A Tribute to Beverly Hills 90210

Beverly Hills 90210 is turning 20 this October. Yes you read that right, 20! It debuted on Fox in October of 1990. I was a naive 11 at the time and still remember it like it was yesterday. The love triangles, the sideburns, the high-waisted jeans and colourful blazers are only a few of the things that come to mind when I look back at a series that defined the 90s. Lets be honest here, the true glory days of the show were the Brenda years, seasons 1 through 4. After she left, 90210 tried desperately to recapture its glory and find a new bitch, but Shannen Doherty's shoes were much too big to fill. Nothing against Tiffany Amber Thiessan, but she couldn't hold a candle to Brenda's antics. Smoking pot does not trump running away to Mexico with Dylan.

One of my favourite characters on the show was Andrea Zukerman. The Zuk was the oldest looking of them all. Now it was obvious that none of these actors were in their teens, but Andrea looked like a soccer mom right from the get go. This didn't seem to stop her from having a long drawn out and often times severely uncomfortable relationship with Brandon. Oh Brandon, what a gem he was. The all American guy, played by a Canadian. But the two never really made things work, they just danced around each other for years. Her moves are legendary. Barney Stinson could learn a thing or two from her play book. That seriously disturbing ride on the carousel where she "gives" herself to Brandon. I mean, come on! A teen drama doesn't get much better than that.

I also have to give a shout out to Jim and Cindy Walsh. They were among the greatest TV parents. Always helpful and wholesome, the Walshes were gracious hosts and the voice of reason for their out of control daughter and her wild friends. Thankfully the writers knew this show was about the teens and kept Jim and Cindy on the back burner.

Let’s take a look at some of the best moments and episodes the show had to offer. The entire Brenda/Dylan courtship. The Kelly/Brenda/Dylan triangle that ended in the best line of all time on a teen drama "I hate you both. Never talk to me again" Now that's some great writing! The entire story arc surrounding Emily Valentine. The Euphoria episode in particular, which paired up Steve and the Zuk was pure comic genius and Dylan stepping in to handle everything was just plain awesome. When the alcoholic of the group is in charge, you know you're in trouble. The summer episodes, which essentially catapulted the show to super stardom, were incredible. The Zuk laying down the law with Brandon on the beach is priceless. The spring dance episode where Brenda and Dylan do it and Steve reveals he's adopted. The Palm Springs episode where Brenda sleeps in a broom closet on her quest to find Dylan. What more can I say? These gems speak for themselves.

So I say thanks to Aaron Spelling for teaching us all how to properly throw a teen tantrum and navigate the muddy waters of adolescence. We forgive you for ramming your goody two shoes daughter down our throats. Although it makes me feel incredibly old to remember something that happened 20 years ago, I can look back with joy at a show that helped shape my childhood. I will definitely be watching some key episodes in October to celebrate this hard to believe milestone!