9021-OK
So … 90210 finally debuted on The CW last night to much anticipation and speculation about the new incarnation of the hugely successful and beloved Beverly Hills, 90210 from the early ’90s. Right off the bat I have to admit that my fears have been put to rest, the new version of the hit series (thus far) seems to have all the necessary elements to make it a big hit for a whole new generation of viewers:
So as not to spoil anything for those of you who have yet to see the 2-hour series premiere last night I’m putting my comments about the show behind the cut. After the jump, check out my take on the new 90210 …
I gotta confess, I was really skeptical about last night’s premiere. I dunno why, but I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder before I even watched the first ep. I think I was just really clinging to the original series way too much and had convinced myself that the new incarnation wouldn’t be good or would ruin the feel of the original. I am happy to report that that isn’t the case. I found the updated 90210 very fresh while still paying due respect to the original series:
In all honesty, I was worried in the first 10 minutes. I felt the blow job scene that we were shown before the first commercial aired smacked of desperation … thankfully, that tone didn’t really hold for the rest of the series premiere. I loved the mix of new and old … it felt familiar and yet modern. It was really very cool seeing Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty on screen again … I was happily shocked that Kelly Taylor (Jennie’s character) is a mother of a 4-year old boy — and we don’t know who the father is just yet! I hope they keep that secret for a while, I love the not knowing. Shannen still has that Brenda Walsh vibe about her … it’s as if no time had passed, to be quite honest. I’m really looking forward to seeing more eps, I think I’m hooked already. Interesting that Silver is Kelly’s little sister (who was born on BH, 90210). It never occurred to me that Silver is her last name and not just a nickname … she is, of course, David Silver’s (Brian Austin Green) little sister as well. Love it! I also noted that the saucy grandma’s friend (who is the grandmother of the jock kid on the show, whose name I don’t know yet) was played by Linda Gray — who played Hillary Michaels in the failed TV series Models Inc. (which was a spin-off of Melrose Place which, of course, was a spin-off of Beverly Hills, 90210). I don’t think that Linda Gray plays the same character … but it would’ve been GENIUS if her characters were the same. She would’ve been the only actor on the show playing a character that was spun-off from a spin-off on a spin-off of the original show :)
OY! There was just so much going to talk about … I noted there was a Zuckerman-Vasquez on the West Beverly High newscast, clearly the daughter of Andrea Zuckerman (thanks CH) and I would love it if the meatheat LAX jock asshole turned out to be a relative of Steve Sanders — they’ve got the same hair, after all. I really love Rob Estes character as father/principal … I really like the whole thing … as did over 4 million other folk, 90210 was the highest rated scripted show premiere in CW history. Well done. I don’t know that I’ll be recapping the show on a weekly basis but I’ll deffo be watching. So … what did y’all think?
Tags: '90210', Jennie Garth, Shannen Doherty
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September 3rd, 2008 at 11:25 am
I think that Shannen’s entry into the show was waaay too much giggling and joy. She was all exciting to watch Kelly’s kid for her while she went on a date … I get that they’re older and more mature and everything but that is so not Brenda Walsh. Overall though the show kept me interested. I will reserve total judgement until I watch a couple more eps …
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:25 am
I haven’ seen it yet (i did in fact DVR’d it) – but i am so excited about the show i just read what you had to say – and NOW I am super excited! just wish Donna would just come back!
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:26 am
I think the kid was four and a half.. not two = )
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:28 am
The Zuckerman is Hannah Zuckerman, Andrea’s daughter! and there was a jab about her looking 30 which I think was how old Gabrielle Carteris was when she started. ouch.
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:29 am
Hannah Zuckerman Vasquez was the on the “newscast” and is in fact Andrea and Jesse’s little girl!
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:30 am
The newsreader at school is definitely Andrea and Jesse’s daughter. Her last name was Hannah Zuckerman-Vasquez. Vasquez was Jesse’s last name.
:)
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:31 am
kellys son was 4 1/2, not 2..and the zuckerman character was actually andrea’s daughter, they said her name..hannah zuckerman-vasquez…i read a spoiler somewhere that kellys son is dylans, i guess we’ll have 2 wait and c if thats true..i loved last nights episode and can’t wait 4 the next one
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:33 am
I took from the show that Kelly’s son was Brandon’s child? Remember, she was on the phone with someone when her son came in. She said something like, “he misses you too” or “he asks about you” or something to that affect, and then said, “and there he is, gotta go”. Then later when Brenda shows up at the Peach Pit, she tells Kelly that Brandon said to tell her she’s beautiful. Kelly then says, “he told me that last night on the phone”. To me, makes it seem like her son is also Brandon’s… Guess time will tell! They still have some kinks to figure out, but over all, I also enjoyed it!
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:33 am
It was Andrea’s daughter, Hannah Zuckerman-Vasquez. The name flashed on the screen briefly during her news cast. Maybe there’s hope Andrea will return?
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:34 am
I did’t like it. The script was bad and I found all of the new girls to be irritating. The blond “bitch” character looks eerily similar to Jesse Spano (http://a.bebo.com/app-image/6896405710/5411656627/PROFILE/i.yaquiz.com/img/q/u/08/03/25/jessie.jpg). The only likable aspect of the show was finding the ties to the old series.
Oh and their comments about blogs- oye! Lame!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:34 am
& wasn’t the Hannah Zuckerman-Vasquez played by the character that was Crissy on Growing Pains?
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:37 am
I also caught that bit about Brandon calling Kelly … hinting that he might be her son’s father … Wee! I love that it’s still unrevealed who the babydaddy is :)
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 am
overall I was pleasantly surprised, i thought it would suck but was pretty much ok and I’ll deffo watch. I’m the same age asyou Trent and the show made me fell a wee bit old :)
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:45 am
That’s funny – I read somewhere that Kelly’s son is actually Brandon’s…. hmmm wonder who the real baby daddy is!
Overall it was awesome! I loved all the little references back to the old 90210!!! : ) LOVED IT!
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:50 am
I personally LOVED the show. I am 21 and didn’t really have a chance to watch the original BH90210 in the target age group. But I saw plenty of it- enough to appreciate the ties to the old show. That said- I really loved these new characters. It is intiguing and interesting- lots going on. How cute is Annie’s character!? And im already loving Silver. What I really liked was the Hottie Ty Annie was kissing at the end. Hello! is it hot in here? I am officially hooked. Im reallly looking forward to the Spring Awakening Episope! Who else?
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:51 am
Was anyone else shocked at how stick thin all of the girls on the show are? In the 90’s Brenda, Kelly and Donna were thin, but these new chicks make the old gang look like a bunch of fatties.
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:53 am
the jock kids name is ethan who is actually played by dustin milligan…went to high school with him haha he made the small town of yellowknife, NT a proud town
nice job dustin
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:58 am
I also got the vibe that Kelly’s son was Brandon’s. Not only because of the Brandon’s call remark but “the last time you saw him he was a baby”…
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
i was nervous, but i ended up loving it. :) i caught all the references – hannah zuckerman vasquez, erin silver (will they make reference to where david is? they made small reference to jackie taylor and she will cameo in the next episode – from online: “Dixon discovers Silver asleep in her car, prompting Kelly (guest star Jennie Garth) to confront their mother Jackie (guest star Ann Gillespie, “Beverly Hills, 90210″) about the repercussions of her alcoholic behavior”.)
and of course, kelly’s son. ack! who is the daddy!? if the phone call she was on when she says “he asks about you” was the same call that she mentioned when talking with Brenda about Brandon telling her she’s beautiful, why would she not know where Brandon is now and ask Brenda!? ahh!
i’m alreaady hooked. the new main girl – Annie – is adorable, and really looks a lot like Lori Loughlin! the dad is cute too. :)
wee!
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Speaking of how skinny the girls were…they were all eating salads and nothing else. Great message.
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
AA? Did you miss the part where they showed Annie eating French Fries? The girls are not “too” skinny (in my opinion)
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Yeah, I really feel it didn’t live up to the hype but I can see it getting better!! I did however love the references to the original show!
Cosmo Guy
http://www.cosmoguyonline.com
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I liked the episode. I was more intrested in the original casts goings on but the new cast had some points that kept me intrested. I have one question, they kept referring to the fact that Rob Estes character dated Kelley in High School but if I remember correctly didn’t his character come on to 90210 in the college years?? I am having such a hard time with this, can anyone help me? I couldent sleep last night thinking about it!
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:06 pm
i liked the show, my only complaint was that the girls were suppose to be 15?! the popular one looked like she is about 25, I am sorry no 15 year old looks like that. But I thought it was fun.
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:13 pm
I LOVED IT!!!! IT WAS GOOD. A LOT BETTER THAN I THOUGHT IT WAS. I WILL KEEP WATCHING IT TOO! I HOPE THEY SHOW SOME OLD CHARACTERS AS THE SHOW MOVES FORWARD!!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Ugh, it was crap. I was so disappointed, I have to say. Maybe I’m too old, and remember the good ol’ 90210 days (so exciting back then!). I’ll give it another chance, but I felt it was lacking.
What threw it off for me… when the main character starts singing with that girl group, and looks like a wet noodle on crack trying to dance. Ugh!
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I shocked myself – i hated this show so much that I kept flipping to the republican convention coverage on pbs (and i am -not- a republican). I just expected better but found the girls to be irritating and even boring. i was just interested in kelly and brenda.
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
It was pretty alright, echoed the original a lot, which I enjoyed. Kind of disappointed that Brenda and Kelly (for now) are only in the first couple of episodes.
I seem to recall the doctor informing Kelly she wasn’t able to have kids in BH, 90210. Maybe I missed when she found out she could.
Bring Dylan back!!! I want to see some drama between Brenda and Kelly!!!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Best show ever! I too was very pleased to see all the returning characters. But you know what…I think I would have liked it better if it was just all the old 90210 people and none of the new, they were the freakin best!
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I knew them bitches had me when I was SCREAMING at the television. NOOO, ETHAN!!! AND HE’S GOT THE PENTAPUS!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOoooooOOOOOOooo!!!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
I loved it.
I know that I was hooked when they revealed that Naomi’s Mom and Annie’s Dad had a kid together. I was screaming OH. MY. GOODNESS. at the TV. I am totally looking forward to more episodes:)
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:12 pm
the show seems aright, i dont see anything overly special yet… so far it seems like any other show out now. im hoping it starts to pick up, it has a lot of potential…
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Did anyone else notice how bad Brenda’s teeth looked? I was totally distracted during that whole scene by her mouth! The teeth don’t fit her mouth or something….but I’m going to keep watching for sure!! I even got my husband to sit through the entire 2 hours!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I’m pretty sure that Kelly’s baby daddy is Steve. The kid’s name was Sammy. Steve’s mother was, of course, Samantha Sanders. I’m pretty sure there’s a tie in there somewhere.
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I thought the show was ok. I wasn’t blown away but I will def watch again next week. I’m hoping for some glimpses of the old Brenda that we all loved to hate! Oh and I think the principal’s long lost son will turn out to be the young hot teacher. Just my thought.
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
I need more Brenda!!! While I did enjoy the show and will tune in again it needs just a bit more Brenda, Kelly, and Donna, Drama :) oh and having Nat back was pretty cool very nice nostolgic feel :)
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Kelly never dated Rob Estes character on 90210, she dated Jake which then spun into Melrose Place. Kelley and Jake dated the first couple eps of MP then broke up. Rob Estes character Kyle came in several seasons later and he was married to Lisa Rinna’s character Taylor.
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:01 pm
LOVED the show and already set my DVR to record the whole season :)
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I hated it. Not sure if I hated it because I’m not the same person who used to watch the original show. I mean, I’ve grown up but that show just didnt live up to the hype in my opinion. I only managed to make it through the first half of the show, I kept rolling my eyes the whole time cos it was simply ridiculous… There are way too many good shows to watch to waste my time with this one.
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Um, Annie only ate ONE fry. Then Silver ate ONE fry. And in the cafeteria scene when Kelly is getting hit on by the hot teacher, Kelly’s tray contains only a miniscule bowl of lettuce.
I’m not sayin’ it’s a conspiracy or anything…
Love the show, btw.
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:48 pm
i loved it. and the teacher is sooo hot!
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Waa waa waaaaaa!!!
I don’t get the CW here! Where can I watch online???
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:56 pm
I dunno I think it was just ok but then again in Chicago it didnt air till 12 cause of the stupid baseball game so i was pretty tired, It was kinda interesting but I felt some of the acting wasent that good, and Silver and Annie are waaay to skinny, those girls look like they weigh 80 pounds, that is just not right. But otherwise I thought it was ok.
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I was pleasantly surprised last night. As I fell asleep last night I was doing the math for the ages of Erin (silver) and Hannah. it works…Hannah barely makes HS at 14 yrs, Erin being 16…OMG I’m such the 90210 nerd. But I felt they did ok, especially compared to the originals pilot episode which was on Soap a couple weeks back. I’m excited.
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Did anyone else catch that Annie and Dixon’s rooms were connected by a bathroom, just like Brenda and Brandon’s rooms were???
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Trent – Im disappointed…how could you not mention the hot teacher…yummy!
The show was overall okay but as someone who grew up watching the original 90210 it has a ways to go to be THE 90210… It was good enough I’ll watch again LOVE Rob Estes.
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Trent, I can’t believe in your excitement over Linda Gray you failed to mention she was the STAR of DALLAS!!!! She played Sue Ellen, JR’s alcoholic wife. I’m sure more people remember her from that iconic soap then Models Inc. which sucked and was quickly canceled. You kill me sometimes!
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:32 pm
It was just OK. I loved the Peach Pit and Nate trying to work the espresso machine was so great.
The main bitchy girl bugged me. She looked about 30 not 16 or whatever faux age she’s supposed to be. Silver’s blog was a great idea executed badly. My 12 year old nephew could create a better blog than she had.
Also, the students practicing for the play were way, way too good to be just students. No school has that much talent lurking around the halls.
Overall, it was weak- now that I really pick it apart. I hope it will get better as I get to know the characters more. As I loved the original, I’ll give the new version a chance.
September 4th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Taylor, I am pretty sure if any High School is going to have talent lurking in its halls- They are lurking the halls of Beverly Hills in Hollywood California….
September 4th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Those girls ARE too skinny. I don’t care if they are “naturally” that thin or not, the CW is sending a terrible message to girls watching this show. The main girl is built like a 12 yr old boy! In contrast, Jennie Garth looked gorgeous and like a woman should. I know, I know, she IS a woman while the rest of the cast are supposed to be teenage girls, but come on. Even Lori Loughlin is too thin. Eat a cheeseburger already!
September 4th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Is it entirely wrong that I think the new 90201 feels more natural than the original one? However, it didn’t quite do it for me so probably I won’t be watching any more episodes.
Trent, if you do watch, post a recap every once in a while. It’ll be fun to know what’s going on in the show even if I’m not watching.
September 4th, 2008 at 11:04 am
just to let you guys know…..Shannon’s teeth never fit her mouth. Go watch some old episodes. I think some of us were just to young to care and notice at the time. The space got worse as she got older…..check out some episodes of Charmed. As for the kids on the the new show……well I remember the old gang being pretty green when they started too. Their acting wasn’t the best either. They are all new give them time. Remember too most of were like what 13? I don’t think we were much concerned with the acting on the show at the time.
September 4th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Come on ya’ll, Kelly’s son is named Sammy (Steve’s mom-Samantha) and did you NOT see the curly hair on that kid?
September 4th, 2008 at 11:46 am
He’s so Steve’s kid.
September 4th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
umm so the whole silver and blond popular girl. she mentioned their friendship ended in 8th grade when blondie spilled the beans about mel silver. but did anyone think about the fact that they had matching tattoos? i mean, tattoos in like 7th grade? is that normal for california girls or something? most people have to wait til their 18!! love the show btw
September 4th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Is it just me or does Annie look like a brunette Heidi Montag?
September 4th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I’ll def keep tuning in. 90210 got me thru high school. I am Team Brenda all the way, but I always enjoyed splashes of Kelly (when she didn’t hook up w/ her BFF’s man behind her back- not a randon girl’s man, but her best friend’s ‘first’ boyfriend in every way). I loved Rob Estes since Silk Stalkings and I am certain that I’ll enjoy Dixon, Silver, and Ethan. Good premiere!
September 4th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
amazing.is all i can say.
and the girls are not to skinny, some girls are naturally skinny. its not a body type for everyone but if its healthy, then let it be.
thank goodness for french fries and high metabolisms =)
September 4th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
OMG — I’m so glad I’m not the only one who thinks Steve is the father of Kelly’s son. And I’m glad that I’m not the only one who did the math about Silver & Naomi’s tattoos. And I’m also glad that I’m not the only one who thinks Annie looks like a brunette Heidi Montag.
September 5th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Brenda has always had Summer Teeth. Sum are here, some are there…
That dance scene was completely ridiculous, I was totally embarrassed watching it and I was alone.
The alkie mom from Arrested Development added much needed spunk to the show, Lori L. is just about as boring as Cindy Walsh and you know principle dad is a dirty slut.
Basically the show sucked but I’ll keep watching as long as there are elements of the old show mixed in with early morning hummers.
September 5th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I thought it was pretty bad overall. The acting was horrible at times and the writing truly misses the mark at times (like all the horribly obvious set-ups for future drama and ‘casual’ information given about characters)
And oh dear god, Annie was SO retarded in the dancing/singing scene
September 5th, 2008 at 9:51 am
I agree with everything Yoka says…. I am NOT watching this show
Gossip Girl is better…… and that’s saying A LOT because GG isn’t that great.
September 5th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
i think ‘annie’ was so annoying!! The song and dance scene?? OMG!! That was laughable horrible. Shenae Grimes was on a Canadian show called Degrassi and I found her annoying on there too, so maybe I just didn’t have high expectations for her. I like Naomi’s character though!
September 6th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Im glad Im not the only one that did a double take when I thought Heidi Montag had put on a wig. I was a huge fan of the old series and LOVED all the little hints like Andrea and Jessie’s daughter or Kelly and David’s sister. The rich kid that took Annie to ‘dinner’ seems shady. I also couldnt get over how much Ethan’s gf looks like Jessie Spano from Saved by the Bell. I was never into Brenda so hopefully she will be gone soon. I loved it. Ithought the whole BF thing was a little much, considering how many young people probably watched this.