Expert: Crystal - 4/13/2007

Question
Hi, i´m from Spain, so my english is not very good! I´m a writer and at the time i am working in a book about madness in the cinema. One of the chapters is about eating disorders. I have read that in episodes 24, 25 and 26 of the 9 season, Gina had BULIMIA. I can't find the episodes, so i am very grateful if you could make me a summary with that part of the history. I read that the dentist discover the disorder but i want to know more details.
Thank you very much for your attention!
Beatriz Vera


Answer
Hello Beatriz,

First, I don't really remember much of the storyline dealing with Gina's bulimia. With the help of the Beverly Hills 90210 episode guide on tv.com, here's what I came up with:

In the episode “Dog’s Best Friend” (9.24), after Kelly Taylor arranges it, Gina Kincaid visits the dentist (Mel Silver). During the exam he notices decay on her teeth that would indicate that she had been forcing herself to vomit. That leads him to question if she was bulimic, she denies she has that problem.

In the episode “Agony” (9.25), Gina has continued with her secret bulimia. She has a chance to audition for an ice skating show, but fails to take to the ice. It is discovered that she has instead passed out in the bathroom after a purging session.

In the episode “That’s The Guy” (9.26), Gina finally confides in David Silver that she suffers from bulimia and takes refuge in his home.  

There are scenes in the episodes showing her forcing herself to vomit, usually following conversations or encounters with her boyfriend/ex-boyfriend Dylan McKay that left her feeling very emotional. Her & Dylan had a highly volatile relationship. However, I think she would also purge when she felt overwhelmed over other issues.

I cannot recall if there are scenes showing her binge eating. I don't remember any other real mentions of Gina's bulimia following episode 9.26 (season finale). There also didn't seem to be any lead-up or indication before Mel pointed out the problem with her teeth.

Hope this helps you somehow. However, 90210 was a television show, so I don't really see how it would work in a book about madness in the cinema (which to me usually refers to movies). Good luck with your book though.

Take care,
Crystal