''North Shore'' exec producer Chris Brancato would like to think of his series -- a sexy ''Upstairs, Downstairs'' soap set at a luxury Hawaiian resort -- as a cross between ''Gosford Park'' and ''Blue Crush.'' ''Hopefully, we'll tilt more toward 'Gosford Park.''' Oh, no -- someone get this man lei'd! ''Shore'' has the potential to be pure guilty-pleasure goodness: Kristoffer Polaha stars as Jason, general manager of the ritzy Grand Waimea. He's got major workplace tension, thanks to his ex-girlfriend (''Baywatch'''s Brooke Burns), who helps him run the joint, a scheming concierge (Amanda Righetti, moonlighting from ''The O.C.''), and demanding guests like the U.S. vice president...and his mistress.
Shot on Oahu, ''Shore'' will exploit Hawaii -- weather permitting. Much of the pilot had to be reshot due to recasting (James Remar, shown with Polaha and Burns, replaced Rob Estes as the Waimea's slightly shady owner) and a stormy spring. Brancato adds that ''Shore'''s commitment to exotic local color means plenty o' skin. ''We all know a show set in Hawaii will feature a couple bathing suits.'' Mahalo!
WHY WE'LL TUNE IN With its sudsy plots and luxurious beach setting, ''North'' is the top contender to satisfy our ''O.C.'' jones.
Add your comment
The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject or we might delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk * indicates a required field.