Much like its predecessor, The CW's 90210 focuses its beginning on the arrival of a young family from Kansas. The Wilson parents, played by Lori Laughlin and Rob Estes, are more attractive than the Walshes and also a bit edgier. Dad is the new principal of Beverly Hills High, and Mom is a former Olympian-turned person Teens Annie and Dixon are just as close as Brenda and Brandon, but they aren’t twins. In a more contemporary twist, Dixon is their adopted son. How the African American teen came to join the family wasn’t revealed in the pilot. The last family member is Tabitha, the grandmother who enjoys shocking the family with stories of her exploits with the rich and famous.
As the teens strive to fit in through their interests in lacrosse, drama and the school television station, they are forced to deal with a dizzying array of Beverly Hills High School personalities. From the drug-addicted starlet-wannabe to the pampered princess who has just hosted an MTV-style Sweet Sixteen party, there’s a lot going on. There is even a Gossip Girl-inspired, “Silver,” who marches to the beat of her own drum, while taking shots at the school elite in her blog. Not to be outdone, Annie’s love interest, Ty, jets her off to L.A. for a dramatic first date. For those keeping track, there’s also Annie’s other potential love interest, Ethan, and a hottie teacher named Ryan.
Some Things Never Change in Beverly Hills 90210
For those who are watching the show to recapture the magic of their youth, they’ve thrown in some familiar faces. Jennie Garth reprises her role as Kelly Taylor, now school guidance counselor and big sis to the angsty Silver. Shannon Doherty also appears for at least the first few episodes. And, of course, the local hangout never changes. Kids still flock to the Peach Pit for their burgers. Nat (Joe E. Tata), the gang’s old mentor, had a cameo on the pilot. It’s unclear if he will remain as a regular member of the cast.
A 90210 for a New Generation
While the cattiness, backstabbing and pampered pouting haven’t changed, there is certainly something different about today’s Beverly Hills High. Technology is rampant in the pilot, just as it is in high schools across the United States. From a snarky teen gossip blogger, to text messages and digital video editing classes, 90210 has gone hi-tech. Technology becomes just another personality to deal with in the day-to-day drama of high school life.
Will Teen Drama 90210 Wow?
Skeptics may be surprised to hear that this gutsy remake has some promise. It is difficult to judge a show from the pilot, where characters aren’t fully formed and actors are still building relationships. There were a few shaky performances (most notably an over-the-top Shenae Grimes as Annie Wilson), but most of the young actors have already imbued their characters with depth. As in real life, there is more than meets the eye.
90210 is a show to keep an eye on. While it may not become the cultural phenomenon of its predecessor, it has a lot of heart.
Cast
- Shenae Grimes as Annie Wilson
- Rob Estes as Harry Wilson
- Tristan Wilds as Dixon Wilson
- AnnaLynne McCord as Naomi Clark
- Dustin Milligan as Ethan Ward
- Ryan Eggold as Ryan Matthews
- Jessica Stroup as Silver
- Michael Steger as Navid Shirazi
- Lori Loughlin as Debbie Wilson
- Jessica Walter as Tabitha Wilson
- Adam Gregory as Ty Collins
