Most people credit Beverly Hills 90210 for being the first teen drama on primetime television. Every other teen drama since then has tried to duplicate its success. The network The CW and teen dramas date back to the days of The WB. So it should surprise no one that The CW decided to remake the Aaron Spelling creation and call it 90210.
The series centers on the Wilson family. Harry Wilson (Rob Estes) used to live in Beverly Hills, CA, a long time ago, but now he returns with his wife Debbie (Lori Loughlin) and two kids – young and happy Annie (Shenae Grimes) and adopted African American son Dixon (Tristan Wilds). They moved from Kansas to take care of Harry’s wild, alcoholic actress mother Tabitha (Jessica Walter). Of course, West Beverly Hills High School already has an eccentric mix of characters that we soon meet including spoiled Naomi Clark (AnnaLynn McCord); pregnant, ex-drug addict, Adrianna Tate-Duncan (Jessica Lownes); popular jock Ethan Ward (Dustin Milligan), who is in on and off relationship with Naomi; Erin Silver (Jessica Stroup), who is a blogger who suffers with Bipolar disorder; school news-broadcaster Navid Shirazi (Michael Steger), and hip-young teacher Mr. Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold).
The main problem with this series is that all of the teen angst storylines featured throughout the first season are stale, having already been done before. Beverly Hills 90210 started the trend of edgy adult storylines with teenage characters. The new 90210 doesn’t really deviate too much from that formula. That is both good and bad. It’s good, because you know what you are getting, but it’s bad because you have seen all of this before. This is especially true during the first half of this season as they have to explain who all the characters are and their relationships to each other. Once we know the background, it’s easier to get into the soap opera storylines during the second half.
The starring cast is large and diverse, so of course you are going to have good actors and bad actors. The adult actors are really strong, young cast mates Jessica Stroup and Tristan Wilds are able to carry most scenes they have with the other cast members. Shenae Grimes is the Shannen Doherty of the new 90210, so it’s a shame that Grimes isn’t a strong member of the cast. But for most part, all the actors portray their characters as good as the writing allows. Of course, the main selling point for longtime fans of Beverly Hills 90210 is to see their favorite characters and stars return. Jenny Garth and Shannen Doherty both return in various episodes this season. Garth appears to be sticking around longer than Doherty, but it’s at least nice for them to attempt to connect the old series with the new series.
In essence, this first season is a modern spin on that ’90s teen soap; the only difference is the more diverse cast. But it’s still lacking in originality, and is thus upstaged by Gossip Girl. Longtime fans will get a kick from seeing the old stars make an appearance, but newcomers will only care about the drama. In the end, despite its many flaws, 90210 is a decent enough addition to your weekly viewing lineup, if you love teen drama and are looking for another series to watch.
Disc One:
Episode 1 – We’re Not in Kansas Anymore
In part one of the series premiere, Harrison Wilson accepts the position as Principal of West Beverly Hills High, forcing the Wilson family to relocate from Kansas to California and adjust to new life in the city – all while keeping a close watch on their alcoholic grandmother, fading Hollywood actress Tabitha Wilson.
Episode 2 – The Jet Set
In part two of the series premiere, Dixon must deal with jealous teammates on the lacrosse team and Annie breaks up with her boyfriend back home but soon meets a potential love interest.
Episode 3 – Lucky Strike
Harry and Debbie plan a family bowling night, but find their plans interrupted by the “unexpected” arrival of Annie and Dixon’s friends. Meanwhile, Annie finds herself torn between Ethan and Ty, Naomi experiences a difficult evening with her philandering father, and Kelly and Silver learn that Jackie’s drinking is spiraling out of control.
Episode 4 – The Bubble
Annie, Harry, and Debbie are shocked to learn that West Beverly’s theater director can no longer oversee the school musical. Kelly persuades Brenda to take over as the play’s director, but they end up arguing over Kelly’s involvement with Ryan and her latent feelings for Dylan. Meanwhile, financial struggles lead Dixon to get a job at the Peach Pit, and Naomi confronts her father’s mistress.
Disc Two:
Episode 5 – Wide Awake and Dreaming
As the opening night of the school musical approaches, Ty reveals to Annie his plans for a one-on-one after party in his hotel room with her. When Annie’s dad catches her in a compromising position with Ty, he becomes concerned about how fast their relationship is developing. Meanwhile, Naomi can’t accept her parents’ divorce and Adrianna is confronted about a substance abuse problem, giving Annie the chance to take the lead in the musical.
Episode 6 – Model Behavior
After Debbie lands the chance to shoot a fashion show for Nylon Magazine, Annie uses the opportunity to her advantage for a class assignment. Naomi believes the upcoming show could help fix her parents’ marital mess, but it only makes matters worse. Ty and Annie’s relationship is put to the test when Adrianna reveals a secret. Meanwhile, Kelly receives a phone call that could change her relationship with Ryan.
Episode 7 – Hollywood Forever
As Silver’s “half birthday” approaches, she decides to spend a spooky evening watching movies with her friends at the famous Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Harry’s past returns to haunt him when Tracy reveals she is searching for their son. Annie and Ethan are paired up for an assignment, which deepens their connection after the two take care of a baby. Naomi confronts Adrianna as her drug addiction spirals out of control. Meanwhile, Ryan’s interest is piqued by a sassy new student with a bit of a secret.
Episode 8 – There’s No Place Like Homecoming
After recuperating from her health scare, Adrianna returns and tries to make amends with Naomi, but her ex-BFF refuses to forgive her for the betrayal. Adrianna makes a surprising connection with Navid, who helps her through her situation. Meanwhile, Annie and Ethan finally take their rapidly growing romance to a new level during the school’s homecoming dance, sparking jealousy in ex-girlfriend Naomi.
Disc Three:
Episode 9 – Secrets and Lies
Silver invites a few of her female friends over for a girls’ night, but the event quickly turns into a house party. Meanwhile, Annie and Dixon have a hard time adjusting when their parents finally reveal that they have an older brother who was given up for adoption long ago.
Episode 10 – Games People Play
Kelly returns to Beverly Hills with news of what transpired between her and Dylan during her trip. Meanwhile, Annie turns sixteen and gets a surprising gift from Naomi. But that’s not the only surprise in store for the Wilson family. An unexpected visit from Harry’s biological son, Sean, throws a wrench into their happy family dynamic.
Episode 11 – That Which We Destroy
Brenda and Kelly’s shaky friendship crumbles even further when Kelly learns that her friend slept with Ryan. Meanwhile, Harry’s son Sean moves in with the Wilson family, Naomi hangs with a new crowd, and Silver becomes jealous when a cheerleader pays a little too much attention to Dixon.
Episode 12 – Hello, Goodbye, Amen
Annie overhears as Sean holds a suspicious conversation over the phone, raising uncertainty about whether he really is who he claims to be. Meanwhile, Brenda reveals a secret to Kelly, Christina makes a startling revelation to Dixon, and Adrianna receives potentially life-changing news.
Disc Four:
Episode 13 – Love Me or Leave Me
Electrifying revelations stir up trouble this week as the teens of West Beverly come clean to each other. Adrianna reveals her secret to Naomi and Navid, who handle the news differently than expected. And when Dixon reveals the depths of his feelings to Silver, their relationship takes a surprising turn. Meanwhile, Tabitha surprises her grandchildren with an unexpected gift, and Annie and Ethan escape from Beverly Hills to the desert beauty of Palm Springs.
Episode 14 – By Accident
The return of Mr. Matthews causes a mixed reaction at West Beverly Hills High. Also, the drama department holds auditions for Antony and Cleopatra, and Annie decides to read for the lead… but so does Adrianna. Meanwhile, Silver and Dixon continue to experience bumps in their relationship.
Episode 15 – Help Me, Rhonda
Annie and Ethan’s relationship begins to crumble when Ethan finds himself disillusioned with his life and devotes more time to Rhonda than he does his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Ty’s parents agree to help Adrianna with her pregnancy, but nothing comes without strings attached. Also, Silver and Dixon have yet another confrontation.
Episode 16 – Of Heartbreaks and Hotels
Adrianna’s baby bump is the major topic of conversation among the gossip mongers of West Beverly High. Navid continues to ignore her, while growing closer to Nika. Dixon freaks out when Silver gets a much too permanent symbol of their love. Meanwhile, Ethan’s friendship with Rhonda continues to blossom.
Disc Five:
Episode 17 – Life’s A Drag
Liam displays his dark side to Naomi, who is stunned but captivated by the intense, handsome bad-boy. Meanwhile, Annie and Ethan face another bump in their relationship when Adrianna makes it known that Ethan and Rhonda shared a kiss. Also, Silver and Dixon make a film that stirs quite a controversy at West Beverly Hills High.
Episode 18 – Off the Rails
Silver, distraught from all the recent film commotion and Dixon’s not-so-positive reaction, disappears into the night. Kelly enlists Ryan’s help in finding her sister, but cannot seem to figure out why she is acting so erratically. Meanwhile, Dixon breaks the video news to Debbie and Harry, and Navid and Adrianna get a preview of parenthood when they babysit Sammy.
Episode 19 – Okaeri, Donna!
Silver and Kelly receive an unexpected visit from Donna. Meanwhile, Dixon locates his biological mother and enlists Annie’s help to go visit her. Also, Naomi’s infatuation with Liam gradually increases.
Episode 20 – Between a Sign and a Hard Place
Donna faces a heartbreaking dilemma when she must choose between returning to her life with David in Japan, or moving back to Beverly Hills with their daughter, Ruby. Meanwhile, Silver’s recent issues are the major topic of conversation at school, and Annie and Naomi make a decision about their friendship. Also, Ethan continues on his recent downward spiral due to Liam’s bad influence, and Adrianna and Navid meet with potential adoptive parents for the baby.
Disc Six:
Episode 21 – The Dionysian Debacle
Naomi’s older sister, Jen, unexpectedly returns to Beverly Hills. Meanwhile, Naomi persuades Annie to go on a double date, and Adrianna and Navid reveal their decision to his parents.
Episode 22 – The Party’s Over
Following their engagement, Navid and Adrianna celebrate their respective bachelor and bachelorette parties. While Adrianna feasts with friends and family at the Wilson home, Navid and the boys spend a wild night with college girls at a burlesque club. Meanwhile, sparks fly between Ryan and Jen, and Dixon continues to feel unappreciated by Silver.
Episode 23 – Zero Tolerance
With prom night quickly approaching, Annie, Adrianna, Naomi, and Silver get glammed up by a famous stylist. A dateless Annie agrees to attend the event with the extremely nerdy Charlie, who is massively crushing on the popular girl. But when he realizes that her interest is purely platonic, a furious Charlie plots an evil revenge. Meanwhile, Dixon is nominated for Prom King, Ethan gets accepted into lacrosse camp, and Kelly and Harry work to get Liam on the right track.
Episode 24 -One Party Can Ruin Your Whole Summer
Adrianna and Navid are forced to make an impromptu exit from the prom when Adrianna goes into labor. Dixon confronts Ethan about Silver when he notices that Ethan might be developing feelings for his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Annie reaches the breaking point when Naomi accuses her of trying to hook up with Liam, and some of her peers (still angry about the after party fiasco) decide to take both verbal and physical action against her.
The video is given in widescreen color with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. The transfer is great with colors generally looking bright and vivid details everywhere. No problems with the transfer.
The audio included is available in English 5.1 Surround sound. There are subtitles available in English. The dialogue and music come out loud and clear.
Audio Commentaries –
There are two full-length audio commentaries for two separate episodes this season. Stars of the series, Jessica Stroup, Dustin Milligan, and Ryan Eggold, comment on both the “Hollywood Forever” and “Off the Rails” episodes. None of them are really “the” stars of the series, but these are both entertaining. Not very insightful, though.
Set Tours – West Beverley High, Peach Pit, The Mansion
These run 20 Minutes all together. Basically, the male actors on the show take viewers on a tour of “West Beverly High” set, “Peach Pit” set, and “The Mansion” set.
“The Music of “90210” Featurette –
This runs 14 Minutes and it’s a look at the influence the show had on music. Basically, they are trying to be the next O.C..
“A Day in the Life of Ryan Eggold Featurette –
This is basically an 11 minute look at a day in the life of Ryan Eggold, who plays the hip young teacher at the school. Pretty boring stuff unless you love this guy.
“Reviving the Classic Featurette –
This runs 14 minutes and it features interviews with most of the cast and crew describing how they got their part on the show and how great the original Beverly Hill 90210.
“Codes of Behavior Featurette –
This runs 5 Minutes Jessica Lowndes talks about how to be hip in Beverley Hills. Mostly just clips from the show to make her point even more apparently.
“Fitting In: The Fashion of ‘90210’ Featurette –
This runs 9 minutes and the cast and crew discuss how the clothes evolved when the characters did. Lots of clips from the show to prove their point as well.
If you love teen dramas, and haven’t seen this show yet, it’s worth a rental. If you don’t, obviously stay away. If you enjoyed the original, you will probably like this, but it’s nothing special and nothing new really. So not worth a blind buy.
Paramount Home Entertainment presents 90210: Season 1. Created by Jeff Judah, Gabe Sachs, and Rob Thomas. Starring Shenae Grimes, Tristan Wilds, Jessica Stroup, AnnaLyne McCord, Dustin Milligan, Jessica Lowndes, Michael Steger, Ryan Eggold, Lori Loughlin, Rob Estes, Matt Lanter, Jennie Garth, Shannen Doherty, and Sara Foster. Running time: 960 minutes. Rated: NOT RATED. Released on DVD: August 11, 2009. Available at Amazon.com
