BH90210 Review: The Table Read (Season 1 Episode 4)

We have to start our discussion of BH90210 Season 1 Episode 4, “The Table Read,” with well, the table read. 

We do get to hear some dialogue from the reboot on the revival. But it’s so little that it’s obvious the show is probably saving any of the real stuff we get to hear of the reboot for the finale — if we get it at all. 

What we hear of the script is Brandon and Kelly fading into nothing. The line we hear is ridiculous, but everything else we know about the script is worse. Except for the Donna and David sex scenes… But I digress.

Off of the pages that the cast is cutting and re-writing, this episode does a great job balancing real-life interesting topics with the parody piece of the show. 

Let’s start with nepotism. Tori Spelling has made a career out of acknowledging it, and moving the issue to Jennie’s fake daughter Kyler is a great choice. 

Perhaps Tori did audition for the role of Kelly under a fake name. One person can’t keep up with all of the facts or rumors about the original set, but BH90210 doesn’t seem to be lying about details like that. 

Whatever happened in reality, I’m so happy Donna Martin is a part of Beverly Hills, 90210 history. If she weren’t, I don’t know that I’d be a fan. 

As for Kyler, she is a worse actor than real Tori, period. But I don’t begrudge anyone a job doing what they love, no matter how they get it — and reboot Donna happens to have a daughter… perfect! How great that Kyler’s happier working with Tori, too. 

The other issue that stands out on the episode is pay negotiation. Get your money, fake Shannen. 

Just because the other cast members can’t or didn’t negotiate, that doesn’t mean Shannen shouldn’t. Or that she should be ashamed that she makes double what everyone else does. 

Actual Shannen is noticeably less present on screen than her castmates, officially. It’s quite a shame that her story isn’t heaver. She’s talented and could’ve made the BH90210 scripts richer (and perhaps even funnier) than they are already.

The last actual issue the show handles well this episode is Gabrielle’s separation from the cast. Beyond her age difference being acknowledged, it’s good to hear fake Gabrielle talk about her feelings of isolation out loud. 

Also, it’s satisfying to see the tension become an actual argument. So much about the character of Andrea and real Gabrielle seems unspoken. It’s cathartic to see fake Gabrielle get it all out and make up with the fake cast. 

Speaking of making up, it’s good to see all of the women together airing out issues with Shannen. It’s an understated scene and there is no commercial break before the resolution. It’s just mature women talking it out, as it should be. 

As for the more fictional storylines, those are pretty fun to watch too. 

Wyatt seems to be vibing well with Jennie as her bodyguard — and if it turns into more, no one should be mad.

They have better chemistry than fake Jennie and fake Jason. Fake Jennie deserves happiness, and it’s sweet that Kyler goes as far as to slash a tire so that the man making her mom happy can stay with her. 

Kyler’s guts also teach Jennie that she might be ready for showbiz. Win, win. 

Of the fake cast’s spouses, Shay is the strongest character. So it’s not painful to see her on screen. No matter who leaked Shay’s demo, or who he is to Brian, let’s just all agree that Zach still can’t be trusted, OK? Let’s just see where the father/son thing goes.

This episode flows smoother than others on the season because there is less horror. But something is going to go down. 

Shay might want to keep an eye on fake Tori, though. Something might go down between her and Brian. 

I’d rather see Donna and David getting hot and heavy.

But no matter the preview for the next episode, the set is currently on fire, thanks to the stalker. So, I won’t hold my breath. 

What did you think of this episode of BH90210? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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BH90210 airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on FOX.

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