90210

Though some of my colleagues have expressed their doubts about the upcoming CW revamp of 90210, I still expect it to be the greatest thing to hit the airwaves since Gossip Girl.  The original series, while certainly beloved, wasn't exactly the exemplification of quality television, so all I expect from the remake is a guilty pleasure featuring soapy plotlines and a blindingly pretty cast.  Finding fresh faces has never been a problem for the network, and it looks like they've found two more genetically blessed actors to join the series as recurring characters.  In addition, Kristin at E!Online is reporting that Shannen Doherty will definitely be appearing on the series, confirming rumors that have been going around since last week.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Meghan Markle (Til Death) and Kellan Lutz (The Comeback) will be joining 90210 for at least a few episodes each.  Markle will play Wendy, a sexy student at West Beverly Hills High who isn't afraid to use her looks to get what she wants.  Lutz, who also appears in the upcoming Twilight film, will play the character of George Evans, who is described as "a star lacrosse player who comes from a wealthy family."  I'm fairly certain that description could apply to at least ten other characters on the show, but the Reporter doesn't offer up any more details.

As for Doherty, E!Online's Kristin has a source close to production that told her the actress is definitely going to make an appearance.  “It is happening with Shannen," the source stated.  "It's just a question of how long she'll shoot, whether it will be one day or ten, and what the storyline will be, but we are working on it and it is a very real thing."

While the storyline for Doherty's character is still being worked out, chances are it won't involve Tori Spelling's Donna Martin.  Spelling has decided to put off appearing on the show while she spends time with her newborn daughter.  However, there could be a reunion between Doherty and Jennie Garth, despite the behind the scenes tension the two experienced on the original 90210.  "They are both adults now and professionals, and I don't see it being an issue," Kristin's source stated.  "Everyone has their take on what happened back in the day, and I think the feeling is that it's time to move on.  They were 19 and 20 when all of that happened and a lot has changed.  And, you know, they're not moving in together, just shooting together for an hour and a half.”

Will the new 90210 give us an emotional reunion between Doherty's Brenda Walsh and Garth's Kelly Taylor, or will the characters get into a thrilling catfight that ends with someone getting tossed into a fountain?  We'll have to wait until the show premieres in the fall to find out.


- Don Williams, BuddyTV Staff Writer
Source: E!Online, The Hollywood Reporter
(Image courtesy of IMDB)