‘90210:’ Same ZIP code, kind of new show
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- September
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OK. I’ll admit it. I sort of wanted to hate the new “90210.”
As a HUGE fan of the original series—as I’ve mentioned, I had weekly college viewing parties, and no, I wasn’t a loser—I was expecting to completely loathe the rip-off that is the “remake” of the ‘90s teen series that gave birth to hits like “The O.C.” and “Gossip Girl.”
But the newbie version of “Beverly Hills” kind of has me—gulp—hooked?!?
Don’t get me wrong: It’s in no way as edgy or as fashion-forward as “Gossip Girl.”
Not to mention they totally shoehorned in Nat and the Peach Pit. (Did the Peach Pit After Dark EVER serve minors?)
And the characters are completely derivative of the old show: Could Ethan BE more of a Steve-Dylan hybrid?
Plus, how could all you meanies blast poor Gabrielle Carteris for looking like she was in her 30s when she was on the show? (Which the new O spoofed with a cameo by her BVHS newscaster daughter, Hannah.) At least Carteris actually WAS 29 when she debuted as teen-ager Andrea.
AnnaLynne McCord (seen below)? The new Naomi’s barely 21, and she looks like she’s 40.
Still …Â I’ve still got to say that I loved the way that the new series incorporated the old legacy into the show.
Having Erin Silver—excuse me, Silver, because she won’t answer to Erin—show up as a major character? Totally awesome. (And for those too young to know, Erin is the half-sister of Kelly Taylor (guest star Jennie Garth) and David Silver, whose parents toootally embarrassed them by hooking up, marrying and getting prego.)
The reunion of Kelly and Brenda (another alumni, Shannen Doherty) was a complete fan moment without detracting from the fun of the newbies.
And speaking of old-timers, I’m kind of liking Kelly being around the high school again. Even if it is completely obvious that they’re just waiting for the fans to weigh in on whether Kelly should be a regular or not.
And the parents are way more fun than that lame, straight-laced Jim and Cindy Walsh.
These parents are porn directors. They have illegitimate children given up for adoption by their high school hookup. (Shame, shame, Mr. Wilson.) Alcoholic grandmas who give them ideas to prank their lacrosse rival. (Fun, even if Jessica Walter is totally reprising a less clever version of her “Arrested Development” character.)
And guidance counselors have sons fathered by God-knows-who. (OMG, OMG, is it Dylan?!? Or maybe Brandon? Is THAT why Brenda was so sweet and offered to babysit when Kelly’s new teacher beau came calling?)
Anyway, all this is a long-winded way of saying that “90210” has me interested. So far, the only difference I can see that differentiates this show from any other teen series is their spin-off claim to fame.
Regardless, I’m tuning in again—until next week at least. Whether that continues—along with millions of others—still remains to be seen.
(Photos courtesy of the CW)
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 at 10:15 pm by Heather Salerno.
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It starts in 30 minutes, can’t wait!!!
Heather, I admit it: I only tuned in last night for the nostalgia factor. But I actually enjoyed myself, much to my surprise. The writing seemed funnier and crisper than the old show, although I could do without some of the innuendo (Annie’s first glimpse of Ethan and his, er, extracurricular activities on her first day of school shocked me, to be honest. I mean, hello, this is the 8 o’clock TV hour!). But all in all, the show wasn’t too bad. I’m willing to give this one a try.