She hasn’t entirely fallen off the acting scene, having featured in over 26 films since The O.C. ended, including an upcoming role in the murder-mystery flick Invitation to a Murder. But most of these films gained little traction, earning between 9 per cent and 46 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Some fans have speculated whether her guest appearance exposes desperation on both sides – Barton, who fell into relative obscurity after The O.C., and Neighbours, which has been struggling on Australian shores for some time.

If Barton’s appearance in the first season of The Hills reboot – a reality show that was cancelled after just two seasons – is any indication, nostalgia appeal can’t save a show. Stars may entice viewers, but clever plot devices and dialogue are necessary to keep them.

Consider Taylor Swift’s surprise appearance in comedy series New Girl, in which she interrupted a wedding to declare her love for the groom, one of the regular characters. Her appearance, which lasted only a few minutes, drew in Swift fans and drove the plot without over-milking the pop singer’s global fame.

The same can be said of Joe Biden and Michelle Obama when they appeared in Parks and Recreation. Their cameos satisfied the political junkies in the room (Leslie Knope included) and referenced the political zeitgeist. They’re also playing themselves rather than fictional characters, which allows the show to nod at what’s “trending” without making it a key narrative element.

Guest appearances are often best when temporary. If a show leans too heavily on recognisable faces, it arguably exposes the guest star as an overt marketing device. No audience enjoys feeling as if they’ve been duped into watching something.

Though it’s not yet clear how large a role Barton will play, the show’s producers have revealed her character’s name – Reece – and background – “an American new to Erinsborough who’s not quite who she appears to be”.

This could indicate a more significant role than a cameo, which can be dangerous territory.

Loading

Will we watch Barton walk down Ramsay Street and think “what is Marissa Cooper doing here?”, or will we be relieved enough that Marissa has been reborn from her fictional death that we’ll excuse any cringeworthy attempts made by the show to claw its way back to relevance?

Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday.