I've heard the mantra old flames never die, but does it apply to a TV series?
Last night, 90210 returned to television on The CW with a 2-hour premiere with the same ZIP code but a new cast and writers after nearly eight years of retirement.
90210 is an updated version of the beloved series, Beverly Hills, 90210, which ended its 10th season run in 2000.
Despite its gorgeous southern California scenery and its privileged, party-throwing characters, 90210 is not as intriguing as The O.C. or as sharply written as Gossip Girl. Those hoping for a fresh spin on high school life will have to look to another ZIP code for their teen fix.
The show focuses on the Wilson family -- dad, Harry (Rob Estes), mom, Debbie (Lori Loughlin), daughter, Annie (Shenae Grimes) and adopted son, Dixon (Tristan Wilds) -- as they move from Kansas to the ZIP code the original made famous. Harry, alum of West Beverly Hills High School, has taken on the job of principal, where his two children will now be attending.
Annie and Dixon, however, are not thrilled about the move. Annie is leaving behind her boyfriend and her school theater program, while Dixon grapples with telling others about his adoption and leaving behind his popularity.
A familiar crop of characters populates the world of 90210. Everyone is attractive, well-dressed and clear-skinned. This is especially true of new girl Annie, whose hair and wardrobe make it hard to believe she hasn't grown up in Beverly Hills herself. Within days of starting her new school, she's made friends and even lands a date with an even richer, more attractive boy. She has no problem fitting in, and for that, she isn't the most likable character to focus a show around.
Her classmates are your stereotypical high school TV show characters: Ethan (Dustin Milligan) is the brooding jock who is an obvious potential love interest for Annie. He is also unsure about his relationship with snobby Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord). "Silver" (Jessica Stroup) is the wild child, unfazed by the money surrounding her. She has potential to be the breakout star if the writers give her some juicier lines. And Navid (Michael Steger) is editor of the school paper. A nice, attractive guy, Navid will most likely be the nerdy boy the show has to offer.
Even the adults, in true teen drama fashion, are much too young, gorgeous and problematic to be raising these teenagers. Loughlin, who previously starred in Full House, and Estes are the understanding and supportive parents, Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold) is the relatable teacher, and Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty reprise their roles as Kelly Taylor and Brenda Walsh, who are now school employees.
Sure, 90210 is full of amusing drama, love triangles and a hip soundtrack, but the only thing new about it is the actors. What ever happened to shows about real kids with real problems? Do we need another series about the rich, beautiful and spoiled?
Grade: B-
