S.O.S. Malibu

It's still interesting to witness the early days of an old popular series. That suffered from said popularity over the years. From the looks of this pilot episode, Baywatch was set out to be a different kind of soap opera, with workplace drama, compelling storylines and reasonably good acting. Then it was turned into an outdated cheese fest with people running in slow motion. Panic at Malibu Pear, had everything. And was for everyone. Kids identified with the heroes. Teenagers, the music and the beach setting. And adults, the intrigues. The cast was filled with popular TV actors of that time, all generations more or less knew or grew up with. And it was the perfect prime time program, with its TV movie runtime. So it was a recipe for success, back when viewers weren't as demanding and experts in everything. As one from the 21st century, I thought it was enjoyable. True it is old, but it's not without its charm and could be entertaining when needed to. I'm still not a fan of what it became afterwards, but this pilot episode showed real promise.

The same story that Sam Elliott went through in the movie Lifeguard, also about an aged lifeguard too old for the job but who cannot stop wanting to be one, that fits David Hasselhoff not Parker Stevenson, the latter a part-time lawyer and Mitch's co-star only for the first season on NBC; but Stevenson was to Elliott in that 1970's movie what the young lifeguards are to Mitch, and, this isn't so bad, really, a beginning of a different show altogether, however, than the Babewatch that became famous in syndication.

Lot of hairy chests and big breasts. Moderately entertaining, though, thanks to the subplot of beautiful stalker (young Mädchen Amick). Pamela Anderson may never have been a great beauty, but in this series that terrible Playboy model look - over stuffed pale lips and white hair against brown skin - had already spoiled her looks. Matter of taste, of course, and her sweet CJ Parker ruled the Baywatch fandom...

If you like Baywatch, then you'll like this. As it is the first ever episode, it at least has some more plot development than the later episodes which were all about just showing off beach flesh. Madchen Amick made her screen debut in this (just after a small role in Star Trek TNG) and she looks just as stunning as she does in 'Twin Peaks.' She has a beauty in this that takes it to another level beyond the typical blond beach chick. She also adds a darker edge to the film as a disturbed girl who falls for one of the lifeguards. Strangely, this movie version does involve some topless shots of a woman being photographed (and also another saucy scene in a beach tent)which I cannot imagine the network could show at a prime time hour. Maybe these scenes were added for the video release.

I love early baywatch so much!!!! Mostly just this movie and season 1. The characters were so good and it's hadnt become supper cheesy yet(it is kinda but just the right amount) I liked Pam Anderson as much as the next guy but I think the show began to suck when she joined!!! Anyways as soon as the dog days of summer hit,I like to throw on some Early baywatch and enjoy!