 Mark 's departure was shown during a special real @-@ time episode , which focused on a 30 @-@ minute timeframe . Executive producer Susan Bower revealed that the team wanted Mark " to go out with a bang " and commented that while the episode features about half a dozen people , it is mostly about Mark and Kate . 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 . McGregor explained that while the producers were planning his character 's exit , they took inspiration from the US drama 24 . Gordon admitted to Tiffany Fox from The West Australian that the technique was a real challenge for Neighbours . She said " It is a bit different and a bit out of our normal storytelling process but it gives such a sense of tension which is exactly the feeling we wanted to create . When you have half an hour to make a decision that will affect the rest of your life , every excruciating minute counts . " 
