thestar.com

Enter savvy super-producer Aaron Spelling to blend the essence of that addictive, afternoon appeal with the gloss and glamour of the night. The prime-time results were nothing short of a national fixation - Dynasty, Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place among others.

But now, for the first time, Spelling has gone back to the source with an ambitious plan to work his magic in the midday market. Sunset Beach, airing weekdays at 3 on Channel 11, is still far from enchanting. Yet, after a little more than a week, it's proved itself a worthy entry in the ruthlessly competitive soap-box derby.

Let's be clear: Spelling is not the show's creator. But as co-executive producer, he's given this series his distinctive stamp. In fact, Sunset Beach carries strong echoes of Beverly Hills 90210, plus a light non-Spelling overlay borrowed from the world's most popular show, Baywatch.