Season Overview:
Season 2 of Baywatch consisted of 22 episodes and aired from September 23, 1991, to May 18, 1992. This season continued to follow the lives and adventures of the lifeguards at Baywatch headquarters in Los Angeles County.
Season two was the shows first season in syndication. 18 months after cancellation by NBC. The new season of Baywatch were in the national top 20 syndication ratings through the season. Michael Berk commented at the time “We’re able to be more versatile and efficient because we don’t have anyone looking over our shoulders”.
Production costs reduced to around $800,000 per episode, around $450,000 less than what it cost on NBC. The new show was also filmed with a crew around 25% smaller than that of a network drama on a five day shooting schedule rather than the eight days used when the show was at NBC.
For season 2 David Hasselhoff, Erika Eleniak, Billy Warlock and Monte Markham returned. With the additions of Jeremy Jackson as the new Hobie Buchannon, Tom McTigue as Harvey Miller.
During Season 2 the growing love between Eddie and Shauni which captured audiences interest and
Doug Schwartz wanted to carry that story into season three. However, Erika Eleniak and Billy Warlock have both commented of their uncertainty at the shows new direction. Greg Bonann notes in his book during filming of “Now sit right back…” Erika advised she wanted off the show…
Main Cast:
Episode List
Episode Number | Episode | Synopsis | |
---|---|---|---|
S02E01 | Nightmare Bay pt.1 | Mitch saves the life of an underwater photographer after she is attacked by a supposed “sea monster,” which the press quickly picks up on, throwing the community into a panic. Meanwhile, Shauni rescues an inner-city girl from drowning. 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 | |
S02E02 | Nightmare Bay Pt.2 | After a fishing boat is destroyed by a supposed “creature in the bay,” panic invades Santa Monica. Meanwhile, Shauni travels to Watts to enlist junior lifeguard candidates in a program for inner-city youths. 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 | |
S02E03 | THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY | A Fisherman tricks new lifeguard Megan into rescuing him in order to attack her. When he continues to stalk her, Mitch has to find a way to stop him. Meanwhile, when Shauni suffers from lifeguard burnout, Eddie takes her on a romantic weekend getaway, which quickly turns passionate READ MORE… Note: ITV rejected several version of this episode due to the violence against Megan. Written by: Ronnie Kern Montages: “Don’t Do That” – Marshall Crenshaw “When Love Comes Down” – Jimi Jamison | |
S02E04 | MONEY, HONEY | Mitch is offered the lead role in an action movie when the star is injured, but risks losing the role when he rejects the amorous advances of the film’s producer. Meanwhile, Shauni trie to raise money to keep an animal rescue organization from shutting down. READ MORE… Note: First episode of Baywatch directed by former star Monte Markham Written By: Alan Swyer Montgages: “Boom Band Boom” – Steve Schiff “Summertime Girls” – Y&T | |
S02E05 | FABULOUS BUCHANNON BOYS | Mitch’s brother Buzzy comes to visit with his estranged son Kyle, who proves to be a bad influence on Hobie. When Kyle illegally surfs near the condemned San Dimas Pier, he collides with a submerged piling, and is sent underwater, unconscious. READ MORE… Written by: David Braff & Reed Moran Montages: “All The Best Things” – The Fixx “Cloud 8” – Frazer Chorus | |
S02E06 | POINT OF ATTACK | Cort returns to Baywatch, helping Eddie in an aquatics program designed for inner-city youths. When Eddie takes a gang leader under his wing, he finds himself in conflict with the boy’s father, who has encouraged his son’s gang activity. READ MORE… Written By: Alan Ayer & Gregg Segal Montgages: “Crazy” – Seal “All Love” – Ziggy Marley | |
S02E07 | SANDCASTLES | Hobie becomes enamored with a homeless girl whose mother has disappeared. Guest stars: Nicki Cox READ MORE… Written by: Garner Simmons Montages: “Future Love Paradise” – Seal “I Just Wanna be With You” – Transmission Vamp | |
S02E08 | THIN OR DIE | Eddie teaches an overweight girl who has loved him from afar the importance of self-esteem, while Mitch and Hobie adopt a dog that is the only witness to his owner’s kidnapping. READ MORE… Written by: Doug Schwartz & Deborah Schwartz Montgages: “So Quiet and so still” – Natalie Archangel “Indian Rap” – Scott Roewe | |
S02E09 | THE TROPHY PART 1 | Eddie’s life is torn apart by an accusation of statutory rape, while Mitch deals with the anger of a paraplegic former lifeguard. READ MORE… Written by: David Braff Montgages: “Fascination” – West End Girls “Dream in Color” – Starship “Angry Young Man” – Jimi Jamison | |
S02E10 | THE TROPHY PART 2 | Facing rape charges, Eddie is suspended from Baywatch, while his accuser attempts to kill herself. Mitch saves a paraplegic’s life in a daring hang glider rescue. READ MORE… Written by: David Braff Montgages: “Fascination” – West End Girls “Dream in Color” – Starship “Angry Young Man” – Jimi Jamison | |
S02E11 | IF LOOKS COULD KILL | Mitch falls for a beautiful woman he has rescued, never dreaming she is actually a murderess. Guest star: Shannon Tweed READ MORE… Written by: Michael Berk Montgages: “Lily Was Here” – Candy Dufler “To Have and to Hold” – David Halliday | |
S02E12 | REUNION | Mitch attends his high school reunion, rekindling an old flame with ex-wife Gail, while Eddie plays father for a day. READ MORE… Written by: Michael Berk & Jill Donner Montages: Original score by Cory/John | |
S02E13 | NOW SIT RIGHT BACK AND YOU’LL HEAR A TALE | A routine rescue sends the Baywatch crew on a madcap adventure back to “Gilligan’s Island.” Bob Denver and Dawn Wells reprise their Gilligan’s Island (1964) roles as Gilligan and Mary Ann. Note: Greg Bonann notes in his book it was at this point Erika advised she wanted off the show. Erika Eleniak has also stated this was her favourite episode READ MORE… Written by: Lloyd Schwartz Montages: Theme song to Gilligan’s Island | |
S02E14 | WAR OF NERVES | Ex-con and martial arts master Mason Sato terrorizes Mitch, Kaye, and Hobie. Cary Gagowa guest stars. Written by: Deborah Schwartz & Doug Schwartz READ MORE… Montages: “Real Thing” – Brent Bougois “Saltwater” – Julian Lennon | |
S02E15 | BIG MONDAY | Kaye Morgan introduces a deaf girl to sign language, while Mitch confronts a terrifying childhood memory. Written by: Gary Capo & Julian Whatley READ MORE… Montages: “Life Hold On” – Beth Nelson Chapman “Heat of the jungle” – Chris Isaac | |
S02E16 | SEA OF FLAMES | The Baywatch crew crack a seaborne drug ring, and Ben finds love with an aging movie star. READ MORE… Written by: Michael Berk & Doug Schwartz Montgages: “Tear it up” – 38 Special “Can’t slow down” – Joe Satriani | |
S02E17 | THE CHAMBER | Mitch rescues a diver trapped 90 feet below the ocean surface, but almost dies himself while suffering the effects of decompression. READ MORE… Written by: Alan Dwyer & Greg Segal Montages: “Point of Origin” – Yanni “After Sunrise” – Yanni | |
S02E18 | SHARKS COVE | A beautiful Olympic hopeful disappears after a savage shark attack and Eddie’s brother Bobby arrives for a weekend visit READ MORE… Written by: Deborah Schwartz & Doug Schwartz Montages: “After Venus” – Enya “House Full of Reasons” – Jude Cole | |
S02E19 | LOST TREASURE OF TOWER 12 | Two thieves lose their loot under a lifeguard tower and Shauni is swept off her feet by an eccentric beach poet READ MORE… Note: Greg Bonann noted in his book Erika was “wonderful in this episode, but very unhappy” Written by: Glenn Bruce & David Braff Montages: “Women In Chains” – Tears for Fears “Night & Day” – Cole Porter “Sound of your voice” – 38 Special | |
S02E20 | THE BIG SPILL | Toxic waste, corporate greed, and a determined environmentalist spell trouble for the Baywatch lifeguards. READ MORE… Written by: David Braff Montages: “Another nice day in LA” – Eddie Money “The Bug” – Dire Straits “When the world was young” – John Cafferty “Different Destinations” – David Halliday | |
S02E21 | GAME OF CHANCE | Harvey and Mitch pursue and capture a disgruntled gambler turned high-seas pirate. Meanwhile, Eddie struggles with the disapproval of Shauni’s family. Guest stars Jason Brooks who would later appear as Sean Monroe in seasons 10 & 11 READ MORE… Written by: David Braff Montages: “Ooh La La” – David Halliday “Horses” – David Braithwaite | |
S02E22 | SUMMER OF ’85 | After seven years, Eddie’s first love appears in Los Angeles, complicating his life with Shauni and entangling him in a web of lies and an unsolved murder. READ MORE… Guest stars Michele Berk, wife of creator/writer/producer Michael Berk Written by: Michael Berk Montages: “About you” – David Halliday |
Notable Episodes
- “Shark’s Cove”: This episode combines the excitement of competitive swimming with mystery and danger.
- “Reunion”: Features Eddie confronting his past as he reunites with his schizophrenic half-brother.
- “Cruise Ship”: Mitch and Harvey pursue a disgruntled gambler turned high-seas pirate, adding a touch of maritime adventure to the show.
Themes
Season 2 of Baywatch continued to blend action, drama, and personal storylines. While maintaining its signature beach setting and lifeguard rescues, the show also explored more serious themes:
- Environmental conservation
- Personal and professional ethics
- Family relationships
- Mental health issues
- Crime and mystery
The season maintained the show’s trademark blend of beach action, personal drama, and social issues, cementing Baywatch’s status as more than just a show about lifeguards in swimsuits
Notable Guest Stars
- Will Estes
- Role: Appeared in the episode titled “The Chamber” (1992).
- Background: Estes is known for his later work on “Blue Bloods” and had a recurring role in “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.”
- Billy Vera
- Role: Guest-starred in one of the episodes during this season.
- Background: Vera is a singer-songwriter, best known for his hit “At This Moment.”
- Danny Trejo
- Role: Featured in two episodes during this season.
- Background: Trejo has become a well-known actor, famous for his roles in action films and television series.
- Mimi Rogers
- Role: Made a guest appearance in Season 2.
- Background: Rogers is an actress known for her roles in films like “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” and “The Rapture.”
- Michael DeLorenzo
- Role: Appeared in an episode as a guest star.
- Background: DeLorenzo is recognized for his roles in “Fame” and “New York Undercover.”
- Troy Donahue
- Role: Guest-starred in one of the episodes.
- Background: Donahue was a popular actor in the 1950s and 1960s, known for his roles in romantic films.
These guest appearances added variety to the series, showcasing different storylines and character dynamics while also featuring actors who would go on to have successful careers in Hollywood.