Beverly Hills, 90210 Re-Watch: Hello Life Goodbye Beverly Hills (Season 5 Episode 30)
In 1995, a woman in a love triangle saying “I’ve made my choice and I choose me” when deciding between two men is about as feminist as it’s perceived to be in 2020. But is it really feminist at all?
Beverly Hills, 90210 Season 5 Episodes 30, “Hello Life Goodbye Beverly Hills,” is definitely an iconic episode that we couldn’t leave out of our rewatch. Kelly makes the right choice here, but let’s be clear: all of her options suck.
I wish that weren’t the case because a truly feminist choice is the one that makes Kelly the happiest. TV needs to present that more. “I don’t need a guy” is a great choice if that’s how you actually feel. There is just no shame in picking a man that supports you and makes you happy either.
We can’t be mad at Beverly Hills, 90210 for being one of the first to originate a storyline that’s still being used today. Perhaps it would’ve inspired a different emotion in us in 1995, but in 2020, it’s a tad boring.
To reiterate, Kelly makes the best choice possible. Brandon’s mansplaining rivals Dawson Leery’s, and we resent the fact that Andrea presents marrying him as “the brass ring.” That literally means “the best prize,” and we wholeheartedly disagree.
Dylan’s not any better by the show’s own admission. Kelly says Dylan has put his hands on her “only when he’s drunk.” We like Dylan more than Brandon, but the fact remains that he definitely should never be putting his hands on a woman.
It’s actually quite troubling to think of the message that sent women in 1995 and still might send them today. “He only hits me when he’s drunk, so it’s OK.” It’s quite an ugly look, and the fact that she says it in a way that makes it a sort of comparison to the way Ray treats Donna makes both situations worse, not better.
Both of those situations are equally bad. A woman’s line should be wherever she draws it before physical violence. But no woman deserves to be hit ever. Or put down in the way that Ray puts Donna down.
The scene between Kelly and Donna on their back porch talking through their relationship issues is powerful. As much as we wish Donna’s answer was more clear cut, the fact that it’s not is just life.
During this 2020 rewatch, Donna’s story stands out the most. So, we really wish Kelly’s final message in that scene wasn’t “follow your heart.” It should’ve been “know your worth and leave him.” That doesn’t mean Donna has to take her advice. It’s also another way to make Kelly wake up and realize her own worth.
Television in 1995 just isn’t as good as it is now, so the physical abuse storyline doesn’t have as strong of an impact as it probably did when that episode aired (it begins on a future episode not being covered in this rewatch.) On this episode, it still would’ve been nice to see Kelly steer Donna in a better direction.
At this point on Beverly Hills, 90210, she at least has the wherewithal to steer herself in the right direction. It’s sad she couldn’t help Donna out more.
While we are on the road metaphor, a re-examination of this episode wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t express appreciation for the way Andrea leaves the show.
Whether the actual storyline is good isn’t the point here. TV rarely shows characters the respect they deserve these days when they’re leaving a story they’ve been a part of for a long time. Andrea has flashbacks, two goodbye parties, and a scene where she tells all of her friends what they mean to her and why.
For a one-episode goodbye in the 90s, that’s about as good as a farewell can get, and it’s the main reason we feel any affection at all for this episode.
Notes
- Does it get more egomaniacal than Dylan and Brandon not showing up to that first goodbye party because of their troubles with Kelly?
- The episode dates itself by bothering to have Brandon and Mr. Walsh complain about being shut out of conversations by their white male colleagues. Spare us the strain of rolling our eyes, please.
- Claire definitely has Ray’s number, we can’t ignore that.
- The final reason this episode is iconic? Cindy and Jim’s decision to go to Tokyo. I’m going to miss Mrs. Walsh most of all.
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.