As a seasoned gamer of life and TV shows, I must say that Fox’s Rescue HI-Surf is like the game you pick up when you just want to pass the time, but it lacks the addictive charm of the classics. It’s got all the right ingredients for a thrilling action drama: lifeguard rescues, jet skis, and a dash of romance. But it’s as if the developer forgot to add the secret sauce that makes these tropes enjoyable.
Fox’s Rescue HI-Surf consistently strives to live up to its promises. This action drama frequently features daring lifeguard rescues, whether it’s braving the depths of the Pacific or speeding across the water on a series of jet skis. When these muscular protagonists aren’t risking their lives for each other or arguing about workplace issues, they often find themselves casting admiring glances at one another.
The show serves dual purposes – it functions as a cautionary tale (apparently, the currents around Oahu’s North Shore can be quite dangerous!) while also promoting tourism (… and doesn’t it still look inviting to play in?). Primarily, it aims to deliver an engaging mix of high-stakes drama, personal conflicts, and appealing cast members. However, there’s one issue: It simply isn’t that enjoyable.
Despite Matt Kester’s meticulous adherence to the required story elements, he seems to lack depth and innovation in character development. Spanning over four hours, the main characters largely embody stereotypes: Laka, portrayed by Kekoa Kekumano on The White Lotus, is the typical party boy; Alex Aiono plays Kainalu, the expected rich kid rookie; Arielle Kebbel embodies Em, the stereotypical competent female character excelling in a male-dominated field. Although each character has been given a general background, none stands out with unique peculiarities beyond typical traits like Laka’s fondness for parties or Kainalu’s interest in sneakers mentioned briefly. Neither character is overly grim to weigh down the show, nor do they exhibit any notable humor.
The on-again, off-again relationships among the characters seem lackluster and forced. Em’s history with her ex, Will – a flamboyant Australian lifeguard played by Adam Demos – hints at unresolved feelings not because of any convincing chemistry between Kebbel and Demos, but rather due to Will’s current fiancée’s excessive jealousy. Similarly, the interactions between Kainalu and fellow newcomer Hina (Zoe Cipres) feel insincere, with their half-hearted flirting serving only as a prolonged plot device for the season. Laka’s romantic dynamic with the recurring EMT, Jenn (Sea Shimooka), is similarly stale and predictable, as the show appears to have exhausted its creative resources in devising romantic subplots.
The TV series, Rescue HI-Surf, tends to present creative scenarios where beach visitors, often tourists though not exclusively, might encounter difficulties. You’ll find the regular incidents such as an unskilled surfer being swept away by a powerful current or a snorkeler getting hit by a boat. However, it also includes unique episodes like one beginning with a family hiking in the mountains and another starting with a group of young adults playing near a sand pit. These scenes leave you guessing about the potential disasters that could befall these guest characters, requiring emergency response. But don’t anticipate anything excessively extreme or sensational. Despite a shocking shark attack, Rescue HI-Surf maintains a non-sensational approach.
As a devoted fan, I’d say the series maintains a steady, unphased demeanor, keeping a straight face through thick and thin. It doesn’t shy away from a dash of playful humor – there are moments when Will and Laka engage in weightlifting without their shirts on, all while discussing plot details. However, it prioritizes reminding us of its characters’ unwavering bravery over delivering sensational drama or adrenaline-pumping action. Unlike its predecessor, Baywatch, Rescue HI-Surf avoids the overt objectification, but it doesn’t rule out a bit of shirtless banter now and then.
Occasionally, the show’s plotline takes a turn that favors it. The character of station chief Sonny, played by Robbie Magasiva, has become the most intriguing protagonist due to his ability to convincingly portray a blend of warmth and quiet gravitas. However, this isn’t just because of his acting skills; he also carries the show’s most poignant storyline: He grapples with guilt over the death of his beloved nephew, which occurred a month prior. Despite appearing too rational even in intense scenes, which may not entirely support Em’s worries about Sonny losing his bearings, their relationship benefits from a natural mutual respect that is lacking in the show’s more tense romantic relationships.
HI-Surf Rescue team additionally addresses less appealing issues in the region, often stemming from the influx of newcomers. Despite the allure of such breathtaking coastlines that might inspire a spontaneous travel plan, the locals lament the shifting times. With more tourists comes a higher risk of accidents, straining emergency services, and escalating rents that force long-time residents like Hina to leave. Newcomers, including characters such as Will, grapple with fitting into a tight-knit community steeped in traditional family bonds. However, without relatable characters who can evoke strong emotions, these issues may seem detached from the audience’s experience. There’s a gap between acknowledging something is unfortunate or significant, and experiencing it as heartbreaking or enraging when watching it unfold.
To be fair, I’ve only watched four episodes out of the planned 19 for this season of Rescue HI-Surf. There’s still a lot of room for growth in terms of the characters breaking free from these popular stereotypes and becoming more complex, for their relationships to deepen, and for the storylines to become more intricate or unpredictable. I can only hope that this show will eventually develop a sense of humor, intensity, or willingness to embrace the unusual. At the moment, it appears to be like one of those massive waves that lose energy before reaching the shore, giving the impression of excitement from a distance but failing to make much impact up close – it’s quite mild and hardly makes a splash.
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2024-09-21 16:55