Dolphin Cove

Dolphin Cove was one of the best family series ever aired. Its themes appeal to all: the love for animals, the intelligence of dolphins, the devastating consequences of losing a parent, the play between Australian versus American, the contrast of new and traditional, city versus the "bush"... An American researcher settles in Austrailia with his family to study dolphins. His wife has recently died in an auto accident which leaves his young daughter unable to speak. The older son and the daughter face challenges when they attend a private Australian school. The father faces challenges in dealing with local ways and with people who have selfish motives in training the dolphins. A visit from the American grandparents also stirs up trouble. But the ending is perfect, very heart-warming. We actually viewed this on television when we were living in Egypt and play the videos over and over again. I wish it were known well enough to come out on DVD.

There haven't been many shows about dolphins, but of the shows about dolphins, this is right up there. Sure, "Flipper" is the classic choice, but think about it: could that dolphin talk or what? I mean, how did he know they were in trouble? Flipper was just Lassie with fins. The dolphins on "Dolphin Cove," however, reminded me more of Dan Marino. They were very smart, but they never won the Super Bowl.

I just finished watching all eight episodes of Dolphin Cove, having never seen the series when it ran in 1989. It had a short run, but given the quality of the acting and writing, I'd rather have eight episodes of this than none at all. The series incorporates quite a few themes including: family, healing, Aboriginal stories and practices, adolescence, communication -- both inner and outer, and between different cultures and different species. The acting was top notch and the actors were given very good scripts to work with. All in all, an outstanding series.

Does anyone know if they filmed any episodes that never were shown because of the series being canceled?