Episode 6188
The episode was written by Sarah Mayberry, directed by Jonathon Dutton, and executively produced by Susan Bower.
The soap's executive producer, Susan Bower, revealed that the team wanted Mark "to go out with a bang" and they took inspiration from the US drama 24 to create a special real-time episode.
The show's script producer thought the technique was "the best way to do justice" to the character and his exit, although it proved to be a challenge for the crew as it was different from the normal storytelling process.
The Sydney Morning Herald's Andrew Murfett believed the real-time aspect was "a clever device" for fans of the show who may have fallen out of touch with it.
Cameron Adams from the Herald Sun chose the episode for his feature on the best television programs being broadcast on 22 June.
Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor) waits nervously for an answer from his girlfriend, Kate Ramsay (Ashleigh Brewer), about going into witness protection with him.
As Mark is wondering whether to call his parents, his housemate, Jade Mitchell (Gemma Pranita), arrives home unexpectedly.
In February 2011, McGregor announced his departure from Neighbours and a Herald Sun reporter stated that he would film his final scenes in April.
[1] McGregor later explained to a Press Association reporter that Mark's exit storyline would not be a happy one, as he is forced out of Ramsay Street.
[3] Mark is asked to enter a witness protection program and the night before he leaves, he realises he is still in love with his ex-girlfriend, Kate (Brewer).
[5] The show's script producer, Emma Gordon, agreed that the real-time episode was "the best way to do justice" to the character and his exit.
[6] The episode was filmed over two nights and Gordon told Fox that extra effort went into ensuring the continuity was "perfect.
"[6] Brewer told a Channel 5 website writer that the rain was the biggest challenge of the night shoot, as it was "beyond freezing".
[10][11] It was watched by 408,000 Australian viewers upon its first airing, making Neighbours the highest rated show on digital multi-channels that night.
[13] For his work on Episode 6188, Dutton earned a nomination for Best Direction in a TV Drama at the 2012 Australian Directors' Guild Awards.
In fact it's almost impossible not be at least mildly interested about the future prospects of Scott McGregor and Ashleigh Brewer in the aftermath of this 24-style ep.
"[16] Cameron Adams from the Herald Sun included the episode in his feature on the best television programs being broadcast on 22 June, saying "Brooding cop Mark Brennan (Scott McGregor) has 30 minutes to leave Erinsborough before the poop goes down with the dodgy police investigation that's been dragging on for months.
[18] A writer for the channel's website believed that it was clear from the start that Mark would be worthy of a memorable send-off, during a feature on the character's "best bits".
