Dolphin Cove (TV series)

Dolphin Cove is an American drama television series created by Allan Marcil, set in Queensland, Australia that aired on CBS from January 21 to March 11, 1989 for eight episodes.[1]

Dolphin Cove
Title card from original run.
GenreDrama
Underwater
Created byAllan Marcil
Written byPeter Benchley
Directed byMel Damski
Noel Black
Brian Henson
StarringTrey Ames
Frank Converse
Ernie Dingo
Karron Graves
Virginia Hey
Antony Richards
Nick Tate
ComposerBill Conti
Country of originAustralia
United States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes8
Production
Executive producersAllan Marcil
John Masius
ProducerKevin Slattery
Production locationsHollywood Center Studios, Hollywood, California
Disney-MGM Studios, Orlando, Florida
Camera setupPanavision
Running time60 minutes
Production companiesDick Berg/Stonehenge Productions
Paramount Television
Release
Original networkCBS
Original releaseJanuary 21 (1989-01-21) –
March 11, 1989 (1989-03-11)

Synopsis

The show centers on widowed researcher Michael Larson (Frank Converse) and his two teenage children: daughter Katie (Karron Graves), and her elder brother David (Trey Ames). The Larsons move to Australia, after Michael is hired by wealthy industrialist Baron Trent to help perfect man-to-dolphin communications. To this end, Michael begins working with two dolphins named Slim and Delbert.[2]

Michael's wife died in an automobile accident roughly a year ago. David does his best to fit in with the Aussie lifestyle, and at his new school, but finds it tricky. Katie, who was in the car with her mother during the fatal crash, was not injured physically but has been an elective mute (capable of speaking but refusing) ever since. Initially, Katie distrusts her new therapist, Alison Mitchell. Although Katie is not comfortable around most people, she promptly hits it off with Slim and Delbert. Moreover, Katie soon discovers that she has a telepathic means of communicating with both dolphins; thus she succeeds where her father and Trent have failed.[2]

Also working for Trent is Didge, an Aboriginal Australian.[3] Didge acts as Michael's assistant, besides being a mentor and (when called for) bodyguard to David and Katie.

Kevin Mitchell, Alison's son, is one of David's classmates and frequently coaches David through life at their school.

The series, filmed on location at Seaworld on Australia's Gold Coast, was co-created by Peter Benchley.

Cast

Episodes
No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Pilot"Mel DamskiPeter BenchleyJanuary 21, 1989 (1989-01-21)17.1[4]
Seeking to start a new life after the death of his wife dolphin researcher Michael Larson moves to Australia with his two children, and is hired by Baron Trent to figure out dolphin communication. His son, David, hates the family's new life, and daughter, Katie, who hasn't spoken since her mother's death, is wary of her new therapist, Allison, but bonds with dolphins Slim and Delbert.
2"Two Shots and a Splash"Noel BlackJohn Masius & Ann RecklingJanuary 28, 1989 (1989-01-28)14.4[5]
Michael is visited by an old college friend, whose environmental protection efforts have grown more radical.
3"Reading, Writing and Telepathy"Mel DamskiStory by : John Masius & Ann Reckling
Teleplay by : Judith Kahan		February 4, 1989 (1989-02-04)15.7[6]
Delbert's mysterious ailment makes Katie anxious at school, and David looks for work. Allison's ex-husband pays a visit for son Kevin's birthday.
4"The Initiation of Lisa Ruddick"Noel BlackEverett De RocheFebruary 11, 1989 (1989-02-11)14.1[7]
Slim and Delbert are upset by a reporter, who is planting suspicion about Trent's true interests.
5"The Ship That Sank Twice"Marcus ColeEverett De RocheFebruary 18, 1989 (1989-02-18)14.0[8]
While Michael is away Trent's personal project disturbs Slim and Delbert. Didge's loyalties to his family and his work come into conflict.
6"Fighting Back"Geoffrey NottageStory by : Margaret Kelly
Teleplay by : Margaret Kelly & John Masius & Ann Reckling		February 25, 1989 (1989-02-25)13.2[9]
Katie gets an admirer and David faces adversity. Didge's family believes that Trent's estate is on sacred land.
7"Stormy Weather"Brendan MaherCarla KettnerMarch 4, 1989 (1989-03-04)12.2[10]
The estate is on generator power due to an approaching monsoon, and Didge welcomes two men claiming to be stranded fishermen, but who are actually escaped convicts.
8"The Elders"Geoffrey NottageJohn Masius & Ann RecklingMarch 11, 1989 (1989-03-11)11.0[11]

Michael's in-laws visit and want to take David and Katie back with them to the United States. Didge's grandfather begins a death ritual.

Guest star: Teresa Wright received an Emmy nomination for her role as Michael's mother-in-law.

References
  1. Albert Moran, Moran's Guide to Australian TV Series, AFTRS 1993 p 150
  2. Brooks, Tim and Marsh, Earle The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present, page 272, Ballantine Books, 1999
  3. O'Connor, John J., Review/Television; Dolphins, Australia and Family Problems, The New York Times, January 21, 1989
  4. "Nielsen ratings". USA Today. 25 January 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306147740.
  5. "Nielsen ratings". USA Today. 1 February 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306144802.
  6. "Nielsen ratings". USA Today. 8 February 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306179902.
  7. "Nielsen ratings". USA Today. 15 February 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306163263.
  8. "Nielsen ratings". USA Today. 22 February 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306175741.
  9. "Nielsen ratings". USA Today. 1 March 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306152931.
  10. "Nielsen ratings". USA Today. 8 March 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306184202.
  11. "Nielsen ratings". USA Today. 15 March 1989. p. 3D. ProQuest 306172200.
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