After creating so much buzz around their new “90210” series,
the CW network was afraid to offer any episodes in advance for review.
Hoping to earn high ratings, the desperate network did not
need any depreciative comments for the new show. Even though the original
series was widely popular despite the bad reviews, the new show does not have
so many chances to be successful, like every show that is revived several
times.
CW and "90210's" production house, CBS Paramount
Network Television, e-mailed to critics a statement, announcing them that they
“made the strategic marketing decision not to screen '90210' for any media in
advance of its premiere.”
This decision is often taken when a movie is bad, but that
doesn’t mean it won’t be a commercial success.
The plot of the new series is somewhat similar to the
original plot, with the Wilson family moving
from Kansas to Beverly
Hills, after dad Harry (Rob Estes) accepted the job of principal at
the West Beverly Hills High, where siblings Annie (Shenae Grimes) and Dixon (Tristan Wilds) will
enroll.
The new writers for the series, Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah,
who previously worked on teen dramas “Life As We Know It” and “Freaks &
Geeks,” said they would bring a breath of fresh air to the show, which they
hope will be appealing also for those who are used with Aaron Spelling’s style.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Judah said the
show was loaded with “real character stories and emotional stories.” He said
they hoped people can recognize their real problems and feelings in the series.
“We're trying to tell truthful, emotional stories, but also
keep it pretty funny, too,” Judah
said, while Sachs added the show will borrow some of the quirky style of
“Freaks and Geeks.”
At the same time, the writers were honest enough to express
their concern about the series’ success and admit that they are not sure
whether it would deliver.
“Trust me, your concerns about Sachs and Judah doing '90210'
are the same concerns everyone has had, including Jeff and I,” Sachs said. “We
were the first ones to go, 'Can we pull this off?’” That remains for the
viewers to decide…
Speaking of which, the CW network hopes to attract not only
young audience, but also the older fans of the original series, who are curious
to see again the stars that used to play Brenda and Kelly.
Another reason of general interest was the much talked about
relationship between Shannen Doherty and Jennie Garth. The matter was widely
discussed, with Tori Spelling saying something about a fist fight between the
two actresses in her autobiography, and Doherty denying everything and calling
Spelling a liar. However, Jennie Garth recalls that starring in Beverly Hills 90210 was
“worse than high school” for her, because everybody was so unbearably
competitive.
“There was a lot of tension and unnecessary drama on the
set, a certain amount of competition, and a certain, probably, anger about
different salaries as the years progressed,” Garth confessed.
As for Doherty, she told USA Today that there was no
tension when she reunited with Garth on screen. She also mentioned something about
growing-up.
“I never felt any tension. I never felt hesitant. Maybe it's
because I've grown up. Everybody is a different person when they're 18 or 19 than
when they're in their 30s,” she said.
The show premieres tonight at 8, on the CW network.