Beverly Hills, 90210 Re-Watch: Summer Storm (Season 2 Episode 3)
This re-watch is so much fun because I chose episodes I have the most to say about from a fan-curated list. So, sometimes we’ll skip finales and other milestone episodes in favor of selections like Beverly Hills, 90210 Season 2 Episode 3, “Summer Storm.”
It’s the first episode of this re-watch series with a heavy focus on Dylan/Luke Perry. So first and foremost may he rest in peace. I didn’t follow his career much beyond this show and some of Riverdale. But I appreciate especially early episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 even more now.
Dylan McKay is one of the most dynamic characters on the series, and I’m going to miss Perry on BH90210.
Moving on to the episode, “Summer Storm” is post-Brenda’s pregnancy scare and therefore post-Dylan/Brenda’s breakup. Dylan’s dad is in jail for some scheme and combined with his surfing accident it’s the perfect excuse for Dylan to stay at Casa Walsh.
There is a reason Dylan and Brenda break up makes me uneasy. There is no shame in sex and it’s really hard to believe Brenda would make the choice to end things when she could just make responsible choices about sex.
I have that faith in her.
Perhaps the choice is most infuriating because of the rumor that outdated thinking is what caused the breakup, not a desire to tell a good story. The urge to teach a lesson about responsibility is understandable in the early 90s; I just wish it didn’t happen.
Either way, they are broken up on the episode whether I like it or not. Yet, it tells a great story about how much they love each other, and how hard goodbye really is.
The most powerful scene on the episode might be when they accidentally meet each other in the bathroom at night and awkwardly decide who will use it. All the while they are pining for each other. It’s clearly in their eyes.
Too many shows throw away natural chemistry for a variety of reasons. Life and “the business” happens but it must be said that Shannen Doherty and Perry have natural acting chemistry that’s quite rare.
It’s rivaled on the show only by Tori Spelling and Brian Austin Green. It’s not a contest, but I’m not sure who would win.
Back to the plot. It must be hard to care for an ailing ex while he’s also living in your house. Or to be cared for by an ex. Can you really blame them for kissing a few times?
Jim really does overreact and should be ashamed for being the reason that Dylan leaves the Walshes and breaks into his old cabana. On the other hand, it sparks one of the most emotional montages on the series thus far in our rewatch.
The flashback to Dylan remembering times with his dad on the beach is one of the only times the show uses this technique in 10 years. It’s all very cheesy with the “soft” alternative rock, the lighter illuminating the cabana, and the tears.
But I can appreciate the cheese. Or at least ignore it because I care so much about Dylan. This show isn’t known for its Emmy-caliber. That said, Perry was good at emoting and making me feel it through the screen. Many of his castmates are not.
It’s tragic on so many levels that Brenda and Dylan will never have complete closure.
This episode isn’t the end of their drama on the series. But by the end, they do get some beautiful closure.
Dylan writes a letter to his father and in their simple exchange of “good night” pleasantries, both he and Brenda seem at peace with their love for each other. They aren’t fighting for it or against it.
Since Dylan and Brenda will never be together in any universe, let’s just say that if time could freeze on Beverly Hills, 90210 for them, this episode is where it should. That’s the biggest reason it’s included in this re-watch.
The couple at the very beginning of their love story right now is Donna and David. Thus far in the re-watch series, Donna has still only been comic relief.
She still is, but it’s good to see her have a partner in it who will end up being her partner for life.
Drag is at times a fun celebration and is treated as such in Donna and David’s “Romeo & Juliet” reenactment.
The chemistry between Green and Spelling is evident even from this plot. They definitely have their drama on the series, but they are also the best example of a couple who has fun.
Perhaps it begins at this Romeo & Juliet acting assignment and it doesn’t end on the original series for very long. It should never end in any universe.
But I’m going to end this re-watch on that thought because there is plenty of Donna & David analysis to come.
*Shoutout to Kyle Conners for “maybe” being gay. Beverly Hills, 90210 was close to having the first gay character on a teen drama and it should’ve happened.
What did you think of this episode of Beverly Hills, 90210? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.