Brenda Walsh’s last official episode on Beverly Hills, 90210 is Season 4, Episode 10, “Twenty Years Ago Today”, airing on November 17, 1993. This marked Shannen Doherty’s departure from the iconic series after four seasons.
The End of an Era: Brenda’s Departure
The departure of Brenda Walsh was a significant turning point in 90210. While her presence as the “good girl gone slightly bad” brought drama and relatability, behind-the-scenes tension ultimately led to her exit. The episode “Twenty Years Ago Today” doesn’t explicitly showcase a grand exit for Brenda; rather, it subtly sets the stage for her move to London to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. It focuses on the 20th anniversary of West Beverly High, leaving Brenda’s send-off implicit rather than explicit.
The storyline itself is less about Brenda’s departure and more about the nostalgia associated with the school’s history. Characters reflect on the past, and while Brenda is present, her future move is subtly foreshadowed. This lack of a dramatic, tearful goodbye added to the controversy surrounding Doherty’s departure, with many viewers feeling cheated out of a proper farewell.
Behind the Scenes: The Reasons for Shannen Doherty’s Exit
The commonly cited reason for Doherty’s departure was on-set conflict. Rumors of feuds with cast members, particularly Jennie Garth (Kelly Taylor), and clashes with producers circulated widely. While the specifics remain debated, the general consensus is that her behavior became difficult to manage, ultimately leading to the decision not to renew her contract.
The producers faced a challenge: how to write out a character as integral as Brenda Walsh. Replacing her entirely was deemed too jarring for viewers. Instead, they opted for a gradual transition, subtly setting up her move to London. This allowed them to soften the blow and provide a plausible explanation for her absence without completely abandoning the character’s history.
Legacy of Brenda Walsh
Despite her relatively short tenure on the show, Brenda Walsh left an indelible mark. She represented a relatable teenage experience – navigating friendships, relationships, and identity in the affluent world of Beverly Hills. Her character’s transformation from a naive midwestern transplant to a more independent and assertive young woman resonated with viewers.
Brenda’s relationships, particularly her turbulent one with Dylan McKay (Luke Perry), became a defining storyline. Their on-screen chemistry and the complexities of their relationship fueled fan engagement and contributed significantly to the show’s early success. Even after her departure, Brenda’s presence continued to be felt through mentions of her and the enduring impact she had on the other characters, particularly Dylan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Brenda’s Exit
H3: What was the immediate explanation given on the show for Brenda’s absence after Season 4?
The explanation given on the show was that Brenda moved to London to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA). This allowed the writers to explain her absence without killing off the character or drastically altering the storyline.
H3: Did Shannen Doherty ever return to 90210 after her initial departure?
Yes, Shannen Doherty reprised her role as Brenda Walsh in the reboot series 90210, appearing in several episodes. This allowed the show to explore her character’s life after her time in London and address some unresolved storylines.
H3: Was there a specific incident that triggered Shannen Doherty’s firing?
While there wasn’t a single defining incident, the cumulative effect of reported conflicts and unprofessional behavior is believed to have led to the decision not to renew her contract.
H3: How did the other cast members react to Shannen Doherty’s departure at the time?
Publicly, cast members often expressed regret over her departure, emphasizing the importance of her character to the show’s success. Privately, the dynamics were likely more complex, considering the alleged on-set tensions.
H3: Did Brenda’s character significantly change after her return in the reboot?
Yes, Brenda’s character in the reboot 90210 was portrayed as more mature and self-aware. She had become a successful actress and was involved in directing and theatre. Her return served as a way to tie the original series to the new generation of characters.
H3: What impact did Brenda’s absence have on the show’s ratings?
While the show initially experienced a slight dip in ratings after Brenda’s departure, it eventually recovered and continued to be successful. The introduction of new characters and evolving storylines helped to fill the void left by her absence.
H3: Who replaced Brenda as the female lead in 90210?
While there wasn’t a direct replacement, Tiffani Thiessen joined the cast as Valerie Malone, filling a similar role as a “bad girl” and introducing new drama to the series.
H3: What are some memorable Brenda Walsh moments from the first four seasons?
Some memorable moments include her shoplifting incident, her turbulent relationship with Dylan, her trip to Paris, and her struggles with identity and belonging in Beverly Hills. These moments showcased her character’s complexity and resonated with viewers.
H3: How is Shannen Doherty viewed by the 90210 fandom today?
Despite the controversies surrounding her departure, Shannen Doherty remains a beloved figure among 90210 fans. Her portrayal of Brenda Walsh left a lasting impact, and her subsequent work has solidified her status as a respected actress.
H3: Was Brenda Walsh ever mentioned after Season 4, outside of the reboot?
Yes, Brenda Walsh was occasionally mentioned after season 4. Her name would pop up, primarily in the context of her past relationship with Dylan, and how it affected Kelly. These mentions served as reminders of her lasting influence on the other characters.
H3: Did the show writers consider any other ways to write Brenda out of the show besides sending her to London?
While specifics are not publicly documented, it’s likely that the writers considered various scenarios, including killing off the character or sending her away under different circumstances. However, the decision to send her to London provided the most plausible and least disruptive solution.
H3: Where can I watch Brenda’s last episode and other episodes of 90210?
Episodes of Beverly Hills, 90210 are available for streaming on various platforms, including Paramount+, Hulu (with the Paramount+ add-on), and for purchase on digital marketplaces like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Final Thoughts
Brenda Walsh’s departure from Beverly Hills, 90210 was a pivotal moment, both on-screen and behind the scenes. While the circumstances surrounding Shannen Doherty’s exit were controversial, the character of Brenda Walsh remains an iconic representation of teenage angst, growth, and the challenges of navigating adolescence. Even without a grand farewell, her influence on the show and its fans is undeniable, solidifying her place in television history.