TK Samuels

TK Samuels
Shortland Street character
Portrayed by Benjamin Mitchell
Duration 2006—
First appearance 25 January 2006
Introduced by Jason Daniel
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation Head of Emergency Department at Shortland Street (2012—)
Emergency Department consultant at Shortland Street (2006, 2009—)
General Practitioner at Shortland Street (2006–09)

Te Koha "TK" Samuels is a fictional character in New Zealand's longest running soap opera Shortland Street, played by actor Benjamin Mitchell since early 2006.

Creation and casting

The character of Huia Samuels' (Nicola Kawana) cousin TK was envisioned in a time of immense change for Shortland Street; the exit of the soap's only Pacific Islander, Vinnie Kruse (Pua Magasiva), saw producers drastically cut down on other nationality groups so as to present a culturally proportional cast.[1] This included the axing of three of the shows Māori characters, Tama (David Wikaira-Paul, Shannon (Amber Cureen) and Rangimarie Hudson (Mia Cureen-Poko).[1][2] The only other two Māori characters dealt very little with cultural issues and so it was decided to introduce a new character who was forcibly passionate about his heritage.[3] Former "Mr. New Zealand"[4] Benjamin Mitchell had been preparing himself for a role on the soap for three years, stating: "I really want to be on the street. It seems to be everyone takes you seriously on there."[5] Mitchell had previously portrayed a reporter in a guest role in 2000.[6] In 2005 he finally auditioned for the show, aiming for the part of the new doctor, TK Samuels. He decided that if he did not win the role, he would give up on acting and pursue another career.[7] Although he believed he had done poorly, after several takes Mitchell won the role and stated, "There will be a few people who go, 'I know that guy, my gosh he's on Shortland Street, I didn't know he was doing this...last time I saw him he was punching bags in his garage trying to be the champ of the world.'"[5] In 2005 producer Jason Daniel, promised a "fresh dynamic" would be arriving to the show with the introduction of several new characters, such as "spunky young doctor" TK.[8] TK made his debut on the episode airing 26 January 2006. Mitchell enjoyed the freedom the role created for him, "Your creativity is really heightened; you produce results faster. That's a great thing that working here teaches you."[7] Following the introduction of TK, the Māori presence on the show was equally measured for the television network's charter to portray Māori perspectives.[9] In 2013 Mitchell stated that he was "content" with staying on the show for the foreseeable future.[10] Following surgery on his shoulder in mid 2015, Mitchell struggled to appear mobilised on screen and storylines were rewritten to incorporate his injury into the show.[11]

Storylines

TK arrived to the hospital in 2006 to greet his cousin Huia (Nicola Kawana) and the immature doctor quickly gained a job in the Emergency Department much to the annoyance of Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing). TK also got a job in another clinic and briefly dated the receptionist Holly (Miriama McDowell) before he realised he was in love with Sarah. After moving to the GP clinic he and Sarah got together and married in 2007, shortly after TK reconciled with his estranged mother Liz (Rima Te Wiata). TK and Sarah's relationship turned sour when Sarah ditched the honeymoon but they soon decided to have children. TK supported Sarah through her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and their happiness at Sarah's pregnancy was short lived when she was forced to have a termination after the fetus proved to be ill. TK moved back to ED and with the ever looming problem of children in the relationship, Sarah left TK and he had a brief rebound fling with Brooke Freeman (Beth Allen). TK went on to date Tania Jeffries (Faye Smythe) and Jennifer Mason (Sara Wiseman) but as 2010 ended, TK and Sarah readmitted their love and had a one-night stand before Sarah left Ferndale. TK began to date Roimata Ngatai (Shavaughn Ruakere) in the following months but was shocked when Sarah returned, pregnant with his child. TK hastily proposed to Roimata however the wedding was called off due to the sudden birth of his daughter Matilda Mareikura "Tillie" Potts (Nathan Anderson). TK and Roimata later married in an unofficial ceremony, with a fern leaf replacing the ring.

In 2012 TK accepted the role of head of the Emergency Department from Maxwell Avia (Robbie Magasiva). The hospital staff were shocked in November when Roimata was sexually assaulted and TK was continuously harassed by an anonymous attacker. The attacker drugged TK and he ended up running down Murray Cooper (Matthew Chamberlain), landing him a reckless driving charge. TK and Roimata soon discovered the attacker was Zac Smith (Mike Edward) and after he kidnapped Roimata for several days, he was arrested. TK and Roimata soon broke up after it turned out she was having an affair and he had brief romances with Harper Whitley (Ria Vandervis) and Emma Franklin (Amy Usherwood) before reconciling with Sarah after nearly 4 years. 2014 proved difficult for TK when Roimata died in an explosion, he fell in lust with Harper, and Sarah caught a mysterious illness and ended up dying as well. After a short period of being a solo-father, TK announced his love for Harper – only to be turned down. He slept with Lucy Rickman (Grace Palmer) but ended up falling for Kylie (Kerry-Lee Dewing), though the courtship proved difficult with the constant manipulations of his long time friend Pania Stevens (Bree Peters). TK later found out about Pania's manipulative actions and that she had murdered his best friend Caleb (Karlos Drinkwater), and had her arrested.

Character development

Relationship with Sarah Potts

In late 2006 TK fell in love with his boss Sarah Potts (Amanda Billing) following her boyfriend Craig (Renato Bartolomei) cheating on her with TK's cousin Huia (Nicola Kawana). The two ended up dating in the aftermath of the affair.[12] Billing explained Sarah's conflict between Craig and TK, stating: "TK really loves Sarah and he is very patient and understanding with her where Craig isn’t. He accepts that she is difficult whereas Craig isn’t very patient with her and doesn’t understand her well at all." As 2006 ended, Sarah found herself torn between Craig and TK, eventually choosing and proposing to TK. Mitchell believed that TK was the love of Sarah's life, and stating that neither Andrew Solomon (Paolo Rotondo) or Craig; "Were the right one for Sarah; TK is the one." Mitchell also believed that TK was alright with Craig's attendance at the wedding, stating: "He was invited by Sarah, and he thinks it’s fair for Craig to attend the wedding. TK still has respect for Craig." Shortly into the relationship, Sarah began to lose trust in TK when she saw him sharing a drink with his ex lover Holly Makatea, Billing explained: "Sarah doesn’t know anything about their relationship. She has heard the name Holly mentioned before but she only knows her in passing as a social worker up on Q Road. TK has never told her about any previous relationship." Billing also stated: "The last thing Sarah expects to see is her boyfriend with a young gorgeous Maori Woman like Holly. She can tell they have a close connection and that makes her feel immediately uncomfortable and a little bit insecure." Sarah proposed to TK, feeling bad about her judgmental nature towards Holly but he declined as he feared Holly had given him HIV, Sarah promised to love him nonetheless and they got engaged.[13] Tests later declared TK free of HIV.[13] TK and Sarah wed in mid-2007,[12] with Sarah initially cautious as she believed she may still love Craig. Sarah clashed with TK's family and Billing believed the arrival of TK's nephews to the house only further drove a wedge between her and the Samuels, stating: "Sarah is aware that when she went to the tangi she made some enemies, even though she was just trying to be straight up. She has been on the marae before, but she found that quite an alienating experience and she is prepared to feel that way again. She is definitely feeling apprehensive because they decided not to invite a lot of the whanau to the wedding and she realises she might get some flack for that. But she realises going to the Marae is important for TK’s sake and her relationship’s sake, and it is important she doesn’t make any more enemies. She is determined to put on a brave face and be nice and show she is capable of integrating into the family."

The two decided to start a family in late 2007 however TK soon voted against it and Sarah feared she had made a mistake marrying TK. However the two soon made up and decided to try for a family again. The couple found themselves pregnant but the baby would have been born ill, so the pregnancy was terminated. Sarah broke up with TK when Brooke Freeman (Beth Allen) purposely drove a wedge between the couple after falling madly in love with TK.[12] Billing found the break-up uncomfortable to film, stating: "It has been very difficult to play, there are some days when I've thought she's just being a complete twit."[14] She believed that Sarah found herself to be a "burden" to TK with her illness and it affected her "confidence and belief in herself".[15] TK and Sarah set up a clinic in 2010 and Sarah later readmitted her love, causing a one-night stand before she left the country.[12] Upon her unexpected arrival, Sarah announced she was pregnant with TK's child and she loved him. However TK had moved on with Roimata (Shavaughn Ruakere) and despite feelings for Sarah, announced it was over forever. Billing sympathised with Sarah during the ordeal, "My heart breaks for Sarah Potts because her bubble is well and truly burst. She has a fantasy in her head and when she comes home it's not what she expects."[16] Billing acknowledged that TK and Roimata have good chemistry but praised TK and Sarah's possible rekindling saying; "Roimata and TK make a really good couple but Sarah and TK were really good too and wouldn't it be great for them to be a family?"[17] In October 2012, following the revelation that her boyfriend of 8 months, Zac Smith (Mike Edward) had been cheating on her, Sarah found herself attracted once again to TK, who offered her support.[18]

In August 2013, Sarah moved in with TK so that they could look after Tillie together following his separation from Roimata.[19] Sarah's hopes for romance reignited but Billing hoped that it was mutual. Mitchell was "shocked" when he read the storyline and hoped that their relationship "would be different" than before.[20] Sarah struggled to tell TK her true feelings as Billing believed "it'll ruin the friendship that they have .... Sarah doesn't imagine he has romantic feelings for her."[15] In September 2013, Sarah and TK finally reconciled.[21] Sarah travelled to America for several months on a MS trial and in the interim, TK developed feelings for her friend Harper Whitley (Ria Vandervis) but stayed committed. However Sarah's trial turned out not to have worked and TK ended up turning to violence, Mitchell believed that, "His violent reaction definitely doesn't go unnoticed and it's going to cause problems for him and his family."[22] In early 2014 producers decided to kill off the character of Sarah as they didn't think fans would believe TK dating any other character with the possibility of Sarah returning.[23] Billing believed the way the relationship was written in her final storyline was "sweet" and well "crafted", as she believed he was her true soul mate.[24] The storyline saw Sarah fight to discover the cure of a killer illness much to the annoyance of TK, whom disagreed with her ambition. Mitchell believed that this, "pisses him off to tell the truth. She's a mother; she should be there spending time with her family. She's got MS herself and she's not really taking care of herself." Billing believed the storyline saw a development in the relationship, "Their relationship changes because of their involvement in this situation. That tenacity can be really annoying for (TK) but he knows that it results in good things for other people." The storyline saw the two become engaged once again.[25] Sarah ended up finding a cure, only to succumb to the illness herself.[26] Storylines following Sarah's death saw TK embrace being a solo-dad, with Mitchell believing, "When one relationship closes, another opens up ... Since Sarah died, the dark heaviness that TK experienced with being so depended on by his sick partner has gone and, naturally, he's stepped up to being a dad."[27]

Reception

TK has proved favourable to female fans and was labelled by the official Shortland Street website as one of the most recognisable faces on the show.[6] In 2008, a mother who was a huge fan of Shortland Street, named her child after the character.[28] TK and his cousin Huia (Nicola Kawana), were portrayed as "middle class" Māori and fulfilled a certain demographic that had been left open after the departure of the Hudson family.[3] At the time, besides the Samuels, the only two other Māori characters had very little to do with cultural issues. Eti Kawaka (Isaac Bell) was departing the soap and Jay Copeland's (Jaime Passier-Armtrong) storylines dealt more often with her sexuality. Because of this, the shows producers ensured TK and Huia appeared, "staunch" about who they were as Māori people.[3] Reviewers predicted that how writers dealt with TK and Huia would directly affect the Māori audience share of Shortland Street.[3] Following the murder of Huia in October 2006, the show came under criticism for its lack of Māori perspective, however producer Jason Daniel defended the move and assured the persecutors that TK remained as one of the shows most popular characters. During a speech at the show's 15th anniversary, the Prime Minister Helen Clark satirically suggested that the question of whether Sarah would marry TK was a major issue.[29] The characters popularity dwindled off by 2014, with The Spinoff writer suggesting that Mitchell's off screen persona was the reason behind the attitude change of fans.[30]

The conclusion to the 2011 90-minute episode which saw TK ditch Roimata at the altar to see his daughter's birth, only to end up saving Hunter (Lee Donoghue) from a car crash, were highly praised by reviewers.[31][32] It became the highest watched episode of the year, with an audience of 834,200. The love triangle between TK, Roimata and Sarah was listed by Television New Zealand as one of the top moments of the 2011 season.[33] In 2013, Television New Zealand named TK and Sarah's reconciliation as the 7th best moment of the season.[34]

References

  1. 1 2 Ming Mok, Tze (7 July 2006). "Shortland Street's ethnic cleansing is a relief to us all". Sunday Star Times. Fairfax Media.
  2. ↑ Cook, Stephen (20 August 2006). "Dumped actress throws hissy fit and goes Awol from set in protest". The New Zealand Herald. APN News & Media.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Shortland Street- browning off?". Mana Magazine (Mana Productions). July 2006.
  4. ↑ Bennett, Cath (3 September 2010). "Shorty's Ben Mitchell: The truth about my life". New Idea (APN News & Media).
  5. 1 2 "20/20: The pursuit of fame and fortune". 20/20. Television New Zealand. 13 October 2005. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012.
  6. 1 2 "Benjamin Mitchell". Shortland Street. Television New Zealand. unspecified. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. 1 2 "God's gift to Shorty". Mana Magazine (Mana Productions). July 2006.
  8. ↑ Barry Hill, Rebecca (15 December 2005). "Shortland Street's big finish". The New Zealand Herald. APN News & Media.
  9. ↑ Eden, Sue (23 May 2007). "Shortland Street 'fulfils charter's Māori presence' – TVNZ". The New Zealand Herald. APN News & Media.
  10. ↑ "Episode 16". Totes Maori. October 2013. TV2.
  11. ↑ Blackstock, Russell (19 August 2015). "Shortland Street star Ben Mitchell struggles after surgery". The New Zealand Herald. APN News & Media.
  12. 1 2 3 4 "Spotlight on Sarah Potts". Television New Zealand. November 2011. Archived from the original on 9 December 2011.
  13. 1 2 "Shortland Street engagements". Shortland Street. Television New Zealand. 26 September 2012. Archived from the original on 26 September 2012.
  14. ↑ Bennett, Cath (22 November 2009). "Accidental stardom". Sunday News. Fairfax Media.
  15. 1 2 "Sarah's Unrequited Love". Woman's Day (New Zealand Magazines). 2 September 2013.
  16. ↑ Rawson, Emma (24 March 2011). "The mother of all secrets". New Zealand TV Guide.
  17. ↑ Smith, Janie (22 September 2011). "Baby Heartache all too real". New Zealand TV Guide.
  18. ↑ "Coming up in October". Shortland Street. Television New Zealand. 29 September 2012. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012.
  19. ↑ "Second time around?". tvnz.co.nz. Television New Zealand. August 2013. Archived from the original on 30 August 2013.
  20. ↑ Allbury, Isobel (29 August 2013). "Falling in love again?". New Zealand TV Guide (Fairfax Media).
  21. ↑ "A love affair to remember". tvnz.co.nz. Television New Zealand. September 2013.
  22. ↑ "TK's TKO". tvnz.co.nz. Television New Zealand. April 2014. Archived from the original on 25 August 2014.
  23. ↑ Day, Simon (24 August 2014). "Soap gets in our eyes". stuff.co.nz. Fairfax Media.
  24. ↑ Breakfast. Television New Zealand. 20 August 2014. TV One.
  25. ↑ Allbury, Isobel (9 August 2014). "Life-and-death battle for Sarah". New Zealand TV Guide (Fairfax Media).
  26. ↑ "Top 10 Shortland Street deaths". stuff.co.nz. Fairfax Media. 19 August 2014.
  27. ↑ McEnaney, Ashleigh (15 May 2015). "Ben Mitchell's special bond: 'Girls rule my life!'". Woman's Day.
  28. ↑ "It's baby Te Koha's lucky day". The Dominion Post (Wellington). August 2008. Retrieved November 2011.
  29. ↑ Clark, Helen (4 May 2007). "Shortland St, 15th Anniversary". beehive.govt.nz. New Zealand Government.
  30. ↑ Casey, Alex (14 October 2014). "Ben Mitchell vs Ferndale Talk". The Spinoff.
  31. ↑ Sundae, Hugh (18 July 2011). "TV Review: Shortland Street". The New Zealand Herald. APN News & Media.
  32. ↑ "TV Pick of the week: Shortland Street". The New Zealand Herald. APN News & Media. 15 December 2011.
  33. ↑ "Top 11 of 2011". Television New Zealand. December 2011. Archived from the original on 28 January 2012.
  34. ↑ "Top 10 moments of Shortland Street for 2013". tvnz.co.nz. Television New Zealand. 23 December 2013. Archived from the original on 23 December 2013.
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