90210 Review: "Multiple Choices"

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Looks like someone at 90210 reads TV Fanatic.

A few days after we complained that everyone was too nice and storylines too tame, "Multiple Choices" introduced viewers to new, serious situations, all of which were anchored by devious characters.

There were definite problems with the episode, and we'll get to those shortly, but among the developments that have us anxious for next week and already have more at stake for the show's key players than most dilemmas this season:

Jen is back! She's married again to her ex and owns the Beverly Hills Beach Club. Not sure if we'd have chosen Los Angeles as the one place in the world to reside if given the choice, as Jen claims she was by her husband, but I'm thrilled she's returned. A true bitch, Jen has the potential to create problems for Naomi, Liam, Ryan... pretty much everyone.

But do we even believe her story? You never know with the elder Clark sister.

Reunited Family

Harry's job is in danger. Kudos to the show for finding a believable way to push Rob Estes' Harry out the door. The actor is exiting after this season and 90210 did a solid job of tying Dixon's gambling addiction into a problem for his dad, as Harry lied about evidence that would connect his son to the break-in at school.

Combined with his marriage falling apart, it will make sense when Harry leaves next month. Also: props to the show for bringing back Mark. As we said before, the core students are far too kind and forgiving of one another. Very nice to see new characters making their (evil) presence felt.

Return of the bad boy. We also complained that Liam had gone soft - but not when it comes to his step-father. Inspired by his ex-con of a birth father's idea, Liam stole valuable coins from his unfaithful pretend parent and seems anxious to do more.

Like Jen, it must be asked: Do we trust Liam's real dad? My answer is quick, easy and even written in capital letters: NO!

On another note, Deb told Harry she kissed her Yoga instructor two months ago, which caused me to furrow my brow. It's been that long?!? How much time goes by on a 90210 season? The show is VERY poor at depicting such important information.

For example: how long have Silver and Teddy been dating? Many months? If so, it's a major stretch to think Silver would first be learning about Teddy's dedication to tennis and feelings about college just a couple days before the SATs.

These two have never really gotten on track, which is an overall problem for 90210: it doesn't do nuance. With the exception of Adrianna and Navid last season, no pairing has been built up well... or simply made sense as a couple. Ask yourself: have you ever felt any spark between Silver and Teddy? Does their potential break-up make you remotely sad?

Silver vs. Teddy

90210 doesn't deliver believable relationships, another issue I've complained about in the past. When Naomi, Annie, Adrianna and Silver made up in the hallway this week and Naomi cheesily cried "Hug!" it didn't feel earned. These four aren't best friends. They weren't even in a major fight. Why must their relationship be as a tight clique or as total enemies? Nuance, 90210! Nuance.

Two final complaints:

  1. Someone must tell AnnaLynne McCord and Shenae Grimes to relax. They over-act in every scene. It can be painful to watch.
  2. Last new episode, Annie was having nightmares about Jasper and her accident. This episode? Nothing. That storylines continue to unfold inconsistently and to put it mildly, HORRIBLY.

Still, I liked this episode a lot and am excited by various developments as we head into the season finale. What did you think? Below, we've listed a few 90210 quotes from the hour:

Dixon: I'm really sorry.
Harry: Me too. I thought you were better than this. | permalink
Silver: The fight was all my fault. Which also happens to be a served, place in the wrong side of the court. | permalink
Deb: I stopped that kiss because it was the right thing to do, not because I wanted to. | permalink
Liam: At least your family just started sucking. Mine sucked since I was seven. | permalink
Naomi: I am the perverter. I perverted justice. | permalink
Naomi: How am I supposed to build an outfit around fluorescent orange? | permalink

Multiple Choices Review

Editor Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.1 / 5.0 (17 Votes)

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

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90210 Season 2 Episode 19 Quotes

Do close your mouth, Naomi. That's really not a good look for you.

Jen

There's nowhere I'd rather be than right here with you, right now... sorry, I gotta take this.

Dixon