‘90210:’ Same ZIP code, new kids, old favorites
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- September
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The CW decided not to send the media an advance copy of the new “90210” pilot, so I’ll have to tune in like the rest of you tonight at 8 p.m. to get the skinny on this remake.
I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve actually seen the show, but I’ve got to be honest: So far, the only thing that’s luring me to watch is the chance to see my old pals Kelly, Brenda and Nat from the Peach Pit. (Joe E. Tata, I’ve missed you!)
I’ll admit to being a HUGE fan of the first “O.” I even hosted viewing parties at my college apartment every week. (Which drew a LOT of people, I’ll have you know, so stop that snickering now!)
Anyway, that’s the draw for me—seeing what’s up with those characters again. For the record, Kelly is a guidance counselor at the high school, Brenda’s been acting in London and Nat … uh, I’m not actually sure what’s he’s been doing, but I’d love to see the Peach Pit After Dark back in business.
Yet those characters aren’t going to be regulars: They’re just on board for a few episodes, since the obvious intention to attract old-timers like me for at least a couple of installations.
But the true demographic, of course, are the tweens and teens who rule the ratings—and make shows buzz-worthy. Look at “Gossip Girl.” Huge, massive influence on girls—and women, for that matter—in terms of pop culture. Ratings? Not so much. The show only drew a couple million eyeballs last season, far less that the network expected.
I’m not sure this “90210” revamp is going to do much better, though.
For young kids, the market is pretty saturated with stories about spoiled rich kids and their fish-out-of-water, so-called friends. (See “GG” and the CW’s other entry, “Privileged,” about a tutor for two—sigh—rich spoiled kids, that not coincidentally premieres right after “90210.”)
And for the older folk—in other words, anyone over 30—the premise is a complete steal from the original.
Brother and sister move from Midwestern state to experience culture shock in Beverly Hills. Unlike Brenda and Brando, the siblings here aren’t twins. In a nod to diversity, Dixon (Tristan Wilds, “The Wire”) is Annie’s African-American foster brother who was adopted by the Walsh, oops, I mean Wilson, family.
Then there’s the bunch of snooty classmates, who I’ll just bet end up befriending Annie and Dixon after they’re through making fun of them. For goodness sake, there’s even a surfer dude (Ethan/Dylan) and aspiring journalist (Navid/Andrea).
Anyway, not that this total retread matters to anyone under 18.
But will it be enough to get them to watch, and keep watching?
I can’t predict that one, but I can tell you what I’D be more interested in seeing: A new show focused only on the old characters.
Would David and Donna still be married? Would Brenda be Botoxing like crazy to land those acting jobs that are starting to dry up? How would Andrea be juggling her career and life as a single mom to a teen-age daughter? Would Dylan finally, finally be ready to settle down?
Sure, you might not be able to get the entire cast back, but let’s face it, if you offered a decent amount of dough, most of them would probably come running.
After all, Jennie and Shannen (and Tori, before a salary dispute killed her return as Donna) were willing to be mere guest stars on the new version!
I mean, come on, do any of you believe for a second that Ian Ziering really thinks that a return to his old ZIP code is a “step backwards” for his career?
Honey, you don’t have a career. There’s nothing to step back from.
Throw in Valerie Malone—a.k.a. Tiffani Thiessen, whose last film was something called “Cyborg Soldier,” sheesh!—and you’ve got yourself a show!
Now, I’d watch that one over “Lipstick Jungle” any day.
Come on, wouldn’t you want to see these four back together and in your living room every week?
Alas, we’ll have to make do with tonight’s offering—and who knows, maybe we’ll all fall in love with it.
Tune in here tomorrow and tell me what you think of the all-new “90210…”
(Photos courtesy of the CW)
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 at 10:30 am by Heather Salerno.
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I for one am excited about the returning cast AND the younger newer faces. I was a huge fan of the original and have seen almost every episode of the original show. But as much as I love Kelly, Brenda, Brandon and Dillon, I am ready for some new people. I think this combination of old and new is ideal- pay respects to the original, let longtime fans like me see where my favorites are now and what I am most excited about- see how the new kids deal with life at West Beverly! basically, I can’t wait for tonight!!