relationship, but Paige later admitted to him that she still had feelings for Mark. Tyler was then forced to tell her that he just wanted to be friends.[17] Burns said "Tyler would keep fighting for Paige, even if she was going out with his brother!"[18] The actor believed that Tyler would respect the situation if Paige was with his brother, but he would secretly be trying to win her back, as he really liked her.[18] Tyler later learned that Paige and Mark had decided to get back together and Burns commented that it hurt Tyler to see them as a couple, as he had felt a genuine connection with Paige.[19]
Piper Willis
Tyler becomes friends with his neighbour, and Imogen's younger sister, Piper Willis (Mavournee Hazel). She begins to idolise him and soon develops romantic feelings for him. Burns told an Inside Soap writer that Tyler and Piper were both "young, free and spirited" and that Tyler was initially "oblivious" to how she felt about him.[20] Tyler decides to let Piper down gently and is pleased with how he handled the situation, but he was unaware of how strong Piper's feelings were.[20] When Piper encourages Tyler to attend a singles' night, he hopes that he will meet someone new, while Piper wants him for herself. As they return home, Tyler is "gobsmacked" when she initiates a kiss between them.[20] Burns explained Tyler surprise: "It's fair to say that Tyler's shocked. There's a connection between them, but Tyler has never seen it in a romantic way. He's worried about the age difference, and then there's the fact that Piper's dad Brad (Kip Gamblin) is staying with the Brennans – so it could be awkward!"[20]
Dennis Dimato
Tyler began working for businessman
Both Tyler and Paige were later blackmailed into selling stolen car parts to pay off their debts to Dimato and his partner Michelle.
Tyler and Paige tried to make the garage go legitimate by setting up car washes and automotive courses, but they were soon drawn back into Dimato's crime syndicate when Joey left them a bag of money and Michelle ordered them to make a drop-off.[17] When they discovered that a community fundraiser was taking place near the drop-off point, they decided to leave the money in an old well and return for it later. However, they became stuck in the well when they realised that they could not surface with the money due to a large number of people nearby.[17] Tyler and Paige later learned that there was $6000 missing from the bag and Tyler was "viciously beaten" when he asked for more time to find the money.[17]
When Tyler realised that he was in "too deep" with Dimato, he eventually admitted his involvement to Mark, believing it was the right course of action. However it resulted in his arrest.[23] Burns explained that Tyler believed that his confession would mean Mark would go easier on him, but "he's heartbroken when Mark arrests him – you don't expect that from your own brother!"[23] When the police offered him a reduced sentence, Tyler agreed to become their informant and wore a wire to a meeting with Michelle. However, before he could get any incriminating evidence, the transmitter was damaged.[24] Tyler then learned that Dimato was returning to town and he agreed to go undercover again. But Dimato got to him first and Tyler was forced to attend a meeting with Dimato and his associates.[24]
Family and domestic violence
When Mark felt that Tyler had "gone off the rails", he invited their brother Aaron (Matt Wilson) to help, as he knew Aaron and Tyler were close.[18] Wilson explained that it had been six years since the brothers had seen each other. He described Aaron as an opportunist like Tyler and said he often acted as a mediator between Tyler and Mark.[25] Burns told Inside Soap's Sarah Ellis that Aaron's arrival changed the dynamic between Tyler and Mark. He continued, "One of us will always take the other's side and we end up teaming up against each other."[18] Shortly after Aaron's arrival, Tyler tries to set him up with his friend Nate Kinski (Meyne Wyatt), but they quickly realise that they have nothing in common.[25] Following Tyler's arrest, Aaron bails him out of jail. This makes Mark "furious", as he believes that they are teaming up against him. He then throws Tyler out of his house.[23] Burns said Tyler initially believes Mark is joking, but he is forced to stay in the Men's Shed for a few nights. An Inside Soap reporter observed that Tyler and Mark's relationship was at "an all-time low".[23]
The Brennan family was expanded again following the introduction of the brothers' father
When Tyler invites Karl's grandson
Producers planned for Kiefel to reprise his role as Russell Brennan, but when he died in November 2016, the storyline was changed. On-screen, the family are informed that Russell has died. Shortly after, Tyler learns that Russell is not his biological father.
Departure and returns
In November 2017, Burns initially confirmed via social media that he was not leaving Neighbours in the near future.[30] However, during the following month, Fiona Byrne of the Herald Sun reported that Burns was leaving the show to pursue other roles in United States.[31] His departure was confirmed on 14 February 2018,[32] and Tyler's exit scenes aired on 27 February.[33]
On 8 October 2018, Kilkelly (Digital Spy) confirmed that the character would be returning on 16 October, following his release from prison, where he was serving a twenty year sentence for Hamish's murder.
Storylines
Tyler takes a hungover Imogen Willis home and she cuts her head falling from his motorbike. Daniel Robinson and Paige Smith accuse Tyler of assaulting Imogen and they fight, causing them to be arrested. At the station, Tyler is reunited with his brother Mark. He moves in with Mark and gets a job at the local garage. Needing money to pay the rent, Tyler contemplates selling his bike, but is offered a job by Dennis Dimato. He is tasked with stripping Imogen's stolen car for parts, but he returns it anonymously, after agreeing to do a favour for Dimato. Tyler bonds with Imogen and he kisses Paige, but after she calls out his brother's name, they agree to be friends. Tyler steals a car for Dimato, but it is tracked by the police and Tyler is forced to hide while Dimato is arrested. Dimato purchases the garage to continue his operations and then flees the country. His partner Michelle Kim takes over his business and makes Tyler steal more cars. Imogen and Tyler go on a couple of dates, and Imogen decides to lose her virginity to him, but soon changes her mind.
Paige's brother Bailey takes one of the stolen cars and when it is reclaimed, Michelle demands Paige and Tyler get her $8,000 or another car. Michelle also blackmails Paige into working with Tyler at the garage. Tyler develops feelings for Paige, but she is still in love with Mark; however, when he catches them working late at night, they are forced to tell him they are dating. Paige and Tyler try to make the garage a legitimate business in order to pay off their debts. Joey Dimato leaves them a bag of money that needs to be dropped off. Not wanting to be caught with it, they throw it down a well and retrieve it later. They discover some of the money has been stolen and Tyler is beaten. He refuses to go to the hospital and Paige gets him some painkillers. He tells his brother that he came off his bike. Tyler becomes dependent on the painkillers and steals Karl Kennedy's prescription pad to get more, causing tension between him and Nate Kinski. Mark contacts their brother Aaron and asks him to visit, knowing that he and Tyler are close.
Karl discovers the missing prescriptions and Tyler confesses to taking them. He also admits to Mark that he has been working for Dimato. Mark arrests Tyler and asks him to leave the house. Nate persuades Karl to let Tyler stay with him. Tyler agrees to wear a wire and meet with Michelle, in return for the charges against him being dropped. When the wire is damaged, a second sting is organised, but Dimato returns and takes Tyler to a meeting at a warehouse. Tyler attempts to run away, but is quickly caught. Before he is harmed, Mark and the police arrive to arrest Dimato and his accomplices. Tyler attempts to tell Paige that he has feelings for her, but soon learns that she and Mark are back together. He befriends Karl's grandson Ben, but when Ben skips school to spend the day with him, Karl and Susan (Jackie Woodburne) tell Tyler to be more responsible. He decides to move home, but when he spots his father, Russell, in the street, he stays at the Men's Shed. Tyler then admits to Karl that Russell used to beat him. Russell eventually apologises to Tyler for his actions.
Tyler and Russell spend the day with Ben, and they bond when they play practical jokes on him. But when Russell loses his temper with Ben, Tyler is reminded of their past. Russell later goads Tyler and Tyler punches him. He then tells Mark about the abuse he endured when he was younger, and his brothers ask Russell to leave. Ben accidentally leaves the garage unlocked, leading to the theft of tools and Tyler's bike. Paige helps Tyler to find the stolen items and he kisses her, but Paige assures him that she loves his brother. Tyler helps Mark arrest the thief and he later meets the new owner of the garage Lucas Fitzgerald (Scott Major), who keeps him on as manager. Tyler is tasked with hiring another mechanic for the garage and he offers the job to Stephanie Scully (Carla Bonner). He later discovers Steph kidnapped Lucas' son while suffering from a psychotic break. Steph convinces him and Lucas she has changed and keeps her job. Tyler manipulates Paige and Mark into talking about having children, knowing Mark wants to be a father, but Paige is not ready. Aaron confronts him on his behaviour, realising he is trying to break them up. Tyler is trapped in a lift with Paige when a fire breaks out at Erinsborough High. He confesses his love for her, before passing out due to smoke inhalation. Paige gets Tyler breathing again and they are rescued by Mark. At the hospital, Tyler tells Paige that he plans to move on from her.
Tyler befriends
Tyler and Piper become close again when he takes her to the beach to celebrate her birthday. He later rejects a kiss from her, before deciding that they should be together. However, he soon learns that she spent the night with
Tyler feels insecure when he sees Piper bonding with backpacker
Tyler is fired from the garage when a car engine falls on
Snyder later poisons Piper's cat, Clementine and Tyler agrees to do another job. Snyder asks him to cut out a hole in the bottom of a van, so Banks can escape prison. However, Tyler fails to carry out the job when he finds Aaron has collapsed at the gym. Snyder dumps broken glass in the swimming pool at the Brennans' house, leading to Ben cutting his foot. The night before Tyler's trial, Piper arranges for them to stay in a hotel in the city. She then persuades him to go on the run with her, and they change their appearances. After hearing the police are on their way to them, Tyler and Piper go up to the roof and Tyler realises that he can jump over to the next building. He tells Piper that he has to leave her behind, but she tries to follow him and ends up hanging from the edge of the building. Tyler and a detective save her, and they are both arrested. At his trial, Tyler pleads guilty to murder. The judge sentences him to 20 years imprisonment, with a non-parole period of ten years. When Piper visits him the following day, Tyler breaks up with her. After learning Banks is being released from solitary confinement, Tyler is persuaded to request a transfer and he says goodbye to his brothers, before being moved to a prison in Adelaide.
After months of no contact, Piper receives a letter from Tyler, declaring his continued love for her but encouraging her to move on. She begins dating
Reception
The character has received a positive reception from television critics for being aesthetically pleasing. During his first appearance, a
Another Inside Soap columnist dubbed Tyler "eye candy for the slightly younger lady" and thought his "womanising ways" could cause trouble.[39] A reporter for the Sunday Mail branded Tyler a "loveable tearaway", and quipped "as one might expect, Tyler shilling for the cops in an attempt to nab Dimato has not gone down well."[40] During a feature on the Brennan brothers, Claire Crick from All About Soap commented "if you prefer the bad-boy vibe and like to be kept on your toes, Tyler's definitely your perfect match".[41]
References
- ^ Tenplay.com.au. 30 October 2014. Retrieved 3 November 2014.
- ^ TV Week Soap Extra(8).
- ^ Ellis, Sarah (23–29 July 2022). "'A happy ending was guaranteed'". Inside Soap. No. 30. pp. 54–55.
- ^ Bucklow, Andrew (6 February 2015). "Meet Travis Burns, Australia's newest TV hunk". news.com.au. Retrieved 18 August 2015.
- ^ Tenplay.com.au. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Meet Tyler Brennan!". Inside Soap (7): 28. 21–27 February 2015.
- ^ a b c Falk, Tim (30 July – 13 August 2015). "Band of brothers". TV Soap: 20–21.
- ^ "For a while I thought Tyler didn't own any clothes!". Inside Soap (23): 54–55. 11–17 June 2016.
- ^ a b c "Stranger danger". TV Week (6): 13. 7–13 February 2015.
- ^ TV Week Soap Extra(4): 60.
- ^ TV Week Soap Extra(5): 6–7.
- TV Week Soap Extra(8): 60.
- ^ a b Dainty, Sophie (25 April 2015). "Neighbours: Passion for Imogen, health scare for Paul - spoiler pictures". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Passion for Imogen and Tyler!". Inside Soap (18): 28. 9–15 May 2015.
- ^ TV Week Soap Extra(6): 36–37.
- ^ a b c d "Tyler's new woman!". Inside Soap (21): 29. 30 May – 5 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Messing with the mob". TV Soap: 16–17. 21 May – 3 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d Ellis, Sarah (27 June – 3 July 2015). "We joke that the Brennans must be allergic to t-shirts!". Inside Soap (25): 32–34.
- ^ a b c d "Meet Russell Brennan". Inside Soap (31): 26. 8–14 August 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Tyler's shock smooch!". Inside Soap (2): 24. 16–22 January 2016.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (30 March 2015). "Neighbours: Tyler Brennan to face new pressure from Dennis Dimato". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Paying your dues". TV Soap: 18–19. 23 April – 7 May 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Tyler arrested!". Inside Soap (27): 30. 11–17 July 2015.
- ^ a b "Tyler turns traitor". TV Soap: 44–45. 2–16 July 2015.
- ^ a b Crick, Claire (20 June – 3 July 2015). "I'm prepared for lots of topless scenes!". All About Soap (351): 28–29.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (29 June 2015). "Neighbours to introduce Russell Brennan for domestic violence plot". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
- ^ TV Week Soap Extra(18): 7.
- ^ TV Week Soap Extra(19): 8–9.
- ^ a b c d Ellis, Sarah (2–8 September 2017). "Daddy dilemma!". Inside Soap (35): 43.
- ^ James, Sarah (17 December 2017). "Neighbours star Travis Burns marries fiancé Emma Lane after a year-long engagement". Digital Spy. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
- ^ Byrne, Fiona (16 December 2017). "Neighbours stars Emma Lane and Travis Burns wedding on Bellarine Peninsula". Herald Sun. Retrieved 19 December 2017.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (14 February 2018). "Neighbours' Tyler Brennan has a heartbreaking bombshell for Piper Willis today". Digital Spy. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (17 February 2018). "Neighbours spoiler: Susan is stunned by Izzy's plan for Karl". Digital Spy. Retrieved 24 February 2018.
- ^ a b c Kilkelly, Daniel (8 October 2018). "Neighbours confirms Tyler Brennan return as he comes face-to-face with Piper Willis again". Digital Spy. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (25 March 2019). "Neighbours reveals Piper Willis's exit storyline as Mavournee Hazel bows out". Digital Spy. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
- Coventry Evening Telegraph. 21 February 2015. Archived from the originalon 5 May 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2015.(subscription required)
- ^ "Tasty Tyler". TV Week (45). 8–14 November 2014.
- ^ Cregan, Michael (24 February 2015). "5 top moments this Tuesday in the soaps!". Inside Soap. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
- ^ "Hot in 2015!". Inside Soap (1): 44–45. 10–16 January 2015.
- ^ "Love-rat fights for his lifestyle; Robert's Life Is in Tatters after Fling with Aaron Is Revealed". Sunday Mail. 26 July 2015. Retrieved 2 August 2015.(subscription required)
- ^ Crick, Claire (1 July 2015). "We're all talking about...Neighbours' new Brennan brother!". All About Soap. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
External links
- Tyler Brennan at the Official Neighbours website