BH90210 Review: Picture’s Up (Season 1 Episode 5)

Cameras are rolling on BH90210 Season 1 Episode 5, “Picture’s Up.” Er, no wait, scratch that. Of course they’re not. 

For the sets to get insured and production to begin, the cast has to uncover their stalker. 

I’m beyond hoping for snippets of reboot scenes at this point. But even without that expectation of the show, this episode is a bit of a slow burn. 

It’s not just because Brian Austin Green’s “David” nightmare is the worst one yet. 

Yes, there’s the callback to the girls being backup singers, but David on Season 10 of Beverly Hills, 90210 is definitely not that much of a tool. 

Even though the nightmares are heightened scenes, they are the only scenes where we get to see 90210 characters. So, when those scenes are bad, it’s even more disappointing. 

The series has pacing problems particularly evident on this episode. They’re trying to pack so much in that nothing is making sense. 

Filming is only paused for about a quarter of the episode to bring Jamie Walters (aka Ray Pruitt)  back and pay weird homage to the controversy that resulted when Ray threw Donna down the stairs. 

But… why? It’s nice that the cast wants to see old friends, but shoving in cameos doesn’t help an overflowing episode. 

The search for the arsonist is over before it starts. But if this episode were contained to following at least some of the cast members as they go on a journey to confront former enemies, it may have worked. 

Even when we find out that the owner of Tori’s prom dress is the person who started the fire on set (if he’s such a fan wouldn’t he want it to happen?), he’s just on a TV screen.

Why not bring the stalker on set somehow? 

Even if the cameras aren’t rolling, I think this meta-revival about a reboot would’ve benefited from containing most of the storylines to set. 

Two of the most successful storylines on the episode take place on set and revolve around Brian. 

Zach is officially off of my “suspicious” list. The bond that he and Brian build throughout the hour is sweet to watch. It’s the least wasteful storyline, too. Because most fans know that this story is based on Brian’s real life. 

Elsewhere, Tori’s nerves about her sex scene with Brian are totally relatable to most women. Whether you are filming a sex scene, having sex, or just struggle in front of the mirror, body image issues are real.

But Tori’s whole storyline is just meant to stall the Donna/David sex scene. Plus, while the show is a parody, things get ridiculous with that intimacy coach. 

I practically scream, “Let them kiss already!” just thinking about it. 

This is the penultimate episode of the limited BH90210 series, and it’s been a very bumpy ride. 

Someone’s job may be at stake on the finale, but it’s hard to become invested in chaos. 

However, I’ve seen what this show can do at its best, so I’m rooting for a strong finish.

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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