Fox dives into the dramatic depths of the lifeguard tower with their new hour-long drama, “Rescue: HI-Surf.” From executive producer and director John Wells (“The West Wing,” “ER”) and executive producer Matt Kester (“Animal Kingdom,” “Outsiders”), the series heads to Hawaii, where it follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards patrolling the famously dangerous coastline of the North Shore of O’ahu.
It stars Robbie Magasiva (“Wentworth”), Arielle Kebbel (“John Tucker Must Die”), Adam Demos (“Sex/Life”), Kekoa Kekumano (“The White Lotus”), Alex Aiono (“Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin:) and Zoe Cipres (“Roswell, New Mexico”).
Setting the Stage for Action
The pilot episode of “Rescue: HI-Surf” sets the stage for a show that promises to be a blend of action and drama. The first responders are tasked with patrolling a stretch of beach that’s as mobbed by inexperienced surfers and swimmers as it is isolated from emergency services and potentially dangerous. The opening title cards declare the North Shore’s famous break “the most dangerous wave in the world,” cresting in shallow water over a bed of rocks.
Diving Deeper Than Just Baywatch
While the series may initially evoke images of “Baywatch,” it quickly differentiates itself by delving into the intricacies of lifeguarding in a geographically remote tourism hotspot. The show tackles issues like institutional sexism, housing crises, and the political landscape that shapes the characters’ working conditions. The creators manage to weave these complexities into the narrative without sacrificing the action-packed nature of the show.
A Touch of Aloha
“Rescue: HI-Surf” also does a commendable job of incorporating Hawaiian culture into the show, highlighting the significance of respect and kinship. As Kester points out, “In Hawaii, a person who is your elder and you have a great deal of respect for, whether or not they’re a blood relative, you’ll typically call them your auntie or uncle.”
Blending Tradition and Contemporary
The show also touches on the island’s history and cultural identity. This is showcased in scenes like when Hina, a working-class North Shore native, expresses her desire to move out of her family home, only to face the island’s acute housing crisis. Meanwhile, native Hawaiian Laka ribs Kainalu for attending Punahou, the private academy best known as Barack Obama’s alma mater.
Balancing the Scales of Paradise
The show cleverly balances the portrayal of Hawai’i as a paradise with the realities of its socioeconomic and environmental challenges. This approach provides a more nuanced perspective on the island, moving beyond the typical “tourist-friendly” depiction often seen in mainstream media.
Moving Beyond the Surface
The pilot episode also introduces several compelling characters, each with their own struggles and motivations. Sonny, the stoic captain, is haunted by the recent drowning of his nephew. Em, his de facto second in command, navigates institutional sexism while grappling with unresolved feelings for her colleague Will. The rookies, Hina and Kainalu, bring their own unique perspectives and challenges to the team.
A Wave of Opportunity
“Rescue: HI-Surf” has the potential to become a compelling and thought-provoking series that offers a glimpse into the world of Hawaiian lifeguards while tackling important social issues. If the show continues to explore these themes with the same level of depth and complexity, it could be a refreshingly nuanced take on the first responder drama genre.
The Future of the Show
The show has a lot going for it, including its strong cast, its captivating setting, and its willingness to tackle complex social issues. However, the show’s success ultimately hinges on its ability to sustain its compelling narrative and to avoid succumbing to the “too much drama, too little substance” pitfall that plagues many first responder dramas.
“Rescue: HI-Surf” is a promising addition to Fox’s fall lineup. It’s a show that combines action, drama, and social commentary in a compelling way, and it has the potential to become a fan favorite. But only time will tell if it can truly make waves in the competitive landscape of network television.
Catching the Waves
The first two episodes of “Rescue: HI-Surf” will premiere on Fox on Sep. 22 at 8:00pm ET and Sep. 23 at 9:00pm ET, with remaining episodes airing weekly on Mondays at 9:00pm ET. You can also catch new episodes streaming on Hulu the day after they air on Fox.
