‘Got Bent Out Of Shape’: Darren Star Remembers Backlash Over Dylan And Brenda’s Intimate Beverly Hills, 90210

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As a dedicated fan with a deep appreciation for the golden era of television, I can confidently say that Darren Star is a true visionary whose impact on pop culture continues to resonate decades after the debut of Beverly Hills, 90210. The challenges he faced during the creation and execution of this groundbreaking series are a testament to his unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling.

Darren Star found significant success with Beverly Hills, 90210, a teen drama that launched the careers of actors like Shannen Doherty, Luke Perry, Tori Spelling, and Jennie Garth. However, creating this popular series from the 1990s was a challenging journey for Star, who is also recognized for his work on shows such as Sex and the City and Emily in Paris.

As a lifestyle expert looking back on iconic TV shows, I recently sat down with Vulture to discuss the enduring impact of the Fox series, particularly the turbulence that ensued following an emotionally charged scene between Brenda and Dylan. This pivotal moment, portrayed by Shannen Doherty as Brenda Walsh (who tragically passed away in July 2024) and Luke Perry as Dylan McKay, generated a significant wave of controversy.

As a die-hard fan of that trailblazing series set in glamorous Beverly Hills, where teenagers were portrayed living their own lives, I remember vividly how “the network” exerted significant control over the show’s narrative, particularly when it came to the characters’ sexuality. The tension reached new heights following the broadcast of a scandalous Season 1 episode on multiple Fox affiliate stations, as reported by my trusted source.

In the 21st episode of Season 1, known as “Spring Dance,” characters Brenda and Dylan share an intimate moment during the dance and end up spending the night together following the junior prom. The script for this episode was both written and directed by Star, and it wasn’t until its broadcast on May 2, 1991, that the network became aware of the content.

In an interview, Star disclosed that many affiliates were upset when they understood what they had broadcasted. The network even requested a new episode focusing solely on Brenda expressing sorrow and regret for her actions. Interestingly, this wasn’t just about the intimate part; it was also related to something else.

Instead of merely stating that Brenda had sex, the author elaborated that it was significant because she enjoyed it. Consequently, when the series resumed for Season 2, the scriptwriter found it necessary to compose an episode in which Brenda experienced a pregnancy scare and came to understand that she was not mature enough for such intimacy, as explained by the creator.

As a lifestyle expert, I wouldn’t be surprised if Fox and its affiliated networks chose to hold back some “more daring” episodes in the wake of the Spring Dance controversy. After all, it’s always wise to tread cautiously when public opinion is sensitive.

Star clarified that there were numerous discussions about his program and topics related to sexuality were particularly challenging. Furthermore, questions regarding the parents or teachers of the depicted teenagers, along with their unique lifestyle, were expected. However, he assertively replied that it was a show focusing on teenagers supporting each other, anything else would be unnecessary.

The late film producer and actor, Aaron Spelling, was often described as a “champion of television shows,” according to Star. He shared that Spelling’s daughter Tori, who played Donna Martin in the series, frequently negotiated episodes for the debut season, which constantly teetered on the edge of being canceled by Fox.

As a teen himself, he drew upon his perspective to create the distinctive narrative for Beverly Hills, 90210. Initially, it didn’t become an immediate success, but repeated broadcasts transformed it into a worldwide pop culture sensation.

90210, set in the fashionable town of Beverly Hills, chronicles the lives of a circle of friends, with the narrative revolving around their relationships and struggles with contemporary problems such as HIV/AIDS, suicide, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy that were prevalent during the time. The series concluded after 10 seasons on May 17, 2000.

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2024-08-16 19:38