The Byrds of Paradise

Another Steven Bochco-branded hit which delved (perhaps too deeply) into modern day Hawaiian island's culture. My wife and I lived on Maui and the Big Island, the later destination where we resided during this great show's tragically short life. The issues were wonderfully relevant to families from "the mainland (USA)" trying to live in the duality of Hawaii's very complex cultures. So many see Hawaii from the balcony of the hotels or the beaches, the bike rides down Haleakala.

A few also see it when faced by some local people who speak pidgin English - that's right - If you're really one of "da kine",(a local) how 'ya talk-story' counts. And that is apparently one of several factors "language", and cultural / historical ignorance by many 'viewers') that got the show canceled.

Hawaii is a 'melting pot' of Native Hawaiians, many generations of Japanese-Americans, Chinese, Portuguese and Filipino-Americans as well as the 'perceived late-comers' known by the racist term "HAOLE" to some of the less-educated locals. Actually, people of European & British decent arrived well before the Japanese-Americans and people of Russian descent colonized Hawaii prior to that.

Mr. Bochco and crew (I am not sure who conceived the plot), combined the positive and negative to show a true-life Hawaii and a 'model- mainland' family struggling to adapt. Too bad so many people can't handle the reality of it. It was a show that should have been re- considered. Shame on you network hatchet-people - Hawaii's 'balcony dwellers' 2 weeks a year!

sadly enough, I remember when this show was one, and have been talking about it for years, yet no one ever remembers it's existance. I'm glad to see here that I wasn't going mad, and that the series did exist. From what I can remember, it was a really great show. I don't remember why or anything......sadly enough. Wish it would make a come back in the reruns.

Yes, I was particularly excited about this show, when it premiered back on March 3, 1993. ( My Birthday ) I have been a long time fan of Arlo Guthrie, and I thought, Jeeze, what a great B-day present. A T.V. show, with Arlo Guthrie as one of the stars. Not only a fan of Guthrie's music, but I love his acting career as well... No matter how small, a library!!! (e.p. Woodstock, Alice's Rest., guest appearances on shows, from Seseame st. to the Old John Cash TV show.. His cameo appearances, are too many to mention... LOVED HIM in the movie, 'Roadside Prophets"... His acting in that movie, was GREAT.... Unlike certain scenes from Legendary Director's Arthur Penn.. Alices. ) The show was also, easy on the eyes, as a very young Jennifer Love Hewitt, was another great addition to the show.... I never really cared for actor Timothy Busfield, until I watched Byrds... Actor Seth Green, has shown a long track record of being a successful actor...

I guess to sum it up, is Americans don't want wholesome... The days of the Waltons are OVER!!! ( this was a favorite show of mine) I didn't learn till yrs. later, Will Geer was a longtime friend of Arlo's Dad, Woody.... Not that it would make any difference. The Waltons was a great show!!!! Yet, unless people can turn in every week, and witness, blood and guts (CSI, and all the CSI wannabees ) murder, rape, and prison life ( too many TV shows to mention ) or trashy over 40 wanna look 25, and cheating on they're spouses, they aren't gonna tune in... I'm speaking for the majority..

Myself, I love the minority here... NO, I don't want to watch a modern day 'Osmonds' or 'Partride Family'.... But it would be great, to watch a good drama, with no violence, now vulgarity, nudity, and heavy drug usage..... Recreational drug use is acceptable... But I don't make ratings, or have any influence on what people WANT to watch on TV..

Piece out/RB

This was an entertaining show from what I remember.

I was about 12 years old and enjoyed it.

I also completely fell in love with Jennifer Love Hewitt so much that I watched party of five even though I did not like it.

She was the best thing a preteen could hope for And still is for that matter.

I started watching Ghost Whisperer for her but kept watching because it is a pretty good show.

Jennifer Love Hewitt is a pretty good actress

I don't know why she does not get offered better roles.

With her body you don't even have to be a great actress

I'm glad I'm not the only person that remembers this show. I loved that it took place in Hawaii. And the cast was actually quite well picked for this show as far as I can remember. It was also one of the first series' that I would actually wait all week for the next episode. I was so disappointed when it was canceled. It was a great show, and i thought it would have survived longer than that. I wish they would have some reruns of it. Though I guess because it was only one season that will never happen. I can't believe it has really been 12 years since it first aired. If anyone can find this on DVD or tape, I would definitely encourage them to check it out.