It is impossible to believe one could even compare the talents of the old school “Beverly Hills, 90210” cast to those of the new show’s actors. However, it’s hard for teens to resist the heightened drama, scandals, rebellion and cliffhangers to come. Eight years have passed since the original “Beverly Hills, 90210” ended and America is still proving their love for the infamous zip code. During its premiere in September, the new show, simply titled “90210,” and the CW finished the week as network television’s No. 1 show and No. 1 network.
Even up against crazed fans with undeniable love for “Gossip Girl” and “One Tree Hill,” the show dominated. And its unveiling was greatly anticipated. Many thought it would fail in the very beginning. However, various publications were satisfied with the results of the premiere.
“All the expected ingredients were there: gorgeous teens, lots of style and extravagance, raging hormones, and always the potential for backstabbing, broken hearts and payback. Same old, same old at West Beverly Hills High School,” AP television writer Frazier Moore said.
For those die-hard fans of the ’90s hit show, the remake may be no comparison. Yet, executive producers Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah (“Freaks & Geeks”) have helped make the show a success. It probably doesn’t hurt that Mark Piznarski (“Gossip Girl”) is the director and executive producer of the pilot. After all, who doesn’t love those trendy, fabulous Upper East Side girls? Clearly, he was able to bring his flair and entertainment knowledge to the complete opposite coast-and make it irresistible!
Like “Gossip Girl,” this show is filled with superbly-dressed teens and superficial drama. However, this generation’s “90210” is definitely more edgy and risqué. It’s a new time period and a new set of teenagers with a few members of the original cast returning (and the reemergence of the Peach Pit).
Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth) is now West Beverly High’s new guidance counselor and Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) can be found directing the school play. It’s certainly interesting to see the veterans mix with the newcomers and make one enticing production.
The new series starts in a similar way the older one did-with a new girl and boy moving into town, Brenda and her twin brother Brandon (Jason Priestley). This time, Annie Wilson (Shenae Grimes) and her adopted brother Dixon (Tristan Wilds) move from Kansas and are in for a serious reality check when they realize they are certainly “not in Kansas anymore.” New people and this entirely new place, very foreign to them, are a wake-up call; they have no idea what trouble they’re in for. And it certainly does not help them fit in when their father is the new principal of their high school. Of course, there are plenty of love triangles, catfights and cliques that are sure to please any drama-loving teen and drive these two siblings crazy.
The question remains. Which is better, old school or new school?
Nothing can beat the original, though the producers have enhanced this version and made it even more outrageous. Characters may seem a little less likeable this time around-unlike those of the original cast. It most likely will be tough to outlast the old school record of a 296-episode run, but you’ll just have to check it for yourselves. Visit CWTV.com for all the drama you missed this season so far.
