I am an unapologetic 90210 fan, so much so that I’m still a fairly adamant Brenda/Dylan shipper. But I’m always nervous about spin-offs, even the Degrassi one, so I’ve been following the news of 90210 (The Next Generation) with a bit of trepidation.
For those who have been under a rock for the past few weeks — A family relocates from the Midwest to Beverly Hills, bringing their two kids along to chart the rocky waters of high school in the notorious zip code. Yes, it’s 2008, don’t check your calendar.
The CW posted a new clip from the show, primarily consisting of interviews with the cast. This worries me a little bit as I play “count the cliches” (taking it to the next level, Silver is a “free spirit”! ). But I’m open to embracing the utterly amazing trainwreck to come…
Just try and tell me you didn’t get a bit nostalgic with that opening song! Anyway, Lori Laughlin plays the new mom and Silk Stalkings’ Rob Estes was just cast as the dad. Which, honestly, is a brilliant, brilliant move. I can’t think of a better dad, and certainly a much hotter one than Jim Walsh.
There’s a bunch of new kids, but let’s face it — most of us just care about which of the old crew will be back. The count as of now:
Kelly “I Choose Me” Taylor (Jennie Garth): recurring character as a guidance counselor at West Beverly High
Donna Martin Graduates (Tori Spelling): angling for a role and it’s looking good
Brandon “Do-Gooder” Walsh (Jason Priestly): worried he won’t be asked back
David “DJ and Speed Freak” Silver: currently hanging his hat on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Steve “Never a Good Shirt in His Closet” Sanders (Ian Zierling): after hosting Lifetime’s Your Mama Don’t Dance, he’s producing a series on MySpace
Dreamy Dylan McKay (even with those ridiculous overalls) (Luke Perry): no word yet, which is fine if he’s off playing house-husband to Brenda
And speaking of my beloved Brenda “Bitch and a half” Walsh: no word yet. But man, that would get people back in droves.
While discussing the spin-off at work, one idea came up that is the best thing this show could do — give it the Heather Locklear treatment. Have Brenda come back mid-way through the season and save the show from the inevitable bad ratings. You thought Amanda Woodward was a bitch? You ain’t seen nothing yet.
