Dismissed by one critic as "John Updike for dummies," the NBC dramedy Hidden Hills was set in the real-life gated suburban Los Angeles community of the same name. Essentially, the series wondered aloud if it was possible for married couples and/or parents to maintain the "traditional" family unit while being bombarded from all sides by the laissez-faire sensitivities of the 21st century. Among the recurring characters was Doug Barber (Justin Louis), whose efforts to be a worthwhile husband to spouse Janine (Paula Marshall) were compromised by the arrival of Hidden Hills' sexy new softball coach Belinda Slypich (Kristin Bauer), who ran her own X-rated website. On several occasions, Doug's sexual fantasies "came to life" for the benefit of the viewer, giving the hero ample opportunity to lust in his heart. Other stories concerned the trials and tribulations of the Barbers' "Buppie" neighbors, Zack and Sarah Timmerman (Dondre T. Whitfield, Tamara Taylor). Hidden Hills premiered September 24, 2002.
by Hal Erickson
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