Baywatch Season Five Episode Guide
Season Overview:
Baywatch Season 5 aired from September 26, 1994, to May 22, 1995, consisting of 22 episodes. This season continued to follow the adventures of the Baywatch lifeguards, introducing new characters and dramatic storylines.
Season Five went ahead with few changes. Nicole Eggert, citing as her reason that “the water was too cold”, bolted the beach. With her daughter gone, there was no reason to keep the mother and so Susan Anton was let go. Yasmine Bleeth was brought in as Caroline Holden, the sister of Stephanie and Jaason Simmons was introduced as Logan Fowler. The Australian actor was added to expand on Baywatch’s international appeal. A continuing story arc, reminiscent of soap operas was introduced to add emotional body to the regular Baywatch elements.
Stephanie, Caroline and C.J. decided to share an apartment and Steph’s spunky sister took more than a passing interest in Logan. The big change however, was Pamela Lee’s development in terms of storyline and prominence. “Pamela really came into her own at that point. If there was a highlight at all during Season Five, it was that Pamela was literally born into the world,” enthuses the producer. Berk, whose real-life adventure during the Los Angeles earthquake resulted in the two part episode “Livin’ on the Fault Line”, offers that “Season Five was great from a writing standpoint because we finally had a bad boy to write about.” The perfect Baywatch formula – two to three music videos and the balancing act of character development and the lifeguard action – continued as smooth as silk.
Main Cast:
Episode Number | Episode | Synopsis | |
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S05E01 | LIVIN’ ON THE FAULT PART 1 |
A minor earthquake prompts a geological survey team to come to Baywatch to plant a seismometer in an underwater fault line near Malibu Beach. When Stephanie falls for the team leader, her life, as well as Hobie’s, Jackie’s and many others hang in the balance as the area is hit by a massive earthquake. Written by: Michael Berk Montgages: |
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S05E02 | LIVIN’ ON THE FAULT PART 2 |
After a massive earthquake hits the Los Angeles area, the Baywatch lifeguards spring into action to save trapped vicitims, including Hobie, Jackie Quinn, Stephanie, and members of a geological survey team. Written by: Michael Berk Montgages: |
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S05E03 | AFTERSHOCK |
Mitch and his ex-wife Gail decide to get remarried, but their wedding is jeopardized when Mitch leaves to rescue victims of a boat explosion. Meanwhile, Logan and Matt are at odds over Caroline. Written by: David Braff Montages: |
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S05E04 | BAJA RUN |
John Cort returns and convinces Matt to join him in racing the Baja Run, the most grueling dune-buggy race in Mexico. However, Mitch is unaware of John’s plan to use their dune buggy to smuggle ancient artifacts across the border. Guest stars season one regular John Allen Nelson Written By: Deborah Schwartz Montgages: |
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S05E05 | AIR BUCHANNON |
Mitch and Stephanie rediscover their feelings for each other when they work a 24-hour Call Car shift, while Hobie gets talked into throwing a party at home while Mitch is away. Written by: David Braff Montages: |
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S05E06 | SHORTSIGHTED |
At Baywatch’s annual Father/Son Junior Lifeguard Competition, Matt befriends a young boy who is embarassed by the unexpected appearance of his father, who is a dwarf. Meanwhile, Stephanie attempts to reassign Logan to another beach after Caroline misses a rescue due to her infatuation with him. Written By: Deborah Schwartz Montgages: |
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S05E07 | SOMEONE TO BAYWATCH OVER YOU |
When the FBI attempts to capture a notorious underworld figure, Mitch is forced to work with an ungrateful FBI agent posing as a lifeguard, which causes problems for both Mitch and Baywatch. Meanwhile, a Dutch woman whom Matt rescued is determined to repay him by serving his every need, causing CJ problems. Written by: Kimber Ringwald Montgages: |
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S05E08 | KGAS, THE GROOVE-YARD OF SOLID GOLD |
As a promotion for his new radio station, a DJ offers a $100,000 prize to anyone who can figure out clues to a “pirate riddle” that are scattered everywhere up and down the beach. Matt and CJ get caught up in the madness to win, while Mitch and the other lifeguards have their hands full rescuing people who will do anything to win. Written by: Reuben Leder Montgages: |
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S05E09 | RED WIND | When the hot Santa Ana winds blow down to the beach, the Baywatch lifeguards find themselves contending with amorous beachgoers, while Mitch is romantically pursued by a woman he saved from drowning years ago.
Written by: Erik Blakeney Montgages: |
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S05E10 | I SPIKE |
When Tracy, a hovercraft rescue expert, arrives at Baywatch to train the lifeguards, Mitch finds himself falling in love with her. Meanwhile, Matt attempts to realize a lifelong dream by joining the pro beach volleyball tour. Written by: Michael Berk Montgages: |
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S05E11 | SILENT NIGHT BAYWATCH NIGHT PART 1 |
As Christmas Day approaches, Mitch and Tracy fall deeply in love. Mitch and Hobie then discover that the lost young boy whom they are letting stay at their house is actually a juvenile con artist. Meanwhile, a young priest expresses interest in CJ, and a group of little people instigate a Christmas surprise for Matt, which makes him wonder if they are actually Santa’s elves. Written by: Deborah Schwartz Montgages: |
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S05E12 | SILENT NIGHT BAYWATCH NIGHT PART 2 |
Christmas Day arrives at Baywatch and brings surprises for everyone: Mitch tries to reunite Joey and her mother, CJ worries that Father Ryan is giving up the priesthood for her, and Matt wonders if a group of dwarves visiting the beach are actually Santa’s elves. Written by: Deborah Schwartz Montgages: |
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S05E13 | RUBBER DUCKY |
When Logan’s visa is about to expire, he has only two ways to stay at Baywatch: buy a green card illegally with his winnings from an upcoming “rubber ducky” boat race, or marry Kathleen, a rick widow. But Logan is in love with Caroline, not Kathleen, and Matt is determined to beat Logan in the race. Meanwhile, Mitch’s relationship with Tracy continues to grow, despite his mother’s disapproval. Written by: David Braff Montgages: |
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S05E14 | HOMECOMING |
When Stephanie returns from her sailing trip around the world with Riley, she is held hostage by and environmental extremist bent on destroying an offshore oil platform. Meanwhile, Mitch wreaks havoc on Garner’s relationship with Katherine, a new lifeguard. Written by: Steven Barnes Montages: |
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S05E15 | SEIZE THE DAY |
Tracy finally admits to Mitch that she is living on borrowed time. Meanwhile, Logan and Caroline have their hands full keeping two reckless kids on wave runners from hurting anyone. Written by: Deborah Schwartz |
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S05E16 | A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS |
When Hobie phones a radio call-in show to get advice on how to help Mitch work through his grief over Tracy’s death, a woman listening to the show in another city decides to contact them. Meanwhile, Caroline and Logan’s relationship becomes strained when Caroline revives a drowning swimmer with AIDS. Written by: Michele Berk & Susan Hamilton Brin Montgages: |
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S05E17 | FATHERS’ DAY |
As Father’s Day approaches, Mitch receives a mysterious package that his father made for him before he died, while Logan grapples with horrifying flashbacks that begin to interfere with his ability to lifeguard. Written by: Tai Collins Montages: |
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S05E18 | FIRE WITH FIRE |
A part-time lifeguard friend of Mitch causes havoc at Baywatch when he uses strong-arm tactics against some vagrants on the beach. And Logan annuls his marriage to Kathleen because of his love for Caroline, putting his Baywatch career in jeopardy. Written by: David Braff Montages: |
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S05E19 | DEEP TROUBLE |
CJ and Matt are shocked when a homeless man they rescue from under a tower turns out to be former lifeguard John Cort, whose eyesight has gotten worse. Meanwhile, Hobie befriends a young boy with leukemia who desperately needs a bone marrow transplant, but his brother has disappeared. Written by: John Allen Nelson & Maxx Strom Montages: |
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S05E20 | PROMISED LAND |
While test piloting a new aircraft, Mitch rescues a female Chinese refugee from drowning. When it turns out she is being smuggled into the country and is pregnant, Mitch and Caroline protect her from the Immigration authorities long enough to find her sister. Meanwhile, Garner and Matt attempt to track down a beautiful blonde who drops her bikini top as part of a beach robbery scam. Written by: David Braff Montages: |
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S05E21 | THE RUNAWAYS |
Chaos reigns when Kaye Morgan hires a wannabe pop singer from England as a new waitress at the Sandy Cay, and daredevil businessman Richard Branson arrives to set a new world record for waterskiing behind a blimp. Meanwhile, Stephanie and Caroline butt heads over Caroline’s lifeguarding abilities. Written by: David Braff Montages: |
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S05E22 | WET AND WILD |
A daredevil motorcyclist’s traveling stunt show comes to the beach, capturing the admiration of Hobie. However, when the motorcyclist encourages underage drinking, Mitch and Garner attempt to shut him down. Meanwhile, Matt finds himself on suspension when a new lifeguard accuses him of sexual harassment. Written by: Steven Barnes Montages: |
Main Cast
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- David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon
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- Pamela Anderson as C.J. Parker
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- Alexandra Paul as Stephanie Holden
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- Yasmine Bleeth as Caroline Holden
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- David Charvet as Matt Brody
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- Jason Simmons as Logan Fowler
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- Jeremy Jackson as Hobie Buchannon
Key Storylines and Themes
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- Personal Growth: Characters faced various challenges leading to personal development, particularly focusing on Mitch’s leadership role and his relationships.
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- Romance and Relationships: The show continued to explore romantic entanglements among the lifeguards, with new relationships forming and old ones being tested.
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- Environmental Issues: Consistent with previous seasons, environmental themes remained prominent, addressing marine conservation and ocean-related hazards.
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- Action and Adventure: The season featured high-stakes rescue scenarios, often pushing the lifeguards to their limits.
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- Family Dynamics: Exploration of family relationships, particularly focusing on Mitch’s role as a father to Hobie.
Notable Episodes
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- “Forbidden Paradise” (Parts 1 & 2): A special two-part episode set in Hawaii, featuring dramatic rescues and personal conflicts – this was filmed during Season 5 as a direct to video movie, however was included in the TV release of Season 6.
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- “Wet ‘n’ Wild”: The episode deals with the dangers of a new water park and showcases the lifeguards’ skills in a different environment.
Notable Guest Stars
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- Hulk Hogan: The wrestling superstar made a guest appearance, adding star power to the season.
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- Mariska Hargitay: Before her fame in “Law & Order: SVU,” she appeared in an episode this season.
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- John O’Hurley: Known for his role in “Seinfeld,” O’Hurley guest-starred in an episode.
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- Richard Jaeckel: The veteran actor had a recurring role as Lieutenant Ben Edwards.
Themes and Development
Season 5 of Baywatch maintained its signature blend of beach rescues, personal drama, and social issues while expanding its scope. The show continued to balance lighthearted moments with more serious storylines, addressing topics such as:
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- Environmental conservation and marine life protection
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- The challenges of balancing personal life with a demanding career
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- The importance of teamwork in life-threatening situations
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- Exploring the complexities of romantic relationships
The season also saw an increase in action-oriented plots, with more elaborate rescue scenarios and even elements of crime and mystery. This evolution helped keep the show fresh and engaging for its growing global audience.
Production Notes
The production values continued to improve, with more ambitious location shoots, including the special episodes set in Hawaii. The show’s popularity remained high during this period, solidifying its status as a global television phenomenon.Season 5 of Baywatch successfully built upon the foundation of previous seasons while introducing new elements and characters, ensuring its continued success and cultural impact. The blend of attractive cast members, dramatic rescues, and personal storylines continued to be a winning formula for the series.