I’m so excited to hear there’s a new lifeguard show coming this fall! As a huge Baywatch fan, I feel like there is a lack of this type of show where TV lovers can get lost in something fun and not too serious. I was totally into it immediately. The show even looks like it’s part Baywatch because it’s hard not to compare it to any show or movie about pretty lifeguards on the beach because Baywatch is the standard.
However, “The Rescue: HI-Surf” is not “Baywatch.” The show is almost the complete opposite in that it takes itself so seriously. To its credit, saving lives is a tough job, but there is a way to approach the subject without breaking a sweat (think 9-1-1).
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“Pilot”—Rescue-Hi Surf, pictured: Robbie Magasiva as Sonny and Arielle Kebbel as Emily. |
Rescue: HI-Surf aims to provide an authentic portrayal of life as a lifeguard on Oahu’s North Shore. Filming in such a challenging and dynamic environment definitely added a layer of authenticity to the show. Sharks, whales, and weather can definitely make for dramatic backdrops, and it’s cool that the series uses these elements as part of its storytelling. With John Wells at the helm, you can expect this production to be as intense as the ocean it depicts.
Starring Robbie Magasiva’s performance as Sonny is excellent, and the use of local actors is also very representative. Arielle Kebbel gives a strong performance and the cast is solidified with the addition of Ian Anthony Dale. Unfortunately, that’s the positive thing about the series. There was nothing exciting or daring about the rescue operation. Even in the face of drownings, sand slides, and shark attacks, the story falls flat.
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| “Pilot” — Rescue-Hi Surf, pictured: Alex Aiona as Kainalu, Kekoa Kekumano as Laka, Adam Demos as Will Photo: Zach Dougan/FOX ©2024 Fox Media LLC. |
Each episode (I screened the first four) has a similar story – tourists unfamiliar with Hawaii’s dangerous waters. You also have characters we’ve seen before – dumb jocks, rich kids who haven’t earned a spot, women vying for a spot in a male-dominated profession, exes who have to work together, nothing new or exciting. Adam Demos has been severely underused so far, which is hugely disappointing.
I have high hopes and hopes for this new show, maybe it just needs time to find its footing, but if the first four episodes are any indication of the show’s tone, things aren’t looking good. “Rescue Hi Surf” had a lot of potential in the venue, but again, the early episodes didn’t quite hit the mark.
About the Author – Je-Ree Olenik
Je-Ree is the definition of a Jersey girl. A true nerd who loves her comics. When not watching TV, she works as a paralegal during the day. She enjoys writing, reading, watching all the latest shows, and spending time with her family. Twitter @jereereviews
