Down the Shore

I loved this little show, knowing full well that it was not destined to last long. I found it hilarious and all six of the main characters worked really well with each other.

Even now, when I think of certain scenes from the various episodes, I have a smile on my face.

Too bad that FOX never gave it a better time slot, because it was one of the best shows that network had to offer at that time.

This show had two iterations under the same title, but there was only a passing relationship between them.

The first try was a delightful ensemble comedy that, in the right hands, could have made "Friends" seem like a cheap rip-off. In one episode that I remember clearly, even 12 years on, the girls in the cast are dared to go topless on the beach. It was promoted with FOX's usual nudge-nudge wink-wink subtlety, but it actually turned out to be a thoughtful essay on the value and cost of friendship.

The second time the show appeared, it had been tinkered with in the same way my 2 year old tinkered with my VCR. I can only remember watching about 5 minutes of the first episode. What had been a nice ensemble comedy had been reduced to a "let's get the fat guy laid" teen-movie.

"Down the Shore" - we hardly knew ye.

I recall it same on in the early 1990s. I had recently had a share in a summer house just a few seasons beforehand. I wanted to like it but they made it tough.

First, the set was a cheap construction so clearly on a sound stage. (I get it I might be a tougher critic seen I had experienced the real thing.) Second, the retooling of the cast mates. They subbed out one female lead for another. I thought. Miranda-being more of a spitfire-gave the show variety compared to the reinvention with Sammy.

Finally, it can't be summer forever. The episode where 6 single adults, from NYC, wind up in a New Jersey high school, during the summer, should tell you they were running out of ideas.

Loved the Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes theme song though.