Really, 90210?!?

In major upcoming storyline news, the CW hit will take an often-criticized route this January: it will hook up a heretofore straight female character with Gia, the lesbian student played by Rumer Willis.

Most shows that attempt this type of relationship are blasted in the media for simply trying to drum up ratings - think Marissa on The OC; or even Claire these days on Heroes - but 90210's numbers have climbed this season.

That's why producer Rebecca Sinclair says the plan is anything but a publicity stunt.

“This isn’t a fling. We’re coming at this [relationship] from a genuine place and not going, ‘Let’s do a titillating story that will grab some promotion.’ This is a real aspect of teenager life that’s interesting... And there’s been a real void in the 90210 universe in terms of gay and bisexual characters.”

So, who will talk a walk on the lesbian side? Adrianna.

There have been no hints that this character is anything but straight, considering she slept with a number of guys during her days of drinking and drugging. But getting rejectedt by Navid will apparently turn Adrianna off to penises entirely this winter.

What do you think of this planned storyline? Discuss it now in our 90210 forum!

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.