Taped in Hollywood by HBO Independent Prods. in association with Caravan Entertainment. Exec producers, Alan Kirschenbaum, Erwin Stoff; producers, Oliver Goldstick, Phil Rosenthal, Shannon Gaughan, Andrew J. Selig; creator-writer, Kirschenbaum; director, John Sgueglia.
Cast: Cathryn de Prume, Louis Mandylor, Anna Gunn, Tom McGowan, Pamela Segall , Lew Schneider.
"Down the Shore's" likable, able cast and better-than-average writing should keep audiences tuned in. East Coast types who actually do spend summer weekends down the Jersey Shore also will probably keep watching to see how accurately weekend-rental-house life is portrayed.
Six archetypical sitcom characters (the sensible one, the ice princess, the Casanova, the ditzy blonde, etc.) are set up in a shore house and although this could be the takeoff point for a hackneyed series, it's not.
The plot scenarios are not wildly original, but writer/exec producer/creator Alan Kirschenbaum brings small twists and turns to his dialogue and stories that keep interest piqued and the storyline bright.
Kirschenbaum is helped by a lively, attractive cast, who seem to be able, in future episodes, to handle more daring, adventurous material and make it work.
Plot of "Independence Day," the premiere episode, involves Eddie (Tom McGowan), an overweight virgin, and his independence from virginity with snotty beauty Arden (Anna Gunn). Kirschenbaum's writing is funny and doesn't fall into tired cliches in treating a sensitive (especially to men) subject matter. Rest of cast will, it's hoped, get the chance to flesh out their characters later in the season, especially if the writing allows them to continue to be multifaceted--well, as multifaceted as sitcoms allow characters to be.
It's a nice summer diversion, but the shore house has way too many knickknacks and nice furniture, which, in a real shore rental, would not make it past the July 4 weekend.
Camera, Richard Brown; editor, Frank Mazzaro; sound, Carolyn Bowden; music, Rick Marotta; theme, Steven Van Zandt, performed by Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes; production design, David Sackeroff.
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Date in print: Fri., Jun. 19, 1992