Expert: Mel - 5/28/2011

Question
1. Where can I watch the credits of new 90210 TV Series?
2. Are any of the original cast members from the old show going to return in the 4th season?
3. How many seasons do you think the new show will go on for?
4. How old are the main characters in the series finale And how old are the characters Kelly Taylor, Brenda Walsh, Donna Martin, Jackie Taylor, and Nat Busschio?
5. Why did the producers kill of Jackie Taylor on the new show?
6. How old are the main characters of the new 90210 show?

Answer
Hi Kristine,

1. On YouTube, here (both versions): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxrWohXASu4

2. Well, there are no plans for it.  The executive producer put out a statement as Season 3 was starting, basically saying that it was time the new show stand on its own, which is what it's done now.  Luke and Jason remain firm that they have no desire to reprise their roles, and that's even less likely with Jennie having stated she's moved on, Shannen on other projects, Tori with a new baby, etc.  They tend to come on in pairs or not at all.  And with that said, I'm sure Brian, Ian, and Gabrielle would be influenced by other cast members wanting to protect the sanctity of the old series or simply not being into the new one.  But, who knows?  Kelly is still Erin Silver's guardian, and presumably still the guidance counselor too.  I guess it's pretty convenient that the kids are off to college now.

3. They've done 68 episodes so far.  Back in the day of the original, you needed 100 episodes (about four seasons) to be sold into syndication and rerun on another network.  The current standard is probably a lot less.  I never expected them to reach Season 4, personally, but now that they have I'd guess it will go on until the end of Season 5.  ... Then again, there will be those who want to just keep the '90210' brand alive at nearly any cost, so it's kind of a wild card.

4.  In the Season 10 series finale, the main characters are 25 yrs old.  This includes Kelly, Brenda, and Donna, of course.  

Jackie Taylor was doing a 'Fabulous at 40' modeling campaign in "Who's Zoomin Who?" (5.07), but "Midlife ... Now What?" (3.18) suggests her and Cindy were already at the over-the-hill mark or very near to it, so at series end she was about 45-47.  That would make her at least 53 when the spinoff premiered and she had a small role, dying at 54.  

Nat's age is trickier.  He seemed to be in his early 20's in 1971, the year he was originally engaged to future wife, Joan Diamond, and had small roles as an actor (6.17, "Fade In, Fade Out" & 6.24, "Coming Out, Getting Out, Going Out").  Joan, you would think, is a similar age to him, yet she was able to give birth in "A Mate for Life" (7.03), 26 years after her and Nat first went out.  She also has a 22 year old daughter and grandchildren.    If, let's say, Nat was 20 in 1971, then he'd be 45 in Season Six, 49 at series end, and 57 when the spinoff premiered.  If he were 30, then 55 in Season Six, 59 at series end, and 67 by the time of the new show.  With these hints, it all depends on the age difference between him and Joan.

5.  Probably a big reason is because the network and 'Warriors In Pink' developed a partnership to help raise breast cancer awareness, which included a series of public service announcements, print ads, and this plotline.  It also provided closure for the estranged Jackie and Silver, especially if Anne Gillespie (who plays Jackie) had no intention of guest-starring again, gave them a sensational/big reference for old fans to tune in for, and were able to integrate Kelly more.  However, the move got a lot of criticism due to inconsistencies with the original series, which I completely understand.  

6.  The characters on the new 90210 are 18 right now.  Ivy's marriage storyline, Naomi's trust fund, and Silver's birthday parties confirm it.

Thanks for the question!

All the best,

Mel