90210

Guess Tristan Wilds was right.

Last week, the 90210 star said his character's gambling problem would be growing worse as season two winds down. The clip below, courtesy of April 27's "Multiple Choices," shows Dixon on his first real date with Ivy... only to be distracted by a certain phone call.

See what we mean now:

Also on tap for the new episode: Silver has a problem with Teddy; Annie flirts with Liam; and Jen returns.

Regarding the latter development, we just need to say: thank goodness! 90210 needs someone vicious to seriously shake things up. Don't you agree?

As 90210 inches closer to its second season finale, the show has a major problem on its hands. It's an obstacle that has prevented it from being consistently suspenseful on a weekly basis:

Everyone is too nice.

Think about it: Who is the main antagonist on 90210? What are the major dilemmas?

The series airs on the same network that features other primetime soap operas such as Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries. Those dramas focus on sexual liaisons, backstabbing friends, violent deaths and other pulsating cliff-hangers.

On 90210? Naomi lied about a sexual harassment case and Adrianna felt awkward about ditching her band. Sorry, but compared to the aforementioned shows, those situations are a G-rated snooze.

Naomi and Liam are together, in love... and boring.

Granted, 90210 might simply be aiming at a different audience and taking on a different tone. There's nothing wrong with a series that centers on more light-hearted fare and tries to depict realistic situations.

But it still needs more layered characters. Take Jenny on Gossip Girl, Damon on The Vampire Diaries. These are individuals that, simply out, often stir $hit up. They're written well, so viewers don't hate them - but they're multi-dimensional and often cause serious trouble.

What happened to that side of Naomi? Or Liam? These students were meant to be the bitch and bad boy of West Beverly, respectively, but they've since morphed into soft, simplified versions of their former selves.

It's a much more interesting, entertaining scenario, for example, when Naomi and Annie are bitter enemies instead of close friends. Not all characters have to be in a close-knit clique. These friendships have felt forced all season long.

For months, meanwhile, Jasper was meant to be the main villain... but was he even that bad? As I've railed against for weeks, the hit-and-run storyline was completely botched by the writers, as it never gained momentum (or made sense) and Jasper even acted like a loyal, loving boyfriend for a bulk of his relationship with Annie.

I love 90210 and I'm hoping it ramps up the suspense over the next few weeks. I'm encouraged by the return of Jen and the troubling news she has to share, and also hope Liam's father is up to something truly evil.

But with its ratings dropping, the show needs to create a lot more drama than Deb simply pecking her Yoga instructor on the lips and then feeling guilty about it.

Raise the stakes, writers. Make this a show people are truly buzzing about all week, for reasons other than curiosity over when Shenae Grimes last ate a full meal.

AGREE WITH THIS TAKE? DISAGREE? SOUND OFF NOW IN OUR 90210 FORUM!

Note to 90210 fans: if you quote Kelis, you'll likely win the weekly Caption Contest.

Such as the strategy used by "Hexi," who has been crowned this week's winner. Congratulations to that user!

Thanks to all that played and remember to do so every week!

Mr Cannon: My milkshake brings all the girls to the yard, and they're like I'm ruining your life. Damn right, I'm ruining your life. I'd tell the truth, but then I'd get charged.

It's SAT time on 90210 on April 27. Or studying-for-SAT time, at least.

But the impending arrival of this test creates an obstacle for Teddy and Silver: he doesn't want to go to college.

Also on tap on the episode "Multiple Choices?" Dixon and Ivy go on a real date; Liam bonds with his father; and, as this promo reveals, Naomi's receives an unwelcome surprise.

You know how TV Fanatic rolls: we'll recap and review the episode as soon as it concludes. For now, get an early look at scenes from it via the photos below:

Remember to discuss the show in depth in our 90210 forum!

As 90210 inches closer to its second season finale, Dixon Wilson has a lot on his plate.

His mother might be having an affair, he's developed feelings for Ivy and what began as a harmless gambling habit has morphed into a possible addiction.

What's next for this character? How will these issues be resolved? And how does the actor feel about Rob Estes leaving the show?

Watch TV Guide's interview with Wilds below.

Continue Reading...

Some relationships were tested on 90210 last night, while others were strengthened.

We've reviewed "Another Another Chance" in depth and would love to hear your feedback on our take.

We're also curious about what fans have to say regarding the topics below. As always, a trio of staff members have gathered to pick apart storylines and characters in this edition of the 90210 Round Table...

Do you want to see Navid and Adrianna get back together?
M.L. House: Yes, but not so soon and not like this. These two are the show's most beloved, iconic couple. There has to be more tension and more questions surrounding their future before the pair reunites. Instead, there's barely been any long-lasting obstacles between them and no doubt that they'll be together again soon.

Dr. Shepherd: Of course! What a silly question.

The Barnacle: Not yet at least. I really liked Gia. She seemed like a strong, mature character and I was very disappointed to see her cheat on Adrianna have just one fight.

What should Naomi's punishment be?
M.L. House: Carpentry. Hours and hours of carpentry with Liam. In a thong.

Dr. Shepherd: She has to be suspended for at least a week. We may understand that she never meant any harm, but sexual harassment is a huge deal and she said it herself: Naomi almost ruined that teacher's life.

The Barnacle: She must befriend Annie, hear about Jasper and get involved in the lamest, worst developed storyline in 90210 history.

Continue Reading...

Led by Dixon on the deejay table, last night's episode of 90210 was chock full of fun singles.

While we're still wondering about the future of Liam and Naomi, and shaking our head over the awful treatment of the Annie/Jasper storyline, let's take a few moments to acknowledge the latest 90210 music played on the show.

We've listed a number of songs from "Another Another Chance" below.

• Holly Golightly - "Tell Me Now So I Know"
• Ragged School - "Little Miss Walk On By"
• Preeta - "On My Own Again"
• Bob Marley - "Three Little Birds"
• Jet - "She's A Genius"
• Kennedy - "Your Mama"

If you think the episode "Another Another Chance" was challenging for Naomi, wait until April 20!

On the next new installment of 90210, Naomi must complete hours of community service, while also trying to repair her relationship with Liam. Oh, and then Jen comes back to town.

Elsewhere: Silver and Teddy will clash over the latter's post-high school plans, while Dixon's gambling problems grow deeper, as does the divide between Deb and Harry.

Check out the official promo for "Multiple Choices" now:

Before I get into the crux of this review - for an episode, "Another Another Chance," which I mostly enjoyed - allow me to get the worst part over with first:

The longer this Annie/Jasper angle continues for, the more I consider dubbing it The Worst Storyline in Television History. As I detailed last week, and as most readers agreed, it's been handled poorly from the start, as it took far too long for the hit-and-run to play a role in Annie's relationship with Jasper.

Now, 90210 wants us to believe that Annie was incredibly traumatized simply because she drove past the spot where the accident occurred?!? First, she was on the way home from Naomi's that evening. It would stand to reason that the area of the crash is relatively nearby and she'd have come across it before.

More importantly, she dated the nephew of the victim for months. She was reminded of the incident daily. It defies reason that she'd suddenly have nightmares about it, especially following last episode's mature, impressive speech on Annie's part. The show REALLY needs to end this storyline.

Okay. Deep breath. With that rant out of my system, it's important to note what I did enjoy about "Another Another Chance." There was a lot to like.

Should Adrianna sign the record deal? Sound off in our 90210 forum!

For the most part, this episode dealt with relationships. Which would end? Which would grow stronger? Which would be rekindled? An analysis follows...

Dixon and Ivy: I like these two together almost as much as I hate anything having to do with Annie and Jasper. They're cute, they're funny and Tristan Wilds and Gillian Zinser have definite chemistry together. I complained a week ago that things were moving too quickly in their fake relationship, but it looks like we'll be treated to a slow, real courtship now. I dig it!

Teddy and Silver: I know, this relationship wasn't touched on at all. But that was a big plus in my book. They are happy and healthy. No reason to contrive issues for the pair every week. It's perfectly fine to have them fade into the background, content with one another, for a bit.

Laurel and Ryan: I love these two. Just when you think Laurel has the wrong priorities and is all focused on the music scene, she gives Adrianna an inspiring pep talk, and also manages to loosen up Ryan. But does anyone else fear his old drug habit returning? It might be hard to teach if you wake... and then bake.

Continue Reading...

Thank you to everyone that sent in a submission for this week's 90210 Caption Contest.

The winner was "fran," as this individual used Laurel's history with men to come up with the entry posted below the photo.

Think you can do better? It's too late for this edition, but remember to come back and play every Friday. Good luck!

Ryan: Why is Mick Jagger standing outside your house with a rose?