Brooke Freeman
Encyclopedia
Brooke Freeman is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street
, played by Beth Allen
. Brooke debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 24 July 2008. The role was written with Allen in mind to play her. Brooke arrived as a locum GP but later advanced in her career. She is played as a manipulative
female, who uses her sexuality to advance in her career. She is also characterised by her complex backstory which has resulted in her "messed up" persona. As a stylish female, Allen is required to spend longer in the dressing room with make-up artists. Brooke's style has been attributed to Katharine Hepburn
, though she wears dark colours to convey her personality.
Brooke has been described as "doctor-hunting" for her many relationships with work colleagues. Two of her notable relationships include a failed romance with Ethan Pierce
(Owen Black) - which almost led her to suicide. The other with TK Samuels
(Benjamin Mitchell), who exposed her vulnerable side. With this stylist Nicola Newman began dressing Brooke is lighter colours to convey the change. Other storylines include coping with her alcoholic mother and making a serious medical error. Brooke has been positively received by critics, favouring her deceitful nature and calling her the serial's "token bitch". Allen has been nominated for a "New Idea People's Choice Award" at the 2010 Qantas Television Awards
.
Brooke is stylised as a fashionable female. Her early style was based on Katharine Hepburn's
classy image. She has often been played with full make up and straight hair. Allen revealed it took more than one hour each day for the make up department to create Brooke's look. Due to Allen's thick-curly hair being hard to maintain, she had to have chemical treatment to straighten it. This was also used to keep continuity with Brooke's appearance. Described as "ultra-fashion-conscious", Brooke has usually dressed in tight silky blouses, high-waisted skirts and high heels. The skirts have made full movement for Allen difficult. A "classic Brooke look" is a black fitted dress, worn with a belt and gold jewellery and heels. Brooke's colour scheme was made up of very dark tones such as black, grey and gold. The serial's stylist Nicola Newman revealed that when Brooke showed her "vulnerable side", she implemented lighter colours to convey the change.
(Michael Galvin). Allen thought it was "hilarious" that she got to chase "doctor love" around. One of Brooke's first relationships was with Ethan Pierce
(Owen Black). Black told The Sunday Star-Times
that he had a good working relationship with Allen, which helped them successfully perform many "big pashing scenes." When Black was written out of the serial, his character Ethan was forced to run away. Brooke pleaded to run away with him, but Ethan prevented her from leaving with him. Black said that Brooke was always "the one" for Ethan. He concluded that Ethan just wanted to protect her as "he sees the wolf closing in on him and he was just getting out." After Ethan was murdered, Brooke found out she did not know his true self. Brooke was distraught and purposely walked into a road filled with busy traffic. Allen said she sympathised with the way Brooke felt because the situation is easy to relate to. She added that because Brooke trusted Ethan and he let her down, she is left "questioning her whole view on the world." Brooke makes an enemy in Ethan's girlfriend Alice Piper
(Toni Potter
) and they later have a cat fight. The scenes were described as "impromptu and embarrassing for both girls." Allen and Potter had fun filming the scenes which involved much hair-pulling and slapping. Brooke later starts a relationship with TK Samuels
(Benjamin Mitchell). Brooke played her vulnerable side to appeal to TK's morality. Allen revealed that Brooke does not "stay all that grounded about the relationship" and she that she became uncertain about her position as his girlfriend. She added that there was an element of "craziness" to the storyline. Brooke "proved too needy" for TK, so he ended their romance.
In one storyline Brooke becomes too focused on running the Primary Care Clinic, that she put a patients life elsewhere at risk. Allen said Brooke's "standard of care and precision has slipped." The scenes played out when she incorrectly prescribed Barry Knox (Richard Green) with the wrong drugs, he developed serotonin syndrome
. Sarah Potts
(Amanda Billing
) confronted Brooke over her negligence and she realised she needed to cover her tracks. Allen explained that Brooke was "surprised and embarrassed" to realise she made a medical error. Brooke cared about the patient, but she cared for her career more so. Adding that Brooke knew she had to remain quiet and carry out "damage control". However Barry was not satisfied with her care and acted unpredictable. Brooke "comprehends the magnitude of her error" upon seeing his behaviour and told him the truth. Allen is an ambassador for a gynaecological cancer charity. She convinced a producer to explore the disease through her character. The storyline is played out when Brooke discovers she has ovarian cysts. Allen said she liked to think it was "making a difference" because it was an illness "that no-one talks about." Brooke was later forced to cope with the arrival of her alcoholic mother Annette, with Louise Wallace
being cast in the role. Producers later introduced Winston Youn (Min Kim) as her "devoted and meticulous" research assistant. When Kim auditioned for the role, producers were "blown away by his portrayal of the admiration the character felt towards Brooke."
(Will Hall) and Chris. Ethan arrives to work at the hospital as a surgeon and they start an affair. Tania Jeffries
(Faye Smythe
) and Tracey Morrison
(Sarah Thomson) take a disliking to Brooke as they think she is playing mind games with Kip and Chris. Brooke dates Chris to help Ethan gain a promotion. Their relationship soon ends. The Ferndale newspaper publish an article about Brooke, revealing that her father, Grant scammed millions of dollars from people. Brooke tells a lie to Chris, in order land Harry in trouble. TK suspects that Brooke is not a qualified doctor, as he disapproves of her work ethic. This leads to animosity between the pair. Brooke becomes tired of Shortland Street. When Ethan announces his departure, she pleads to move with him. However, Ethan is shot dead.
Brooke is the main suspect in his killing. Brooke is then charged, until nurse Maia Jeffries
(Anna Jullienne
) is discovered to be the killer. Brooke starts dating Kieran Mitchell
(Adam Rickitt
). Kieran starts a false clinic up to scam Brooke's father (Alan Lovell) out of thousands, whilst Brooke is promoted to HOD, which in turn annoys TK. Brooke has TK moved to ED and begins taking more shifts at her own plastic surgery clinic. Though the clinic is forced to close when business does not come in. After ending her relationship with Kieran, she starts a relationship with hospital CEO Callum McKay
(Peter Mochrie
). She uses him to help herself advance in her career. Callum's wife Justine Jones
(Lucy Wigmore) returns and he is unable to chose between the two. Justine realises the attraction between them and allows Callum to move on. Brooke is shot by hitman Don Lennox
(Chris Easley
), after he mistakes her for Justine and she survives the attack. Brooke gives romantic advice to Callums daughter Sophie McKay
(Kimberley Crossman
) about Kieran, this has a negative effect on her own relationship.
Brookes faces hardship when Callum ends their relationship after he realises her manipulative ways. Hospital auditor, Rachel McKenna
(Angela Bloomfield
) then fires her. On her return Brooke clashes with ED doctor Maxwell Avia
(Robbie Magasiva
) which leads to a potential romance. The romance never gets off the ground and he makes her homeless from their shared apartment. Brooke is surprised when TK acts as her support network, Brooke falls in love with TK. She sets out to destroy his marriage to Sarah. She manages to cause problems that lead them to separate. Though TK initially fends off Brooke's romantic advances - he sleeps with Brooke when he realises Sarah has moved on. He later gives her a chance and she attempts to make him love her. She gives food to homeless people, as she thinks good deeds will make her look good. Brooke realises TK still loves Sarah so she attempts to fall pregnant by him. She makes holes in condoms - but it backfires when Loren Fitzpatrick (Sophia Johnson), becomes pregnant instead. When Brooke becomes too needy, TK breaks up with her.
She then strikes up a friendship with Gerald Tippett
(Harry McNaughton). Brooke's alcoholic mother Annette Freeman arrives in Ferndale - which upsets Brooke. Brooke is shocked when she has a cancer scare and her mother runs away out of fear. Brooke later starts dating Isaac Worthington
(Matt Minto) and the two begin to plot against others. Brooke helps Isaac get Luke Durville
(Gerald Urquhart) fired and in return Isaac helps Brooke steal research from Lars Hammett (Sean O'Connor), who has sex with Brooke and then dies. Brooke later dumps Isaac and she starts to work in research, achieving recognition and respect in her field. Winston becomes her assistant, but she is left disturbed by his stalker tendencies. He helps her bond with her mother and the two soon become good friends. Brooke is scared by the presence of Larz's wife Nadia Hammett (Jessi Williams). Nadia soon learns the secret and is found dead. Brooke fears Winston killed her but after starting a relationship with old flame Alex Murphy (Bede Skinner) and purposely mowing down Winston in her car, she learns Winston was only trying to protect Brooke and is innocent.
, however did not win. Sarah Lang of The New Zealand Herald
said Brooke was the serial's "latest vixen" who had been putting her "pins to good use." She branded her a "doctor-hunting, enigmatic, eye-catching locum" because she mind games with Chris and Kip. She concluded by describing her as "an intriguing mass of contradictions, is assertive yet vulnerable, kind-hearted yet manipulative, gregarious yet aloof - so while we haven't much warmed to her, we don't hate her yet either." Lang's Herald colleague Zoe Walker said Brooke is Shortland Street's "token bitch" with a liking for "tailored jackets, pencil skirts and plunging necklines." Whilst Nicola Russel of the Sunday News
similarly branded Brooke as the serial's "resident bitch." The Sunday Star-Times said "Brooke's angelic looks hide a ruthless personality she won't hesitate to lie her way out of sticky situations." They a lso said "everywhere she goes, men follow, like wafts of cheap perfume." They ultimately rated her a seven out of ten in their "Bad girl" feature.
Shortland Street
Shortland Street is a New Zealand prime-time soap opera, first broadcast on Television New Zealand's TV2 on 25 May 1992. It is the country's longest-running drama and soap opera, being broadcast continuously for over 4500 episodes and 19 years, and is one of the most watched television programs in...
, played by Beth Allen
Beth Allen
Elizabeth "Beth" Allen has been acting since an early age and has appeared in several small productions and commercials since 1993. Her first major role was in Cloud 9's The Legend of William Tell in 1998, in which she played Princess Vara...
. Brooke debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 24 July 2008. The role was written with Allen in mind to play her. Brooke arrived as a locum GP but later advanced in her career. She is played as a manipulative
Psychological manipulation
Psychological manipulation is a type of social influence that aims to change the perception or behavior of others through underhanded, deceptive, or even abusive tactics. By advancing the interests of the manipulator, often at the other's expense, such methods could be considered exploitative,...
female, who uses her sexuality to advance in her career. She is also characterised by her complex backstory which has resulted in her "messed up" persona. As a stylish female, Allen is required to spend longer in the dressing room with make-up artists. Brooke's style has been attributed to Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Houghton Hepburn was an American actress of film, stage, and television. In a career that spanned 62 years as a leading lady, she was best known for playing strong-willed, sophisticated women in both dramas and comedies...
, though she wears dark colours to convey her personality.
Brooke has been described as "doctor-hunting" for her many relationships with work colleagues. Two of her notable relationships include a failed romance with Ethan Pierce
Ethan Pierce
Dr. Ethan Pierce is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and was portrayed by Owen Black from August 2008 to January 2009 and again from May to June 2009...
(Owen Black) - which almost led her to suicide. The other with TK Samuels
TK Samuels
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.-2006-:...
(Benjamin Mitchell), who exposed her vulnerable side. With this stylist Nicola Newman began dressing Brooke is lighter colours to convey the change. Other storylines include coping with her alcoholic mother and making a serious medical error. Brooke has been positively received by critics, favouring her deceitful nature and calling her the serial's "token bitch". Allen has been nominated for a "New Idea People's Choice Award" at the 2010 Qantas Television Awards
Qantas Television Awards
The Aotearoa Film & Television Awards, formerly known as the Qantas Television Awards, are presented by the New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council...
.
Characterisation
Brooke was created with actress Beth Allen in mind to play her. When she auditioned for the role, Allen did not anticipate that Brooke would be such a "vixen". She had always aspired to work on Shortland Street and also found Brooke's complexity an appealing factor upon taking the role. Career wise, Brooke likes to create the impression that she is a competent, confident and ambitious woman. TVNZ describe her as "a study in fire and ice." As she is ambitious, she finds general practice as a chore rather than her job. She is also described as often struggling to maintain her "professional façade" through general work. Brooke's persona has been characterised through her flirty, two-faced nature and she often manipulates her way through situations. Allen said Brooke uses her sexuality to get what she wants. Allen tried to understand Brooke because of her complex backstory, but admitted that when she watched her on-screen Brooke comes across as not a very nice person. Allen explained that Brooke is "quite messed up" because of stuff in her background that she has running away from. She also said Brooke get into "wrong situations or has friends who don't serve what she really wants." Allen has applauded Brooke for having more "depth" to her than previous roles she has played. She added "She has enough depth that she does have room to move as a character."Brooke is stylised as a fashionable female. Her early style was based on Katharine Hepburn's
Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Houghton Hepburn was an American actress of film, stage, and television. In a career that spanned 62 years as a leading lady, she was best known for playing strong-willed, sophisticated women in both dramas and comedies...
classy image. She has often been played with full make up and straight hair. Allen revealed it took more than one hour each day for the make up department to create Brooke's look. Due to Allen's thick-curly hair being hard to maintain, she had to have chemical treatment to straighten it. This was also used to keep continuity with Brooke's appearance. Described as "ultra-fashion-conscious", Brooke has usually dressed in tight silky blouses, high-waisted skirts and high heels. The skirts have made full movement for Allen difficult. A "classic Brooke look" is a black fitted dress, worn with a belt and gold jewellery and heels. Brooke's colour scheme was made up of very dark tones such as black, grey and gold. The serial's stylist Nicola Newman revealed that when Brooke showed her "vulnerable side", she implemented lighter colours to convey the change.
Storyline development
When Brooke first arrives she tried to romance Chris WarnerChris Warner
Dr. Christopher "Chris" Warner is a fictional character and current main protagonist on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Michael Galvin. He is the only original character to still be on the show....
(Michael Galvin). Allen thought it was "hilarious" that she got to chase "doctor love" around. One of Brooke's first relationships was with Ethan Pierce
Ethan Pierce
Dr. Ethan Pierce is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street and was portrayed by Owen Black from August 2008 to January 2009 and again from May to June 2009...
(Owen Black). Black told The Sunday Star-Times
The Sunday Star-Times
The Sunday Star-Times is a New Zealand newspaper published each weekend by the Fairfax group in Auckland. It covers both national and international news, and is a member of the New Zealand Press Association and Newspaper Publishers Association of New Zealand.-History:The Sunday Star-Times was first...
that he had a good working relationship with Allen, which helped them successfully perform many "big pashing scenes." When Black was written out of the serial, his character Ethan was forced to run away. Brooke pleaded to run away with him, but Ethan prevented her from leaving with him. Black said that Brooke was always "the one" for Ethan. He concluded that Ethan just wanted to protect her as "he sees the wolf closing in on him and he was just getting out." After Ethan was murdered, Brooke found out she did not know his true self. Brooke was distraught and purposely walked into a road filled with busy traffic. Allen said she sympathised with the way Brooke felt because the situation is easy to relate to. She added that because Brooke trusted Ethan and he let her down, she is left "questioning her whole view on the world." Brooke makes an enemy in Ethan's girlfriend Alice Piper
Alice Piper
Alison "Alice" Piper was a fictional character in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was played by actress Toni Potter.Alice worked as a nurse at Shortland Street Hospital in the Emergency Department...
(Toni Potter
Toni Potter
Toni Potter is a New Zealand actress, best known for her role on New Zealand medical drama Shortland Street.-Early life:Toni grew up with her sister, mother and father who was in the army in Papakura, Waiouru and Upper Hutt...
) and they later have a cat fight. The scenes were described as "impromptu and embarrassing for both girls." Allen and Potter had fun filming the scenes which involved much hair-pulling and slapping. Brooke later starts a relationship with TK Samuels
TK Samuels
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.-2006-:...
(Benjamin Mitchell). Brooke played her vulnerable side to appeal to TK's morality. Allen revealed that Brooke does not "stay all that grounded about the relationship" and she that she became uncertain about her position as his girlfriend. She added that there was an element of "craziness" to the storyline. Brooke "proved too needy" for TK, so he ended their romance.
In one storyline Brooke becomes too focused on running the Primary Care Clinic, that she put a patients life elsewhere at risk. Allen said Brooke's "standard of care and precision has slipped." The scenes played out when she incorrectly prescribed Barry Knox (Richard Green) with the wrong drugs, he developed serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction that may occur following therapeutic drug use, inadvertent interactions between drugs, overdose of particular drugs, or the recreational use of certain drugs...
. Sarah Potts
Sarah Potts (character)
Dr. Sarah Marjorie Potts is a fictional character on the soap opera Shortland Street. She is played by Amanda Billing. First arriving in September 2004, the character has reached the record of one of the longest ever stint's in the soap's history, with only short term breaks every few years.Sarah...
(Amanda Billing
Amanda Billing
Amanda Billing is best known for her role as Doctor Sarah Potts on New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.-Biography:...
) confronted Brooke over her negligence and she realised she needed to cover her tracks. Allen explained that Brooke was "surprised and embarrassed" to realise she made a medical error. Brooke cared about the patient, but she cared for her career more so. Adding that Brooke knew she had to remain quiet and carry out "damage control". However Barry was not satisfied with her care and acted unpredictable. Brooke "comprehends the magnitude of her error" upon seeing his behaviour and told him the truth. Allen is an ambassador for a gynaecological cancer charity. She convinced a producer to explore the disease through her character. The storyline is played out when Brooke discovers she has ovarian cysts. Allen said she liked to think it was "making a difference" because it was an illness "that no-one talks about." Brooke was later forced to cope with the arrival of her alcoholic mother Annette, with Louise Wallace
Louise Wallace
Louise Wallace is a TV presenter born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1959. However, she formerly lived in Australia, but moved back to Auckland in 1989 and throughout the 1990s was a presenter/reporter for a number of New Zealand shows such as "60 Minutes", New Zealand's TV3 News, 20/20 and...
being cast in the role. Producers later introduced Winston Youn (Min Kim) as her "devoted and meticulous" research assistant. When Kim auditioned for the role, producers were "blown away by his portrayal of the admiration the character felt towards Brooke."
Backstory
Brooke is the daughter of business man Grant Marsden, though when she was teenager he was abandoned her leaving Brooke and her mother Annette in financial ruin. They started a new life and reverted their surnames to Freeman. Whilst in medical school Brooke had an abortion. Brooke was trained by Ethan Pierce, and they began a relationship, they remained together for eight years.2008—
Brooke arrives at Shortland Street as a locum GP and instantly attracts a male attention from Kip DentonKip Denton
Kip Denton was a fictional character in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.-2007-2009:He is a doctor at Shortland Street Hospital, who had filled in for Dr. Craig Valentine while he was in Australia...
(Will Hall) and Chris. Ethan arrives to work at the hospital as a surgeon and they start an affair. Tania Jeffries
Tania Jeffries
Tania Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. Tania Jeffries is the younger sister to nurse Maia Jeffries, PA Libby Jeffries and daughter of hospital receptionist, Yvonne Jefferies...
(Faye Smythe
Faye Smythe
Faye Smythe is a New Zealand television actor, best known for her role in Shortland Street as Nurse Tania Jeffries.-Early life:...
) and Tracey Morrison
Tracey Morrison
Tracey Morrison was a fictional character on the New Zealand Soap Opera Shortland Street. Tracey is portrayed by Sarah Thomson and first appeared on the show in 2007 and returned as a major character mid 2008. She departed in 2011.-Casting:...
(Sarah Thomson) take a disliking to Brooke as they think she is playing mind games with Kip and Chris. Brooke dates Chris to help Ethan gain a promotion. Their relationship soon ends. The Ferndale newspaper publish an article about Brooke, revealing that her father, Grant scammed millions of dollars from people. Brooke tells a lie to Chris, in order land Harry in trouble. TK suspects that Brooke is not a qualified doctor, as he disapproves of her work ethic. This leads to animosity between the pair. Brooke becomes tired of Shortland Street. When Ethan announces his departure, she pleads to move with him. However, Ethan is shot dead.
Brooke is the main suspect in his killing. Brooke is then charged, until nurse Maia Jeffries
Maia Jeffries
Maia Anne Jeffries is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was portrayed by Anna Jullienne from mid 2004 to early 2011, with the character starring in numerous high profile storylines alongside her on screen family....
(Anna Jullienne
Anna Jullienne
Anna Jullienne Kermode is a New Zealand actress, best known for her role as Nurse Maia Jefferies in the television series Shortland Street. Maia is a beautiful and talented young nurse who happens to be a lesbian...
) is discovered to be the killer. Brooke starts dating Kieran Mitchell
Kieran Mitchell
Kieran Mitchell is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street who was portrayed by British actor Adam Rickitt through numerous high profile storylines from early 2007 to mid 2010....
(Adam Rickitt
Adam Rickitt
Adam Peter Rickitt is an English actor, singer-songwriter and model.-Biography:Rickitt was born in Crewe, Cheshire, the youngest of four brothers. His father is co-owner of an estate agency...
). Kieran starts a false clinic up to scam Brooke's father (Alan Lovell) out of thousands, whilst Brooke is promoted to HOD, which in turn annoys TK. Brooke has TK moved to ED and begins taking more shifts at her own plastic surgery clinic. Though the clinic is forced to close when business does not come in. After ending her relationship with Kieran, she starts a relationship with hospital CEO Callum McKay
Callum McKay
Callum McKay is a fictional character portrayed by actor Peter Mochrie in the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. He is a doctor and the Chief Executive Officer of Shortland Street Hospital.-Introduction:...
(Peter Mochrie
Peter Mochrie
Peter Mochrie is an actor who has appeared in various Australian television programs during his 25-year career. Since 2006 Mochrie has starred in the New Zealand soap Shortland Street as Dr Callum McKay....
). She uses him to help herself advance in her career. Callum's wife Justine Jones
Justine Jones
Justine Jones was a fictional character on the TVNZ soap opera Shortland Street. Justine was originally played by Laurie Foell in 2005 and 2006, but was replaced by Lucy Wigmore in 2007 who portrayed her until September 2008 and as a guest character in July 2009.-Casting:Controversy struck in 2007...
(Lucy Wigmore) returns and he is unable to chose between the two. Justine realises the attraction between them and allows Callum to move on. Brooke is shot by hitman Don Lennox
Don Lennox
Don Lennox was a fictional character in the soap opera Shortland Street. He was the soap's local mechanic and hitman. He appeared in both 2008 and 2009 and was portrayed by Chris Easly. Though Don only appeared in the show a few times, he featured in two prominent storylines and another similarly...
(Chris Easley
Chris Easley
Chris Easley is an actor and stuntman.-Career:As a stuntman, he appeared in many episodes of the television series Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys....
), after he mistakes her for Justine and she survives the attack. Brooke gives romantic advice to Callums daughter Sophie McKay
Sophie McKay
Sophie Juliette McKay is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street. She was introduced in late 2006 as the daughter of surgeon Justine Jones and GP Callum McKay. She was briefly married to Kieran Mitchell in early 2010 before they separated.-2006-2008:Sophie McKay...
(Kimberley Crossman
Kimberley Crossman
Kimberley Frances Crossman is a New Zealand actress, dancer and cheerleader who is best known for her role as Sophie McKay on the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.-Early life:...
) about Kieran, this has a negative effect on her own relationship.
Brookes faces hardship when Callum ends their relationship after he realises her manipulative ways. Hospital auditor, Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna
Rachel McKenna is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Angela Bloomfield. Rachel first appeared on the show from 1993 to 1999. Then from 2001 to 2003. Rachel then made a very brief appearance in 2007 before returning as a core cast member in October 2009...
(Angela Bloomfield
Angela Bloomfield
-Career:She starred in Shortland Street for nine years, transforming Rachel McKenna from the school girl daughter of clinic boss into a university student, bar manager and later, a Shortland Street clinic employee....
) then fires her. On her return Brooke clashes with ED doctor Maxwell Avia
Maxwell Avia
Maxwell Avia is a fictional character from the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, played by Robbie Magasiva. Maxwell debuted on-screen on 19 June 2009.-Creation and casting:...
(Robbie Magasiva
Robbie Magasiva
Robbie Magasiva is a Samoan New Zealand actor who has starred in several films and as a member of the Naked Samoans comedy troupe. He has also appeared on television and theatre, and was the co-presenter of New Zealand's Tagata Pasifika with famed athlete Beatrice Faumuina. Magasiva is also known...
) which leads to a potential romance. The romance never gets off the ground and he makes her homeless from their shared apartment. Brooke is surprised when TK acts as her support network, Brooke falls in love with TK. She sets out to destroy his marriage to Sarah. She manages to cause problems that lead them to separate. Though TK initially fends off Brooke's romantic advances - he sleeps with Brooke when he realises Sarah has moved on. He later gives her a chance and she attempts to make him love her. She gives food to homeless people, as she thinks good deeds will make her look good. Brooke realises TK still loves Sarah so she attempts to fall pregnant by him. She makes holes in condoms - but it backfires when Loren Fitzpatrick (Sophia Johnson), becomes pregnant instead. When Brooke becomes too needy, TK breaks up with her.
She then strikes up a friendship with Gerald Tippett
Gerald Tippett
Gerald Heathcliff Tippett is a fictional character in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, who was played by Harry McNaughton from his first appearance in September 2007 up until his final appearance in September 2010.-2007-2008:...
(Harry McNaughton). Brooke's alcoholic mother Annette Freeman arrives in Ferndale - which upsets Brooke. Brooke is shocked when she has a cancer scare and her mother runs away out of fear. Brooke later starts dating Isaac Worthington
Isaac Worthington
Dr. Isaac John William Worthington is a fictional character on the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street. He is portrayed by Matt Minto and has been on the show since March 8, 2010. He is the cousin of long time character Chris Warner. The characters badboy attitude and relationship with Dr...
(Matt Minto) and the two begin to plot against others. Brooke helps Isaac get Luke Durville
Luke Durville
Dr. Luke Durville is a fictional character on New Zealand's long-running soap opera, Shortland Street. Durville has been played by Gerald Urquhart since the character's first appearance on 14 September 2007 and appears sporadically each year often disappearing from four to eleven months at a...
(Gerald Urquhart) fired and in return Isaac helps Brooke steal research from Lars Hammett (Sean O'Connor), who has sex with Brooke and then dies. Brooke later dumps Isaac and she starts to work in research, achieving recognition and respect in her field. Winston becomes her assistant, but she is left disturbed by his stalker tendencies. He helps her bond with her mother and the two soon become good friends. Brooke is scared by the presence of Larz's wife Nadia Hammett (Jessi Williams). Nadia soon learns the secret and is found dead. Brooke fears Winston killed her but after starting a relationship with old flame Alex Murphy (Bede Skinner) and purposely mowing down Winston in her car, she learns Winston was only trying to protect Brooke and is innocent.
Reception
For her portrayal, Allen was nominated in category of "New Idea People's Choice Award" at the 2010 Qantas Television AwardsQantas Television Awards
The Aotearoa Film & Television Awards, formerly known as the Qantas Television Awards, are presented by the New Zealand Television Broadcasters' Council...
, however did not win. Sarah Lang of The New Zealand Herald
The New Zealand Herald
- External links :* * *...
said Brooke was the serial's "latest vixen" who had been putting her "pins to good use." She branded her a "doctor-hunting, enigmatic, eye-catching locum" because she mind games with Chris and Kip. She concluded by describing her as "an intriguing mass of contradictions, is assertive yet vulnerable, kind-hearted yet manipulative, gregarious yet aloof - so while we haven't much warmed to her, we don't hate her yet either." Lang's Herald colleague Zoe Walker said Brooke is Shortland Street's "token bitch" with a liking for "tailored jackets, pencil skirts and plunging necklines." Whilst Nicola Russel of the Sunday News
Sunday News
The Sunday News is a New Zealand tabloid newspaper published each weekend by the Fairfax group in Auckland. In addition to a self-described 'punchy' take on the news, it features coverage of weekend sport, entertainment, star gossip, fashion and TV listings.The Sunday News has editorial offices in...
similarly branded Brooke as the serial's "resident bitch." The Sunday Star-Times said "Brooke's angelic looks hide a ruthless personality she won't hesitate to lie her way out of sticky situations." They a lso said "everywhere she goes, men follow, like wafts of cheap perfume." They ultimately rated her a seven out of ten in their "Bad girl" feature.
External links
- Character profile at TVNZ