Season Four

Season Overview:

Baywatch Season 4 aired from September 20, 1993, to May 23, 1994, consisting of 22 episodes. This season continued to follow the lives and adventures of the Baywatch lifeguards.

The cast survived intact into Season Four. The emphasis on real-life stories continued with the episode on Down’s syndrome, “The Child Inside” proving to be a high point. Also, romance was favoured over sex. “We’ve had sexy scenes but we’ve never had sex”, says Schwartz.

For Executive Producer-writer Berk, Season Four saw one of his may ride-alongs with the Los Angeles county Lifeguards turn into a real-life adventure and ultimately a high-point Baywatchable. “I was riding in a lifeguard call car when we got a call that two brothers had been swept out to sea in a riptide. A lifeguard swam out, rescued one of the brothers, and secured him on his rescue can. While he went after the other brother, the first slipped off the rescue can. The lifeguard got to him again and he was rushed to the hospital, where he eventually died. That lifeguard began to suffer post-traumatic stress and required counselling sessions. I was allowed to observe those sessions and turned those true-life incidents into a story involving Mitch called ‘Submersion.’ At this stage, Baywatch was the fastest produced programme on TV, taking only five months to film twenty-two episodes.

This season would be the final season for Nicole Eggert. The show had already become the most popular show on the planet by season 4, a status the show would hold for several seasons.

Main Cast:

Episode List

Episode Number	Episode	Synopsis
S04E01	RACE AGAINST TIME PART 1	A dramatic ocean plane crash underscores a series of personal crises amongst the Baywatch lifeguards. READ MORE… Written by: Michael Berk & Doug Schwartz Montgages: “Wheels in Motion” – Jimmy Barnes “Searching my soul” – Vonda Shepard “I would die for you” – Jann Arden “Hungry Town” – Big Pig
S04E02	RACE AGAINST TIME PART 2 –	Hobie and his mother are trapped in the plane crash, 40 feet beneath the surface, while Mitch and the Baywatch lifeguards mount a massive rescue effort to save the trapped passengers and crew. READ MORE… Note: First episode in syndication Written by: Michael Berk & Doug Schwartz Montgages: “Get Up” – Mike and the Mechanics”Rock Hard” – Jimi Jamison”Keep Me Running” – Noiseworks”Current Of Love” – David Hasselhoff
S04E03	LOVER’S COVE	Romance is in the air at Baywatch as Mitch and Jackie’s friendship grows more intense, Summer and Matt begin a relationship, Hobie falls in love with Lauren, a junior lifeguard with a devastating secret. READ MORE… Written by: Steven Barnes Montages: “Honey Bunny” – Book of Love “Once In a Lifetime” – Sarah Brightman “River of Time” – Laura Christy
S04E04	BLINDSIDE	John D. Cort, Mitch’s friend and a former lifeguard, returns to Baywatch where his life undergoes a devastating change. Meanwhile, Hobie meets a very “unique” new friend. READ MORE… Guess stars season one regular John Allen Nelson Written By: Deborah Schwartz Montgages: “Spirit” – Beloved “Pelican Man” – Jimmy Hart
S04E05	SKYRIDER	Summer has love problems when Slade returns from a world surfing tour to discover Matt and Summer dating, and CJ is pursued by a bungee-jumping balloonist. Meanwhile, Garner patrols the beach on horseback. READ MORE… Written by: Sherri Ziff & Michael Berk Montages: “Treaty” – Yothu Tindi “Book of days” – Enya
S04E06	TENTACLES PART 1	A prison break gone awry finds Mitch held hostage by a beautiful woman and forced to perform surgery on her escaped convict husband. Meanwhile, Matt and Slade decide to settle their mutual affection for Summer in a daring surfing contest, and accidentally stumble upon a secret and dangerous underwater cavern READ MORE… Written By: Sherri Ziff & Michael Berk Montgages: “Fly” – His Boy Elroy
S04E07	TENTACLES PART 2	Mitch, taken hostage and held at gunpoint, performs surgery on an escaped convict with a bullet wound. Stephanie’s sister visits with her fiance, an environmental investigor, who is mysteriously attacked underwater in a high stakes double-cross. READ MORE… First appearance by Yasmine Bleeth as Caroline Holden. Written by: Sherri Ziff & Michael Berk Montgages: “Fly” – His Boy Elroy
S04E08	SUBMERSION	When Mitch spots two young brothers caught in a rip current, he must make agut-wrenching decision to help one and not the other. Nearly drowned, the boy clings to life in a coma. Mitch must deal with the anguished parents and his own deep feelings of guilt. READ MORE… Written by: Michael Berk Montgages: “Ordinary Day” – Jim Jacobson
S04E09	IRONMAN BUCHANNON	Mitch’s impending birthday prompts him to train for a grueling Ironman competition, along the way being swept off his feet by a younger woman. Matt, meanwhile, takes a night job to save money for a motorcycle, jeopardizing his co-workers through his exhaustion. READ MORE… Written by: David Braff Montgages: “Dream On” – Beloved “You Want it all” – The Weathermen
S04E10	TOWER OF POWER	A new lifeguard helps Mitch and the Baywatch lifeguards confront and upsurge in gang activity, and CJ is enamored with a beach magician who nearly drowns during a bungled underwater stunt. READ MORE… Written by: David Braff Montgages: “Elemental” – Tears for Fears “Just another Day” – Jon Secada
S04E11	THE CHILD INSIDE	The Baywatch lifeguards stage a beach-oriented Special Olympics, becoming involved with two young athletes whose parents have abandoned them. READ MORE… Mary Lou Retton guest stars. Written by: Deborah Schwartz Montgages: “The Best is yet to come” – David Hasselhoff “The child inside” – Robin & Judithe Randall
S04E12	SECOND TIME AROUND	Jessie Majors, the beautiful motorcycle racer with whom Matt Brody fell in love in “Point Doom,” returns to Baywatch, working as an actress for an obsessed video director who wants more than a professional relationship with her. READ MORE… Written by: Garner Simmons Montages: “Sail across the water” – Jane Sibury “Rock on” – David Essex “Tighter and tighter” – David Hasselhoff
S04E13	RED KNIGHTS	An ad hoc reunion of elite 1950’s lifeguards, the “Red Knights,” triggers a bar room brawl and Ben’s resignation. Meanwhile, Mitch helps deliver a baby when the mother goes into premature labor while swimming at the beach. READ MORE… Note: Richard Jackals last episode Written by: Deborah Schwartz Montages: “Ordinary World” – Duran Duran “Anything you ask” – Susan Anton
S04E14	CORONADO DEL SOUL PART 1	The Baywatch lifeguards travel to San Diego’s Hotel Del Coronado for a week, where Matt and Summer are haunted by a mysterious presence, CJ grows attached to an orphaned dolphin at Sea World, and Mitch is stranded with his brother on the high seas when their sailboat capsizes. READ MORE… Written by: David Braff Montages: “Running into the sun” – Noel “State of Grace” – Tia Carrerre
S04E15	CORONADO DEL SOUL PART 2	Adrift in the ocean with his semi-conscious brother, Mitch struggles to keep himself and Buzzy alive through the long, cold night. CJ unites an orphaned dolphin with its injured mother, and Summer becomes involved with a haunting passion. READ MORE… Written by: David Braff Montages: “Running into the sun” – Noel “State of Grace” – Tia Carrerre
S04E16	MIRROR, MIRROR	A beautiful woman and her plain sister compete for Mitch’s affection with perilous results. Meanwhile, Matt confronts his paralyzing fear of sharks. READ MORE… Written by: Doug Schwartz Montgages:
S04E17	THE FALCON MANIFESTO	A beautiful investigative reporter captures Mitch’s heart, but what happens next makes Mitch the prime suspect in a murder investigation. READ MORE… Written by: Michael Berk Montages: “Looking for Something” – Vonda Shepard
S04E18	WESTERN EXPOSURE	The Baywatch lifeguards help a country singer find his estranged wife and child. READ MORE… Martina Mcbride guest stars. Written by: Deborah Schwartz Montages: “Talking to God” – Ricky Van Shelton “My Baby Loves Me: – Martina Mcbride “Life 9” – Martina Mcbride “Where was I” – Ricky Van Shelton
S04E19	THE LIFE YOU SAVE	Severe budget cutbacks close many Los Angeles beaches with life-and-death consequences. READ MORE… Written by: Michael Berk Montages: “Sunshine like you” – The Waterlillies “Climb On” – Shawn Colvin
S04E20	TRADING PLACES	Stephanie Holden spends a week with the Coast Guard, helping crack a dangerous arms smuggling ring. READ MORE… Written by: David Braff Montages: “stand Up” – Jimmy Barnes
S04E21	GUYS & DOLLS	Matt’s rescue of a beautiful teenager finds him involved in an elaborate con artist scam. Stephanie’s romance with a Coast Guard officer deepens, causing conflict with Mitch. READ MORE… Written by: David Braff Montages: “Beautiful” – Babble “Dream on perfect dream” – Tia Carrera
S04E22	RESCUE BAY	A Hollywood producer visits Baywatch and decides to create a television show based on lifeguarding, sending headquarters into a tizzy. READ MORE… Jeff Altman guest stars. Written by: Steven Barnes Montages: “Lie to me” – Paul Norton “I want you” – Nikoli Steen “Art of living” – The Boomers

Main Cast

- David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon

- Alexandra Paul as Stephanie Holden

- Yasmine Bleeth as Caroline Holden

- David Charvet as Matt Brody

- Pamela Anderson as C.J. Parker

- Nicole Eggert as Summer Quinn

- Jeremy Jackson as Hobie Buchannon

Key Storylines and Themes

1. Family Dynamics: The season explored various family relationships, particularly focusing on Mitch’s struggles with his ex-wife Gayle over custody of Hobie.

1. Personal Growth: Characters faced challenges that led to personal development, such as Matt dealing with his father’s expectations and Summer overcoming her fears.

1. Romance and Relationships: The show continued to delve into the romantic lives of its characters, including Mitch’s new love interests and the developing relationships among the younger lifeguards.

1. Environmental Issues: Consistent with previous seasons, environmental themes remained prominent, with storylines addressing marine conservation and the impact of human activities on the ocean.

1. Action and Adventure: The season featured high-stakes scenarios, including rescue missions, criminal investigations, and even international intrigue.

Notable Episodes

1. “Race Against Time” (Parts 1 & 2): A dramatic two-part episode involving a plane crash and underwater rescue.

1. “Blindside”: This episode dealt with a former lifeguard, John D. Cort, returning to Baywatch while dealing with vision loss.

1. “The Falcon Manifesto”: A mystery-thriller episode where Mitch becomes involved in an investigation of military technology sales.

Notable Guest Stars

1. John Allen Nelson as John D. Cort: A recurring character who returned this season.

1. Kelly Slater as Jimmy Slade: The professional surfer continued his recurring role.

1. Carrie-Anne Moss: Made an appearance before her breakout role in “The Matrix”.

1. Mariska Hargitay: Guest-starred before becoming famous for “Law & Order: SVU”.

Themes and Development

Season 4 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:

- Environmental conservation

- Family relationships and custody battles

- Personal and professional ethics

- Overcoming personal fears and challenges

- Romance and interpersonal dynamics

The season also saw an increase in action-oriented plots, with more complex rescue scenarios and even elements of mystery and crime-solving. This evolution helped keep the show fresh and engaging for its growing audience.

Production Notes

The production values continued to improve, with more elaborate rescue scenes and set pieces. The show’s popularity was at its peak during this period, cementing its status as a global phenomenon. Season 4 of Baywatch successfully built upon the foundation of previous seasons while introducing new elements and characters, ensuring its continued success and cultural impact.