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Shannen Doherty’s Most Essential Beverly Hills, 90210 Episodes

Jul 22, 2024

Shannen Doherty’s Most Essential Beverly Hills, 90210 Episodes

As a huge fan of “Beverly Hills, 90210” and Brenda Walsh herself, I can’t help but be completely enamored with Shannen Doherty’s portrayal of this complex and fiery character. And while it’s easy to get lost in the drama of Brenda’s many heartbreaks and love triangles, it’s her ability to bring humor and charm to even the most mundane situations that truly sets her apart.

In the late ’80s and early ’90s, “Beverly Hills, 90210” wasn’t the greatest TV show ever produced, but it certainly seemed that way when it first aired in 1990. There was no other teen drama on television that matched its allure, blending aspirational elements with increasing soapiness as the series progressed. Shannen Doherty’s character, Brenda Walsh, would emerge as the show’s captivating centerpiece. Initially portrayed as an innocent Every Girl, Brenda evolved into a complex heroine who was both alluringly charming and self-destructive. Her emotional ups and downs were rivaled only by those of her primary love interest, Dylan McKay, the resident bad boy. It was impossible to look away from either of them.

If Doherty was labeled “challenging” to collaborate with during later seasons, it made Brenda Walsh’s character evolution all the more intriguing. Doherty exerted too much influence for her persona to stay insecure. After season four, 90210 lost its spark when Doherty departed due to off-set disputes (Doherty later disclosed that she was grappling with intense personal issues and struggled to keep up with work commitments). Nevertheless, as Brenda, Doherty embodied a hint of drama queen and Mean Girl traits (as seen in her part in Heathers), remaining utterly captivating. Here are Doherty’s most pivotal episodes on 90210.

8.
“Higher Education” (Season 1, Episode 6)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Zm5n4m2v7f0

In the show’s pilot, we’re introduced to Brenda for the first time as a naive girl hailing from the Midwest, eagerly trying to belong at her snobbish new school in Beverly Hills. Anxious and yearning for acceptance, she impulsively changes her beautiful brown hair to blonde in response to hearing that Dylan, Brandon’s attractive friend with a mysterious aura, may have a preference for blondes. Despite the botched dye job, Dylan, who was initially meant to be just a recurring guest character, can’t help but notice Brenda when he visits the Walsh residence to hang out with her brother. This scene is significant and is among the most memorable episodes featuring Dylan – unfortunately, it aired after Luke Perry (the actor portraying Dylan) passed away in 2019.

“I like your butt,” she says. “I mean, your bike.”

“Hop on,” he replies.

And we’re off.

7.
“Spring Dance” (Season 1, Episode 21)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=YiUl3RZ0Hjg

During the first season of “90210,” which had 22 episodes, Brenda’s bangs grew longer and she gained more self-assurance and composure. This was ample screen time for noticeable character progression within a single season. The moment they both turned up at the spring dance with identical black midi-length dresses featuring voluminous white puffs on the sleeves, we were struck by how much she had evolved.

“I’m the spring queen,” Kelly sighs, hoping Brenda will grasp the significance. In earlier seasons, Brenda would have immediately apologized and rushed off to alter her outfit.

Now, Brenda fixes Kelly with a chilling glare, a look that Doherty frequently employed in the show for maximum impact: “I couldn’t care less, Kelly.”

Despite this, the two girls continue to enjoy themselves at the dance. Notably, Brenda goes against the norms of a typical 1990s teen soap by engaging in an intimate encounter with Dylan, relishing each second of the experience.

6.
“Mexican Standoff” (Season 2, Episode 27)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=o8PxMRgf8VA

During season two, Brenda starts showing her defiant character. When her father disapproves of her plan to travel with Dylan, she secretly goes with him, lying to her parents about spending the night at Kelly’s house instead. It seems harmless enough, but Dylan has a strong affinity for Baja, a place he visits to find peace. Brenda is curious and feels compelled to join him. Trouble arises when they arrive at a motel in Baja, where Dylan is well-known to the staff due to his fluency in Spanish. The front-desk clerk inquires about a girl Dylan brought to Baja on a previous visit, causing Brenda’s temper to flare up.

Shannen Doherty, portraying Brenda, was an expert at pouting and grumbling; she frequently expressed discontent through whining and scowling. However, when Dylan led her to a cantina, they were greeted with a Spanish rendition of “Feelings,” which unexpectedly melted Brenda’s icy demeanor. The connection between Brenda and Dylan was undeniably electric, something Kelly could never replicate.

5.
“Moving Targets” (Season 4, Episode 7)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=f19l22RPKyk

In the fourth season, Brenda finds herself growing more distant from the group as they settle into life at California University. However, there’s a scene that brings her back to her sassy self: Upon arriving home late from a date with the charming Stuart Carson, she encounters Jim and Cindy on the stairs in their bathrobes, reprimanding her. But Brenda isn’t in the mood for their criticism. “Consider yourselves lucky I made it home at all,” she retorts, brushing them aside. This is our feisty Brenda.

In this scene, as Brenda shares details about Stuart with Brandon, we encounter a familiar scenario from “90210” – the witty interplay between the twins, Brenda and Brandon.

Brenda: “There’s never been anyone in my life, including Dylan McKay, who knows how to woo.”

Brandon: “Stuart gives good woo?”

Brenda: “The best.”

4.
“Beach Blanket Brandon” (Season 2, Episode 1)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=3CIAxZ5stcw

In the first season, Brenda is forced to deal with the repercussions of her blissful and responsible teenage romance at the spring dance. Nineties television didn’t allow for such pleasure to last. Following a scare involving pregnancy, Brenda is filled with regret and sorrow. While seated in Dylan’s Porsche at the beach, she confesses to him that their relationship must be put on hold. The duo, as well as the audience, are left heartbroken as the Nineties angst hit “Losing My Religion” plays in the background.

3.
“Too Little, Too Late” (Season 3, Episode 3)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=2vnF1T6njVE

The most memorable Brenda scenes often happen when she’s not preoccupied with romantic woes, allowing Doherty to showcase her comedic skills. During their summer in a Parisian language immersion program, Brenda and Donna might appear as typical American tourists. However, Brenda aspires to be a self-assured woman who can fluently speak French and embrace new experiences. While having dinner at an elegant Parisian restaurant called Brasserie, Brenda impressively orders in French, while Donna fumbles with a translation guide to order the veal.

“Garçon, make that two,” Brenda says with a truly ridiculous French accent.

I’ve been to Paris several times, and let me tell you, dining experiences there can be quite the adventure! Once at a fancy restaurant, I was served what looked and tasted like an odd delicacy. I remember exchanging puzzled glances with my friend Donna as we both reached for our translation guides. Upon discovering it was indeed cow brains, we couldn’t help but spit them out in disgust. But the Parisian high jinks didn’t stop there! Another time, I met an American boy named Rick at a café. Feeling playful and trying to impress him, I pretended to be French, calling him “Reeek” with a heavy accent. He found it amusing, but I’m not sure how authentic my French impression was. Parisian culinary surprises aside, those are memories I’ll cherish!

2.
“Back in the High Life Again” (Season 3, Episode 19)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=d_–CXxrC9k

This is the episode where the infamous love triangle between Brenda, Dylan, and Kelly comes to an end. When Dylan and Kelly arrive at Casa Walsh to discuss things with Brenda, she’s already braced for bad news. To her shock, not only has Dylan chosen Kelly over her, but they admit they were a couple the previous summer. While some may call this Brenda’s “rock bottom moment,” it’s understandable that she’d be livid given her boyfriend and best friend kept this secret from her.

“She snaps, ‘Keep your hands to yourself.’ Her voice is filled with venom from deep within her heart. “Why are you two inflicting this pain upon me? I can’t stand either of you. Leave me alone, please.” It’s hard not to sympathize with her anger and anguish.

1.
“Fame Is Where You Find It” (Season 1, Episode 16)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=dljLRxD_nos

It’s a pleasure to see Shannen Doherty shine on screen. When Brandon secures a role in a major TV production, he asks Brenda to stand in for him at the Peach Pit restaurant as a server. However, Brenda is frustrated that it’s Brandon who gets to act while she possesses the real talent. After an embarrassing first day, Brenda decides to put on a performance of her own. She transforms into Laverne, a quirky 1950s-style diner waitress, complete with cat-eye glasses, hairnet, and loud gum chewing. Her accent may not be perfect, but her charisma is undeniable.

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2024-07-22 19:56