Flipper (1995)

Picks up where the original network version of Flipper (NBC, 1964-68) left off, except this modern-day dolphin drama has even heavier ecological and pro-social messages.
"Flipper" returned to television the week of September 30, 1996 with fast-paced action and a new cast. The weekly one-hour family adventure, which debuted in national syndication last fall as an all-new extension of the classic TV series, stars Whip Hubley ("Executive Decision," "Top Gun"), Elizabeth Morehead ("Seinfeld"), Wren T. Brown ("Waiting to Exhale") and Jessica Alba ("The Hidden World of Alex Mac") in dramatic stories involving the legendary dolphin character first introduced to American television audiences in the 1960s.
"Flipper" takes place in and around the Bal Harbor Institute, a marine mammal research facility set in the beautiful Florida Keys, where ground-breaking studies are being conducted on dolphin behavior. New to Bal Harbor is the Monroe County Search & Rescue Sheriff's Substation. The operation's activities, which set the stage for highly dramatic air and sea rescues involving Flipper and his human companions, feature thrilling helicopter and high-speed hovercraft action sequences.
Added energy also comes from the series' talented new cast. Whip Hubley, brother of actress Season Hubley, stars as Deputy Sheriff Tom Hampton, the helicopter pilot assigned to the station. A strong and courageous free spirit who has a habit of bucking the system, Tom isn't shy about letting women know he's single and searching. Elizabeth Morehead portrays Dr. Jennifer Daulton, the new Director of the Bal Harbor Institute. Smart, independent and also single, Jennifer finds Tom both attractive and infuriating. Wren T. Brown plays Deputy Quinn Garnett, the other half of the two-man search-and-rescue operation. As dispatcher and liaison with other naval and law enforcement agencies, Quinn is much more accomplished than Tom at playing the bureaucratic game. Despite their contrasting styles, they are close friends and partners. Jessica Alba plays Maya, a sensitive 16-year old who enjoys an almost mystical bond with Flipper. Now living in the Institute's student quarters, Maya develops a friendship with Jennifer, whom she quickly comes to admire.
Also joining the "Flipper" cast are Scott Michaelson ("Neighbours") as Dean, and Anja Coleby ("Dating the Enemy") as Holly, student interns studying with Jennifer at the Institute, who become close to Maya. In addition, the producers have tapped veteran actor Gus Mercurio ("Crocodile Dundee II") to play charter boat captain "Cap" Daulton, Jennifer's estranged father who reappears unexpectedly in her life.
"Flipper" is a production of Village Roadshow Pictures Television in association with Goldwyn Entertainment Company. Joining executive producers Jeffrey M. Hayes and Reuben Leder is Stephen Miller ("P.S. I Luv U," Evening Shade," "Magnum, P.I.") as supervising producer.


(Source: Tribune Entertainment 1997)