Reception
Before and after the killer reveal, Joey proved to be a highly popular character, being voted "Favourite Male character", "Favourite New character", "Hottest Male character", "Favourite Male actor" and "Best Storyline" in the Throng Shortland Street Fan Awards 2007. The following year Joey won "Best Storyline", "Best Single Episode" and "Best Thing to Happen in the Year". Voters also wished for Joey to return in 2009, either as a ghost, twin or in flashbacks. In 2012, the character was named as one of the standout characters of the show's first 20 years. The storyline was also voted by fans as one of the show's most iconic.
The serial killer storyline received a huge surge in viewers with 624,000 tuning in to see Joey revealed as the killer and over 600,000 tuning into the characters demise. The accurate portrayal of Joey, led many to fear for Barkers safety and for producer, Jason Daniel to ensure Barker will be kept safe from angry fans. Barker hoped his portrayal would influence viewers, stating; "Grandmothers are going to hate me, kids are going to be scared of me, teenagers are going to think I'm hilarious - hopefully, and all those cynical people who don't like Shortland Street, but have got stuck into watching it, I think they'll appreciate it."
Barker was nominated for the 2008 Qantas Film and Television Awards for Best Supporting Actor alongside Kirk Torrance and Tammy Davis. The award was given to Davis for his portrayal of Munter in Outrageous Fortune. Barker was also nominated for the 2009 Best Actor award in the TV Guide Best on the Box Awards 2009 for his work throughout 2008.
Joey's death was specified as one of the targets in the 2008 Suicide Prevention Plan launched by Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton to help accurately depict suicide on television.
Shane Cortese who played killer Dominic Thompson on the show for 2 years, praised Barker for his portrayal and stated: "I wouldn't be at all surprised if it's the start of big stuff for Johnny as he will always be remembered as the Shortland Street serial killer and it will do wonders for his career." Chris Brush the deputy editor of the New Zealand TV Guide, compared Joey to Coronation Street villain Richard Hillman, stating the two were both great characters and ratings wonders.
Read more about this topic: Joey Henderson
Famous quotes containing the word reception:
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