"hollyoaks" producer emma smithwick said that she was initially nervous about the "union of the dark soul mates, mercy and browning, but their chemistry is so watchable - that story is pretty dark". mercedes begins to "fall for the charms" of doctor browning, believing she has "landed on her feet" when he invites her to a charity ball. metcalfe commented that mercedes begins to think he could provide her with the wag lifestyle she has always wanted. she added that mercedes still wants riley but she "craves a bit of danger". thompson also commented on this, saying doctor browning offers an "exciting alternative" for mercedes compared to riley. on the relationship thompson said: "he knows what makes her tick, and the two of them are excited by how dangerous the other is". he went on to explain that doctor browning initially agreed to pretend to be in a relationship with mercedes to help make riley jealous but "he's fallen for her and will do whatever it takes to be with her. he thinks if he spends enough time with mercy, he'll win her around". when doctor browning sees riley kiss mercedes "it becomes a question of how much he can take" and he decides he must "make a quick move" to prevent them reuniting. he takes mercedes to a shooting range, thompson explained that there she "realises there's an undeniable connection between them". he added that the couple are "kindred spirits" and mercedes spending time with him will make her rethink their relationship. to dissuade riley from reuniting with mercedes, doctor browning gets riley intoxicated and then warns him off of mercedes. thompson said that "it seemed to be written in the stars that mercedes and riley will get back together - but dr browning won't let that happen". thompson claimed that due to doctor browning having incriminating evidence on mercedes he has "real power, she thinks she's in control, but she might just be underestimating dr browning..."