What Is Splash, Too About?
The premise of Splash, Too in 352 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the bustling heart of New York City, a world of towering skyscrapers and relentless ambition contrasts sharply with the quiet, tide‑kissed serenity of a deserted island where life has been lived in a more mystical rhythm. After four years of seclusion, Allen and his mermaid wife Madison feel the pull of the mainland—one for the familiar hum of commerce, the other for the promise of rediscovering a world that once seemed out of reach. Their return sets the stage for a comedy that swirls together urban hustle, underwater wonder, and the inevitable clash of two very different yet deeply intertwined lives.
Allen is a pragmatic entrepreneur whose family’s produce business has begun to wobble in his absence. He is welcomed back by his older brother Freddie, who runs the operation with a blend of hard‑nosed practicality and brotherly generosity. Madison, possessing a quiet, magical ability to see and shape images within water, must now navigate the complexities of land‑based existence while keeping her true nature concealed from nosy neighbors. Their partnership, already seasoned by a past romance, is tested by the demands of rebuilding a home, re‑establishing a brand, and learning to blend mortal ambition with mer‑folk mystery.
The couple quickly finds themselves entangled with the city’s affluent social circuit, most notably the charismatic, all‑American philanthropist Karl Hooten and his insightful wife Fern Hooten. While Karl champions traditional family values that seem to pressure the pair into presenting a flawless façade, Fern offers an unexpected allyship, recognizing Madison’s yearning for purpose beyond domestic expectations. Amidst this backdrop, Madison’s heart is tugged by the sight of a captive dolphin she once knew—a reminder of the ocean’s call that still reverberates within her.
As the story unfolds, the tone stays buoyant and witty, balancing slapstick mishaps with moments of heartfelt contemplation. The central tension revolves around whether love can bridge the gap between a land‑bound business dream and the restless curiosity of a creature of the sea. With humor, magic, and the promise of both worlds at stake, Allen and Madison stand on the edge of choices that could reshape their future together.
What Happens in Splash, Too?
The complete story of Splash, Too, from the first scene to the last, in 624 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Set four years after the events of the first film, Allen Bauer, Todd Waring and his wife Madison Bauer, Amy Yasbeck, have been living on a deserted island hideaway, where Allen grows bored with island life and admits he misses New York City and his older brother, Freddie, Donovan Scott. Madison possesses a magical ability to view images in water and communicate by tracing a circular pattern across its surface; she uses this talent to show Allen what life is like back in New York with Freddie, offering a glimpse into the world he left behind and the people he cares about.
The Bauer family business, Bauer Produce, is in trouble after Allen’s departure, and Madison agrees that returning to the city could help stabilize things. They are welcomed back by Freddie, who reintroduces them to the rhythms of the family operation and the bustling, debt-ridden landscape of small business. Soon Allen catches the attention of a potential large customer, the wealthy Karl Hooten, Noble Willingham, whose emphasis on all-American family values pushes Allen and Madison to present themselves as a picture‑perfect couple. Freddie helps them settle into a modest, run-down suburban house that they gradually restore to a presentable, inviting home.
Madison resolves to be a housewife and adjust to life on land, but she must also keep her mermaid side a secret, particularly from their new neighbor, Mrs. Needler. As Allen’s workload grows, he begins to neglect promises he made to Madison, causing tension between them. Madison nonetheless finds solace in a friendship with Fern Hooten, Karl’s wife, who recognizes Madison’s desire to discover her own interests beyond traditional domestic roles and offers her support, creating a new ally in an unfamiliar world.
The tension between duty and desire comes into sharper focus during a business event at an aquarium. Madison recognizes one of her dolphin friends, Salty, confined to a tank, and she learns that Salty has a mate out in the wild. Because Karl is a major benefactor of the aquarium, Madison asks him to release Salty, triggering a clash of priorities: the family business’s needs versus Madison’s longing to see her friend free. This disagreement deepens the rift with Allen, who fears jeopardizing Karl’s business trust and the livelihood of Bauer Produce.
After a painful, heartfelt confrontation, Allen realizes his mistake and seeks reconciliation. Madison returns home, and the couple decides to rectify things by trying to act in harmony rather than in opposition. They hatch a plan to help Salty escape, sneaking into the aquarium with Fern Hooten’s unexpected aid. Dr. Otto Benus is shown conducting research on Salty, adding a scientific backdrop to the drama, but the critical moment centers on their attempt to liberate the dolphin and return him to the ocean. The plan nearly fails, but Fern’s timely assistance helps them load Salty onto a van and guide him to freedom across the shoreline.
With Salty back with his mate, Madison and Allen confront their future together. They acknowledge their differences and agree to be honest with one another, weighing the pull of the sea against the comfort of life on land. While Allen would personally prefer to stay on land, Madison’s curiosity is clear: “I like it here. I like to learn things.” Their decision to negotiate a shared life underlines their commitment to one another and to the possibilities that lie ahead.
As they embrace on the shore, the reunion of Salty’s family underlines a hopeful truth: life can accommodate both worlds if love and open communication guide the way. The moment leaves them poised to navigate a future that may blend land and sea in surprising harmony, a future where curiosity, commitment, and affection determine their path forward.
You’ll see. You’ll see.
Splash, Too Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Four years later on the island” to “A new promise”. 14 events name a place, across 12 locations.
- 1
Four years later on the island
Set four years after the events of the first film, Allen is bored on a deserted island hideaway with Madison and misses New York and his brother Freddie. Madison uses her water-vision ability to keep him connected to the world they left behind.
When:Four years after the first film Where:Deserted island hideaway
- 2
Madison’s water-visions bridge the gap
Madison demonstrates her gift by showing Allen images from back in New York, reassuring him that Freddie is well. The display also reminds him of the life they left behind and what a return might entail.
When:Present Where:Deserted island
- 3
Return to New York to help the family business
The Bauer Produce business is struggling since Allen left, threatening the family’s livelihood. Madison urges them to go back to New York so Allen can support Freddie and stabilize the company.
When:Soon after Where:New York
- 4
Welcome back and a potential new client
Freddie greets them and helps set the stage for a fresh start in the city. Allen secures a potential new customer in Karl Hooten, a wealthy backer who values traditional family values.
When:After return Where:New York
- 5
A run-down house becomes home
Karl provides a run-down suburban house for them to move into, and they set about restoring it into a presentable home. The project marks a new chapter for their relationship and their place in the city.
When:After move-in Where:Suburban New York
- 6
Madison adapts to land life and keeps a secret
Madison agrees to be a housewife and learn to live on land, while keeping her mermaid identity hidden from Mrs. Needler and the neighbors. The secrecy creates a low-grade tension that undercuts their harmony.
When:After move-in Where:Suburban house
- 7
Work pressures strain the marriage
As Allen’s job consumes more of his time, he breaks promises that matter to Madison. She feels neglected and starts questioning her place in their new home.
When:In the weeks that follow Where:Suburban house / Bauer Produce
- 8
Fern becomes a source of support
Madison finds friendship and encouragement in Fern Hooten, Karl’s wife, who supports Madison’s desire to pursue her own interests. This bond helps Madison cope with the isolation of their new life.
When:During the adaptation period Where:Karl’s house / Hootens' circle
- 9
Salty’s world at the aquarium
During a business event at an aquarium, Madison spots her dolphin friend Salty in a tank and worries that he is separated from his mate in the wild. She asks Karl to consider letting Salty go home, highlighting the clash between her ideals and Karl’s finances.
When:During the aquarium event Where:Aquarium
- 10
A rift and a decision to leave
Her plea creates friction because Bauer Produce still depends on Karl’s backing. She declares her unhappiness and swims out toward the ocean, choosing independence.
When:Immediately after the aquarium event Where:Near the aquarium / ocean
Show the other 4 events of Splash, Too Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Realization and reconciliation
Allen recognizes his mistake and apologizes for neglecting Madison. The couple reconciles, renewing their commitment to honesty and partnership.
When:Following the confrontation Where:Home
- 12
The rescue plan and Fern’s aid
They sneak back into the aquarium to free Salty while Dr. Otto Benus studies him. Fern helps them, aiding in loading Salty onto a van bound for the ocean.
When:Night Where:Aquarium
- 13
Salty returns and a shared future
Salty is released into the sea to reunite with his mate. Allen and Madison discuss their future, deciding that Madison will stay on land if that’s what she wants, and Allen would join her if needed.
When:After Salty's release Where:Sea / shoreline
- 14
A new promise
At the sea front, they embrace and affirm their love. Madison’s playful line about what’s ahead hints at a life that blends land and sea as they continue learning together.
When:Ending Where:Sea front
Who Are the Main Characters in Splash, Too?
6 characters, among them Allen Bauer (Todd Waring), Madison Bauer (Amy Yasbeck) and Freddie Bauer (Donovan Scott): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- AB
Allen Bauer (Todd Waring)
Played by Todd Waring
A practical, work-driven husband who misses city life and struggles to balance Bauer Produce with Madison's emotional needs. He is loyal and eager to provide, but his focus on business sometimes blinds him to his wife’s desires. Over the course of the story he learns to listen and compromise for the sake of their relationship.
- 💼 Practical
- ❤️ Family
- 🗽 City life
- ⏳ Time pressure
- MB
Madison Bauer (Amy Yasbeck)
Played by Amy Yasbeck
A mermaid living on land who can glimpse images in water and communicate by tracing patterns. She seeks personal growth and independence while trying to fit into a human life and protect her secret mermaid side. Her curiosity and warmth drive her to advocate for her own interests and those she loves.
- 🌊 Mermaid
- 💡 Curious
- 🗺️ Learner
- ❤️ Love
- FB
Freddie Bauer (Donovan Scott)
Played by Donovan Scott
Allen's brother who provides a link to the family business and a foothold in the New York world. He is practical and supportive, helping Allen reconnect with the city and with Bauer Produce. Freddie serves as a bridge between the old life and the new challenges the family faces.
- 🏡 Family
- 💪 Supportive
- 🧰 Resourceful
-
Karl Hooten (Noble Willingham)
Played by Noble Willingham
Wealthy benefactor who values all-American family image and uses his influence to influence Bauer Produce. He can be protective and generous, yet his emphasis on appearances creates friction when Madison asserts her independence. He becomes an obstacle and ally in turn as the couple navigates their future.
- 💰 Wealthy
- 🏛️ Philanthropist
- 👨👩👧 Family values
- FH
Fern Hooten (Rita Taggart)
Played by Rita Taggart
Karl's wife and a steady friend to Madison, Fern provides comfort and a pragmatic perspective. She helps mediate tensions within the family and supports Madison's desire to learn and grow. Fern represents a kinder, more flexible approach to tradition.
- 💖 Supportive
- 🧭 Mediator
- 👭 Friendship
- MS
Mrs Stimler (Dody Goodman)
Played by Dody Goodman
The nosy neighbor who values privacy and a quiet suburban life. She serves as a social foil, challenging the couple's attempts to live freely within the visible expectations of their community. Her suspicion highlights the pressure to conform to neighborhood norms.
- 🏡 Neighbor
- 👀 Gossip
- 🛡️ Protector
Where and When Is Splash, Too Set?
Splash, Too is set in New York City, Deserted island hideaway, Suburban New York house, Aquarium and… (Mid-1980s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Mid-1980s
The events take place roughly four years after the first Splash, placing the timeline in the mid-1980s. The era emphasizes family business, suburban life, and a pre-digital culture of personal interactions. The story unfolds with the pace and tone typical of late 1980s family comedies.
Where
New York City, Deserted island hideaway, Suburban New York house, Aquarium, Ocean
The story shifts between a coastal New York setting and a secluded island retreat where the couple first hides away. They return to a lived-in suburban home in New York as Bauer Produce seeks to regain footing. Neighbors and public spaces like the aquarium frame the contrast between confinement and freedom that drives the characters' choices.
- 🗽 City life
- 🏝️ Island life
- 🏡 Suburban life
- 🐬 Marine life
- 🌊 Ocean
What Are the Themes of Splash, Too?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Love and Freedom.
-
01
Identity
Madison grapples with two worlds: her mermaid nature and her life on land. Water becomes both a conduit for connection and a barrier she must navigate to belong fully. The film uses aquatic imagery to explore how one person can hold multiple identities without losing core humanity.
-
02
Love
Allen and Madison's relationship is tested by work pressures, promises, and the pull of two different lifestyles. They must learn to listen, admit fault, and align their goals without sacrificing trust. The reconciliation scene reinforces that honest communication is essential for lasting partnership.
-
03
Freedom
Salty's captivity in the aquarium highlights a tension between freedom and obligation. Madison and Allen's decision to intervene challenges corporate interests and public perception. The act of releasing Salty becomes a catalyst for redefining their responsibilities to others beyond themselves.
-
04
Tradition
The film contrasts old-fashioned family values with the couple’s evolving needs and desires. Karl's push for a pristine image clashes with authenticity and honesty in relationships and business. The resolution suggests that genuine connection outweighs appearances and established expectations.
What Kind of Film Is Splash, Too?
Whimsical in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A lighthearted and whimsical sequel that playfully explores a mermaid's adjustment to suburban life and her quest to free a dolphin, blending romantic comedy with gentle family-friendly dilemmas.
- whimsical
- romantic
- funny
- hopeful
- lighthearted
- comforting
- mermaid love story
- marriage and compromise
- balancing two worlds
- animal liberation
Quiz
How well do you remember Splash, Too? Test yourself on the story.
