David Tanaka

David Tanaka
Neighbours character
Portrayed by Takaya Honda
Duration 2016–
First appearance 21 September 2016
Introduced by Jason Herbison
Spin-off
appearances		 Road Trip (2016)
Classification Current; regular
Profile
Occupation Doctor
Home Lassiter's apartment

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 lead storyline for David which saw him struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. Having been pressured by his great-grandmother Kazuko Sano (Linda Chin) to settle down with a woman, David finds it difficult to deal with his attraction to the openly gay character Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson). The mystery of David and Leo's paternity served as the character's most prominent story during their first year in the show. Long established character Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) was later revealed to be their father, linking the characters to one of the show's original families. Other storylines include posing as the father of Paige Smith's (Olympia Valance) unborn child and being homophobic towards Aaron to conceal his own sexuality. David's gay storyline proved to be rather divisive among some critics of the genre. While most agreed that he was the friendlier of the Tanaka brothers.

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 Jason Herbison had planned the duo's storyline six months in advance. He was "delighted" to hire Honda and Kano and described watching them play the characters he had envisioned a "very thrilling" experience.[4] Ahead of his first appearance in the main show, the character was featured in a series of webisodes titled Road Trip.[4] The series focuses on the brothers' road trip on the way to Erinsborough, where they were joined by Leo's love interest Milly (Eliza Charley).[4] The webisodes were designed to give viewers a chance to watch the "brotherly dynamic" the Tanaka twins share. In addition they could witness the different personalities the two characters have.[4] David and Leo made their first screen appearance in the main show during the episode broadcast on 21 September 2016.[5] They arrive to look after their great-grandmother Kazuko Sano (Linda Chin), who has been admitted to the local hospital. Kano revealed that the twins had another motive for being in the area as they were searching for lost relative.[6] When David and Leo spend more time in Erinsborough they befriend Aaron Brennan (Matt Wilson), Amy Williams (Zoe Cramond) and Elly Conway (Jodi Anasta), setting the characters up to become intertwined in one another's storylines.[7]

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 Tenplay.

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.[8] Honda told a reporter from Tenplay that David had preferred to concentrate on his career rather than pursue romance. David been unable to understand how relationships work and coming to Erinsborough begins to change that.[9] Playing a medic on the show requires Honda to research specific medical scenarios for hospital scenes. The production team also hired a medical adviser on-set to ensure factual accuracy.[9] The actor told All About Soap's Claire Crick that his character was born to be a doctor. Despite it lacking in social scenarios, David's confidence excels in his work because it is a job he loves. Honda assessed that "when it comes to medicine David knows where he is and that he's good at it."[2]

Despite being twins, David and Leo have different personalities. David is more "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 claimed "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 Bradley Satchwell (Alfred Nicdao). He had been banned from visiting their mother in hospital when she gave birth. Various scenes are played out to suggest Bradley is their father. But the character is reluctant to reveal details and run away.[12] Months later finds Bradley and bribes him with money to spend time with David. Bradley goes for a medical check up and is again reluctant to talk about his past. Writers introduced a "new twist" into their mystery story by ruling out Bradley as the twins father. David runs a blood test which reveals Bradley cannot be related to them.[13]

Writers developed the story further with the introduction of Jasmine Udagawa (Kaori Maeda-Judge), an investor in the local hotel Lassiters. She has a vendetta against Leo and keeps a secret file titled "Tanaka". Amy over hears Jasmine telling Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) that Leo could potentially inherit Lassiters and she informs him about the news. This leads Leo to believe he is related to the Udagawa family, who are also Japanese.[14] Jasmine offers the Tanakas ten thousand dollars to leave Erinsborough. He refuses and it leads Leo to suspect that Jasmine's uncle Hiro Udagawa is their father. Amy joins Leo in his search to track down Hiro to his last known address. But their search is shortened when they discover Hiro died the previous year.[15]

The show introduced a further red herring by releasing information suggesting that historic character Scott Robinson was the father of the twins. Producers rehired actress Jenny Young to reprise her role as Kim Taylor after a thirty-two year absence. She is revealed to be David and Leo's mother. Kim had previously been romantically involved with Scott which suggested there was a link between the two.[16] On-screen David discovers Kim's connection to Scott and confronts his mother. Kim denies this but is shocked to learn Leo has taken Amy away for a romantic weekend. She rushes to prevent the pair from sleeping together. This makes David think his theory is correct because Kim would not want Amy, who is Scott's relative, to sleep with Leo. This episode brought about the culmination of the mystery storyline as the Tanaka's biological father was revealed.[17] In one final "twist" in the storyline, Scott's brother Paul Robinson (Stefan Dennis) was revealed to be their father.[18] This meant that Amy is David and Leo's half-sister, which shocks the latter having fallen in love with her. The actors knew about the outcome of the story when it began but were forced to be secretive. Kano told Sarah Ellis from Inside Soap that Kim was not certain Paul was their father but knew he could be. He added that could not wait for the audiences reaction to the shock revelation.[18]

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.[19] 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.[19] 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."[19] 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 an 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.[20] 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).[21] But 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.[21]

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.[22] But in a story twist as the scenes aired Aaron reveals he has just slept with another man forcing David to hide his feelings once again.[23]

Storylines

While visiting his great-grandmother at Erinsborough Hospital, David befriends Paige Smith (Olympia Valance), who tells him about Angelina Jackson (Sarah Howett), a patient who has a brain tumour. When Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher) comes to check on Paige, David introduces himself and reveals that he is a first-year resident at a hospital in Sydney. He offers to contact renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Anward Adisa (Yasmin Bushby) about Angelina, earning Paige's gratitude. While talking to Karl about his residency, David memorises Karl's hospital system password. Aaron asks David and Leo about volunteering for the Blaze Outreach program and David drops off a first aid kit to Amy. She later catches him logging onto a computer using Karl's details. He admits to her and Karl that he is looking for his father, and Karl later finds information about a man named Bradley, who was banned from seeing David and Leo's mother in the hospital. Aaron sets David and Amy up on a date.

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 was jealous of David and Paige's friendship and was mad that David is the father.

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.

Reception

Daniel Kilkelly from 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.[4] Annabel Ross of The Canberra Times said that Neighbours used "some refreshingly real terminology" when David and Paige discussed his sexuality. She added that she could never imagine the same conversation being screened on rival soap opera Home and Away.[24] Lewis Corner (Gay Times) said that "our temperature has suddenly soared" following David's introduction to the show. The character's sexuality storyline also re-engaged his attention to the show.[25] He was also featured in the "hottest Neighbours hunks" feature published by the Daily Express.[26] Sandra Powell writing for What's on TV believed that David had been "a man on a mission" from the beginning in his quest to find his father.[27] Writing for Stuff.co.nz, Kerry Harvey said "the twins are starkly different in personality with David a doctor with a social conscience, while Kano's Leo is a shameful opportunist."[28] A writer from Soap World said "ever since the mysterious Tanaka brothers arrived in Erinsborough questions about David’s love life have been swirling." They added that David and Aaron's scenes were "fraught with tension".[20]

Anthony D. Langford often scrutinised the character in his weekly TVSource Magazine column. He leveled criticism at Neighbours' slow writing and development of David's paternity mystery, personality and relationships. He believed that David's sexuality story was too long-winded. When David began to regret posing as the father to Paige's child, the critic commented, "I'm glad as this story has dragged on long enough."[29] Of David's paternity, the columnist opined that it was a story that became "bigger" as it progressed and appeared to be linked to the show's history.[30] He added his hopes of the Tanaka's father being an important character to the show or it risked the storyline being aired for no reason.[31]

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.[29] 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."[30] He also pondered whether Neighbours were intentionally avoiding the portrayal of gay male intimacy.[31] 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".[32]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Ramsay Street is getting two new residents". TV Week. 22 August 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 Crick, Claire (10–23 September 2016). "Seeing double!". All About Soap. Hearst Magazines UK (383): 40–41.
  3. ↑ Gavin, Rachael (29 December 2016 – 12 January 2017). "Brotherly love". TV Soap. nextmedia Pty Ltd: 22–23.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Kilkelly, Daniel (21 September 2016). "Neighbours spoilers: Leo and David Tanaka have their own spinoff series and you can watch it right here". Digital Spy. Retrieved 27 September 2016.
  5. ↑ "Double Trouble On Ramsay Street". Tenplay. 22 August 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  6. 1 2 3 Dainty, Sophie (14 September 2016). "Neighbours newcomer says David Tanaka will struggle with sexuality: "He feels a lot of pressure"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  7. 1 2 "Hooked on a feeling". TV Soap. nextmedia Pty Ltd: 45. 3–17 October 2016.
  8. 1 2 "Takaya Honda plays Dr David Tanaka". Tenplay. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  9. 1 2 3 4 "Takaya Honda joins Neighbours". Tenplay. 22 September 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  10. ↑ "Tim Kano plays Leo Tanaka". Tenplay. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  11. ↑ "Tim Kano (Leo Tanaka) and Takaya Honda (David Tanaka) Q and A part 1". Tenplay. 23 November 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  12. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (17 October 2016). "Neighbours spoilers: Is David and Leo Tanaka's father revealed next week?". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  13. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (23 February 2017). "Neighbours reveals a brand new twist in David and Leo Tanaka's father mystery". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  14. ↑ "Quests and quarrels". TV Soap. nextmedia Pty Ltd: 38. 20 February – 6 March 2017.
  15. ↑ Baillie, Katie (3 March 2017). "Neighbours spoilers: Leo knows who his father is and Willow takes drastic action to stay out of trouble". Metro. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  16. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (30 March 2017). "Neighbours reveals a huge twist as Scott Robinson could be Leo and David Tanaka's father". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  17. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (27 March 2017). "Neighbours' Leo and Amy receive a huge shock as the Tanaka mystery comes to a head". Digital Spy. Retrieved 5 April 2017.
  18. 1 2 Ellis, Sarah (1–7 April 2017). "Paul's the daddy!". Inside Soap. Hearst Magazines UK (13): 27.
  19. 1 2 3 Gavin, Rachael (12–26 December 2016). "On the move". TV Soap. nextmedia Pty Ltd: 24.
  20. 1 2 "David in turmoil". Soap World. nextmedia Pty Ltd (289): 18. December 2016.
  21. 1 2 D. Langford, Anthony (28 November 2016). "Gays of Our Lives: New Love, Old Love, Lost Love on “Emmerdale”". TVSource Magazine. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  22. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (17 February 2017). "Neighbours hints at a new romance as David Tanaka visits Aaron Brennan late at night". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  23. ↑ Kilkelly, Daniel (20 February 2017). "Neighbours' David Tanaka misses his chance when Aaron Brennan has another guy in bed". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  24. ↑ Ross, Annabel (26 January 2017). "What's on TV: Friday, January 27". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  25. ↑ Corner, Lewis (23 January 2017). "Neighbours has a new gay doctor and our temperature has suddenly soared". Gay Times. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  26. ↑ "The hottest Neighbours hunks". Daily Express. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  27. ↑ Powell, Sandra (24 October 2016). "Have the Tanaka twins finally found their real father in Neighbours?". What's on TV. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  28. ↑ "Neighbours' Kiwi star Tim Kano on playing a mixed-race character on Australian TV". Stuff.co.nz. 5 October 2016. Retrieved 29 March 2017.
  29. 1 2 D. Langford, Anthony (20 February 2017). "Gays of our Lives: You, Me and Him". TVSource Magazine. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  30. 1 2 D. Langford, Anthony (28 February 2017). "Gays of Our Lives: Going Around The Bend". TVSource Magazine. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  31. 1 2 D. Langford, Anthony (5 March 2017). "Gays of Our Lives: The Road To Disaster on ‘Hollyoaks’". TVSource Magazine. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
  32. ↑ D. Langford, Anthony (27 March 2017). "Gays of Our Lives: The Danger Is In The House". TVSource Magazine. Retrieved 28 March 2017.
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