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'90210' premiere: No lying, no hiding, no kidding
For those of us who were disappointed in the Season 2 finale, Monday's (Sept. 13) "90210" premiere more than made up for it.
If I had to think of my biggest critique of the series, I would have to say it often stops just short of going there. Tonight's premiere went there and then some.
I'm pretty sure some viewers thought the way the show tied up loose ends from last season, such as the break up of the Wilson family or Annie's (Shenae Grimes) hit-and-run wasn't done too well. And I was sure it would annoy me to have those things wrapped up with dialogue, too. Surprisingly, though, I wasn't mad at "90210" for it.
Let's face it, those storylines were badly handled last season and the faster we got past them in the new season, the better. And it feels so good to move on. Movin' on.
Earthquake a go-go: I loved the earthquake and the metaphor that the show was shaking things up this season. It was a great way to start a stellar return with a seemingly edgier feel. The scene during which the aftershocks hit during Annie's internship interview was heavy-handed, but, eh, it worked.
The Wilsons minus one: Who missed Harry (Rob Estes)? I sure didn't. I couldn't stand his overacting anyway. Without him, the family is much more streamlined. Plus, I've always enjoyed Lori Loughlin as Debbie, so having her as a single mom is going to be a good direction for her. Does anyone else hope she still has the hot yoga instructor's number?
Dixon and Ivy plus one: Oh, Dixon (Tristan Wilds), it's "90210." What makes you think a guy like Oscar (played by Blair Redford) -- or any guy in that ZIP code for that matter - is not going to have designs on your girl? The best part? Ivy is California dreamin' about him, too. The even better part? He's hooking up with Ivy's mom! Homeboy is a player and Dixon, you should be worried. Oh, and what's wrong with your hair?
Annie and Liam form "Lannie." Oh, not quite: Here we go with "90210's" favorite romantic game. Let's get together or not. Liam (Matt Lanter) is all dark and gloomy again, which is how we like him, and needs to break up with Naomi officially. I love that Annie didn't return his calls all summer. She's showing some real strength, because let's face it: Damaged goods or not, anything is better than Jasper. You're feelin' me, right? Oh, and I can't wait to see what her nutty internship boss has planned for her. Please, "90210," make it scandalous.
Teddy will survive (cue the club remix of Gloria Gaynor's classic): So, now it looks like Teddy (Trevor Donovan) is free from the pressures of becoming a pro tennis player and his relationship with Silver (Jessica Stroup). Now, we do the countdown until he's gay... One episode down...
Oh, Ade, you're bad (and so good): Adrianna (Jessica Lowndes) is showing her evil side and we love it. Come on, Javier ("Pretty Little Liars" Diego Boneta) deserved to die. Ade, you're dropped from the tour, then whoosh, and he's dead. Nicely played, "90210." Now, she has his songbook and nothing can stop her from pop world domination. Navid, we see heartache coming your way, dude. So, sorry, but a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do.
Naomi tour de force: Are you feeling Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord) as much as I am right now? I love the crazy she's going through in response to Mr. Cannon's sexual assault. That sounds bad, doesn't it? I really just enjoyed hermit Naomi turned depressed rape victim turned stripper four-way sex queen. Now, that's acting for you.
Other points of OMG:
- Was that the first time we ever saw the West Bev cheerleaders?
- Ryan is looking really good after seeing him cast as the pier hobo last season.
- Seriously, Dixon really needs a haircut.
- I'm not feeling Silver's hair, either. It's like Hillary Clinton-esque.
- Kardashian cameo? Eh.
Were you as blown away with the "90210" premiere as I was?
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Photo credit: The CW
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Blown away, shaken up, and tossed down a cliff!!! I have to agree with you on Dixon's hair to a certain extent. It's better than that horrendous box he was rocking last year. We just need to find him a good barber. My cousin can do wonders, Dix.
Loved it - so glad that we've put the hit and run behind us, but at the same time, it makes me that much more annoyed at how uneven season 2 was, and how there was no point to almost anything that happend. Clearly they must have had a different plan for that story from the start (or WHY would they bother?), but then they effed it up beyond repair. Only thing is, I would like to know that Jasper's not going to show up and pull an Emily Valentine in Annie's front yard or something (or maybe burning the boat was his big Emily moment - boat/float...practically the same thing).
Anyhow, I'm much more optimistic that they've learned several lessons from the partially terrible season 2 and are making big improvements. I can't wait to see how the Teddy story unfolds - I really liked the subtleties of his scene with Naomi after he busted up her self-destruction strip show.
I'm not loving that Kelly Lynch is still a big presence, especially now with her Brit boy shenanigans, although it could be a great story for Ivy. I can't help it; Lynch annoys the crap out of me and I don't like her on the show. Babe, please go away.
Looking forward to seeing what happens with Mr. Cannon as Silver's advisor - nothing good, I assume. Although I'm thinking maybe a setup to get him for trying to assault her since they can't really prove the Naomi thing? I love the actor (he was one of the best things about Dawson's Creek season 6), but Mr. Cannon's gotta go down. Hard.
Hopefully Navid's going to have more to do than be Ade's supportive cheerleader boyfriend - I love that he's like that, but I'd like to see him have something more to do.
I'm not big on Liam and Annie - probably because I love his character and hate hers - so I was glad it didn't go too far. I hope he meets someone else soon. I am intrigued by Annie's mystery internship and what evil things Hallie Lowenthal (MSCL anyone? No?) has up her sleeve. That actress has hardly aged since the mid-90's!
I was so shocked to realize how much I was looking forward to the premiere, and in contrast, how little I cared about Gossip Girl (think I'm done with it for good). Two years ago, I would never have thought I'd prefer 90210, but I do.
West Bev cheerleaders made an appearance in Season 1 at the big lacrosse game. Remember Dixon's bisexual cheerleader friend Christina? (And yes, Dixon needs a haircut.)
Dixon needs a haircut, Silver's hair is too short and Annie's is dark (which I think I like).
I hope that someone is able to prove mr Cannon deliberately planned the assault of Naomi to make her look like the wolf who cried fire.
Oh, and while I don't mind Harry gone, what's up with anchorless teens without parents? Who is Silver living with if Kelly is off with Dylan and why is Naomi in a fleabag motel while her mom is off in Europe? Is Annie's mom going to have to adopt the whole parentless crew?
If I were Ade, I'd do what she would, after all Javier was nasty to her right before he croaked. Navid needs a story.
Sorry the "kids" are looking older. It's really hard for them to pull off being High School kids. I hate Silver's shorter hair.
Overall good episode especially the last 20 minutes.
Hate Navid's over-acting
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