Sunday, September 7, 2008

Pilot Review: 90210

90210 (FOX)
Premiered September 2 at 8pm

For starters, I've never seen the original "Beverly Hills, 90210". I'm not privy to any of the clever references to the old show and thus must treat this like the recent "Get Smart" film - as an entity all its own. The truth is, I did have a remarkable amount of fun. This looks like it could be the perfect "The O.C." replacement I've been waiting for two years running. It's positively ridiculous, none of the actors are really good, and most of the dialogue is completely laughable. That said, it's a whole lot of fun. The cast is suited to their preposterous roles, and the show looks amusing enough. The most intriguing thing to me is just how music-driven the show is. The soundtrack is fully present throughout the show, and I hope it stays that way. The pacing of the show matches perfectly with its predictability. I'll have to more to say as I continue next week, since the pilot is pretty much a blur after having watching it nearly a week ago. It's a good time, and I'm fairly certain it's not actually supposed to be good. Check back for more general thoughts on the show coupled with my thoughts on episode three.

How will it work as a series? It's set in high school, and therefore there are endless roads the show can take, and I have no doubt that it will continue along in an expected manner. My only worry is that it will attempt to create too many allusions to the old show, and stumble as a result from a lack of originality. Others who have seen the show may feel differently, but as a new viewer, I'd like to find the show accessible, and since most viewers are probably much younger than me, it's unlikely they've seen the original show either.
How long will it last? I think the premiere got big numbers, and this is just the kind of show that the CW needs right now. I think it could go for a number of seasons. Check back with me in a few weeks.

Pilot grade: F (but I love it)

No comments: