© 2008 The CW A scene from 90210 "Games People Play"

Television:

TV Review: 90210 - SEASON ONE - 'Games People Play'

Wish a happy sweet 16 to little Annie

Grade: C+
Stars: Shenae Grimes, Tristan Wilds, Jessica Stroup, AnnaLyne McCord, Dustin Milligan, Michael Steger, Ryan Eggold, Lori Loughlin, Rob Estes, Jessica Walter, Jessica Lowndes, Jennie Garth
Writer(s): Gabe Sachs, Jeff Judah
Director: Mark Piznarski
Release Date: November 11, 2008
Rating: NR

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By CHARLENE CHENG, News Editor
Published 11/12/2008

Okay, so the last time I was in touch with the 90210 Snob Mob, I was under the impression that there would be a DEATH. Unfortunately, that turned out to not be true, and it turns out that we're still stuck with druggie Adrianna. Except, now that she's been to rehab and is no longer a druggie, she is just boring Adrianna that is dating boring supporting character Navid. The extent of drama that their relationship has is that Navid can never make time to hang out with her, and that Navid is a VIRGIN. O.M.G. A high school sophomore that's still a virgin? What is wrong with these people? GOSSIP GIRL would never put up with this chaste nonsense. Anyway, nobody who watches this show could possibly care about this couple, so let's just move on...

On previous episodes, Naomi and Annie decide they're all bff, and Naomi makes Annie promise that she won't date Ethan, and of course that little Kansas tramp goes and makes out with Ethan all over the place. A quick sidenote: Why do people on shows who are supposed to be keeping their relationships a secret always do such a horrible job at it? So since Ethan and Annie decide the best way to keep their budding relationship a secret is to kiss in the middle of school, the episode opens with Naomi catching them in the act. Naomi decides to keep this knowledge a secret so she can spend the rest of the episode coming up with some convoluted, pointless scheme to make everyone as miserable as she is.

The whole set-up of this show is to lead eventually to a sweet 16 birthday party for Annie, because there is nothing that gets the entire cast of the show together like a huge bash at the end does. But first, we need to collect some elements that will make this party the most dramatic party ever, or as Naomi tells Annie, "a party that she will never forget." That makes one of us, Naomi. I just watched the show an hour ago and I can barely remember the party. If it weren't for my notes, I probably wouldn't even remember there was a party. My notes also tell me that Naomi invited Annie's Kansas boyfriend to her party, and he is introduced emerging from the pool, abs dripping with water. Not joking. Ethan is apparently very threatened by Wet Abs, and spends a lot of time acting very insecure about him.

It is notable that Annie's party has a huge neon display of her name and a podium, because that's how sweet 16 parties are. And it is also notable that it takes Annie until her party to realize that Naomi invited her old boyfriend to try to break up Annie and Ethan. This makes sense though, because Annie is from Kansas and in Kansas people are not like this. They do not play any games or manipulate anyone or kiss anyone else's boyfriends. Now that Annie is in Beverly Hills, she can stand up for herself. Unfortunately, before Annie and Naomi can get into a fight so Annie can smack that smirk off of Naomi's face, their long-lost half brother shows up at the party. Let's see how long it takes before he regrets walking into this trainwreck.

There was also a storyline with Kimberly arresting some drug-dealers, and Mr. Matthews going on a trip. Good riddance to them. If an adult is on the show that wasn't involved with BEVERLY HILLS, 90210, then I don't really see what the point is. Speaking of which, Brenda comes back next week to tell Kelly that she slept with Mr. Matthews. Brenda and Kelly catfight, coming right up. Took them long enough.

CHECK OUT CHARLENE'S REVIEW OF THE LAST EPISODE OF 90210 HERE

Reader Comments

Maria from New York sez....
That scene of Annie vs Naomi was what I was waiting for, I love how Naomi kept that smirk when she called her to step outside. Damn you Sean, Charlene I put myself in Annie's shoes she has to sleep in that bed everyday and remember her ex. was making out w/ her enemy. I loved it ! Next weeks episode looks better can't wait to tune in.
11/12/2008 1:13:12 AM

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