Remotely Interesting: Veritable hotbed of passion

Locally produced soap opera Shortland Street is a hotbed - in fact, a veritable hotbed - of passion and drama.

The synopsis for this week's show is enough to make you weak in the knees, and one can't help feeling for the characters, and their terribly complicated lives.

Come with me into the only hospital not dragged down by the politics of its district health board.

From what I understand, this week, confident Isaac Worthington (Matt Minto) works his charms on Tania Jeffries (Faye Smythe) when they meet and hit it off.

But Tania isn't the first lady in Ferndale whom Isaac has pursued, so will she wind up as just another notch on his belt?

I don't know, but I'm already breathlessly excited, and I can't wait to know more.

Apparently, helping Isaac on a tricky surgery, Tania is quickly impressed by this handsome, driven man.

Smythe explains: "Tania learns how passionate Isaac is about his work, and that's a real turn-on for her.

"He's also everything that her ex-boyfriend Ben [Shaun Edwards-Brown] isn't, so she's pretty attracted to that, too."

Oh, the intrigue.

What might happen next?

Surely it will all end up in a sexual harassment case, and mediation under the Employment Relations Act.

Apparently, after they decide to go for a drink together, it's not long before smooth-talker Isaac manages to charm his way back to Tania's place.

But back at the Jeffries' apartment, Tania's mood is sobered when her sister Maia (Anna Jullienne) reminds her of Dr Worthington's recent track record with women.

"Tania can see herself really liking Isaac, but she doesn't want to set herself up for getting hurt either," says Smythe.

"She knows that Isaac has already been linked to her sister Libby [Fleur Saville] and Tracey [Sarah Thomson], so she decides to put him to the test and start playing hard to get."

Oh, the humanity.

The next day, Tania makes Isaac work hard to secure a night out with her.

Finally agreeing on his offer of dinner at an expensive restaurant, Tania is pleased with how things are going.

But not far into the date, Tania gets a bit of a surprise.

"Tania overhears another nurse boasting to her friend about a date she has with the hot new surgeon Isaac the next day," says Smythe.

"She quickly realises that Isaac is already living up to his reputation as a ladies' man and she must decide what she really wants."

Burnt by men in the past, will Tania be willing to take a risk with Isaac?

Will she? Oh my God.

How dare they burn her? Surely that's illegal!

Whatever you do, don't miss this heady, intoxicating weekly drama.