Ah, Beverly Hills 90210 – a timeless teen classic that took us to the glitzy streets of Beverly Hills, capturing the essence of the ’90s with its melodrama, romance, and teenage angst. It holds a special place in my heart as my all-time favorite TV show, despite its later seasons’ flaws. Rewatching the series still evokes the same emotions I felt when I first watched it. So, if you haven’t delved into this iconic series yet – spoiler alert ahead – I’ll touch on some high-level references.
The series, which premiered in 1990, was a groundbreaking teen drama that paved the way for many others to come. Set against the backdrop of the glamorous and affluent Beverly Hills, it followed the lives of a group of high school friends as they navigated the challenges of adolescence, love, and family. At its core were the Walsh twins – Brenda and Brandon – whose family relocates to Beverly Hills, thrusting them into a new social scene and exposing them to the heightened dramas of teenage life.
What set Beverly Hills 90210 apart was its ability to address real-life issues faced by teenagers – from peer pressure and substance abuse to family dynamics and societal expectations. It wasn’t just a show about beautiful people in beautiful places; it was a mirror reflecting the struggles and triumphs of adolescence.
The characters quickly became ingrained in our lives, and we eagerly anticipated each episode to witness the unfolding drama within the halls of West Beverly High. The ultimate heartthrob, Dylan McKay, portrayed by Luke Perry, embodied the brooding bad boy archetype, captivating us all. His tumultuous romance with Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) kept us on the edge of our seats, prompting endless speculation about their ultimate fate – would they find their way back to each other or remain forever apart? This relationship served as the series’ central focus for the initial seasons until the infamous love triangle of season 3 shook things up.
Around season 4, tensions within the cast arose, particularly involving Shannen Doherty, resulting in her departure from the show. Despite Brenda’s status as a fan favorite, her absence in season 5 paved the way for Tiffani Amber Thiessen’s introduction as Valerie Malone – a character characterized by her cunning, manipulative, and cynical nature. Valerie’s presence injected new dynamics into the series, as she navigated various romantic entanglements, often stirring drama and tension among the other characters. While forming close bonds with some, she also betrayed them for personal gain, adding layers of complexity to the storyline.
It was intriguing to witness Tiffani Thiessen depart from her previous typecast as the happy-go-lucky cheerleader Kelly Kapowski in “Saved by the Bell” to embody the femme fatale persona in “90210.” This transition marked a significant shift in the series’ tone, as it delved deeper into soap opera territory, featuring increasingly off-the-wall storylines.
Following season 6, the dynamic relationship between Brandon Walsh (Jason Priestley) and Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth) took center stage, evolving from friends to lovers and capturing viewers’ attention. However, this beloved storyline faced a turning point when Jason Priestley departed from the show in Season 8, leaving fans conflicted about the outcome of their relationship. Many hoped for Kelly and Brandon to be endgame, adding to the disappointment surrounding his exit.
Nevertheless, the series took an unexpected turn by reintroducing Luke Perry’s character, Dylan, in season 9, shaking up Kelly Taylor’s world once more. This twist delighted fans as it hinted at the possibility of these two soulmates finally finding their way back to each other, providing a satisfying conclusion to the series.
As the series progressed over its ten-year run, the characters grew with us, facing adulthood and the challenges that come with it. The departure of some original cast members and the introduction of new faces added an extra layer of complexity, but the essence of friendship and love remained at the heart of the show. Many fans acknowledge a decline in the show’s quality after season six, making it challenging to binge-watch seasons 8-10. However, despite this downturn, the series finale offers a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends effectively. Therefore, it’s worth considering binge-watching the entire series at least once to fully appreciate the journey and experience the closure provided by the finale.
Beverly Hills 90210 was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural touchstone that shaped a generation. It provided us with memorable characters, unforgettable moments, and a soundtrack that is forever etched in our hearts. Try to listen to, “Losing my Religion,” by R.E.M. or “Damn Wish I Was Your Lover, by Sophie B. Hawkins,” without thinking of this show – it’s impossible. So, here’s to the Peach Pit, to the zip code 90210, and to the timeless drama of a show that will always hold a special place in our 90s pop culture loving hearts.
