Brandon Walsh and Andrea Zuckerman, two of the most compelling characters on Beverly Hills, 90210, shared a complex and often speculated-about relationship, yet they never officially “got together.” Their connection was characterized by intellectual respect, deep friendship, and unacknowledged (or perhaps, strategically avoided) romantic tension, making the question of a definitive romantic coupling perpetually fascinating.
A Complicated Connection: They Never Officially Got Together
The defining answer to “What episode do Brandon and Andrea get together?” is: there isn’t one. While they share a deep bond and flirt with the possibility of romance at several points throughout the series, Brandon and Andrea never progress beyond friendship. This ambiguity, arguably, contributes to the lasting appeal of their dynamic. Their interactions are frequently laden with unspoken feelings, creating a “will-they-won’t-they” dynamic that is ultimately never resolved in the affirmative.
Exploring the Depth of Their Relationship
Their relationship transcends simple labels. It’s a blend of intellectual camaraderie, mutual support, and a shared desire to make a difference. They often find themselves aligned on moral and ethical issues, strengthening their connection. However, social class differences, personal insecurities, and their individual pursuits of other relationships continually hinder any potential romantic development.
Key Moments That Hinted at More
While they never explicitly become a couple, certain episodes and storylines tease the possibility:
- Early Seasons: In the early seasons, Andrea’s unrequited feelings for Brandon are palpable. She clearly harbors romantic desires, which Brandon, while appreciating her intellect and friendship, doesn’t reciprocate in the same way.
- The Senior Ditch Day Episode (Season 1): This episode showcases their strong connection and shared sense of adventure, albeit within the context of their friendship.
- The College Years: As they both attend California University, their paths continue to cross, and the underlying tension remains. They navigate various romantic relationships, but their friendship remains a constant.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Brandon and Andrea’s Dynamic
Here are some frequently asked questions about Brandon and Andrea’s relationship on Beverly Hills, 90210, offering deeper insights into their complex bond:
FAQ 1: Why Didn’t Brandon and Andrea Ever Become a Couple?
Answer: Several factors contributed to their platonic fate. Brandon’s popularity and his tendency to date other girls created a barrier for Andrea. Furthermore, their differing social statuses and backgrounds arguably played a role. Andrea, the ambitious and somewhat outsiderish student, contrasted sharply with Brandon, the popular and privileged transfer student from Minnesota. The writers also likely understood that pairing them would fundamentally alter the dynamic of the show and risk alienating viewers who enjoyed the tension.
FAQ 2: Did Andrea Ever Confess Her Feelings to Brandon?
Answer: Yes, Andrea confessed her feelings to Brandon on multiple occasions, albeit sometimes indirectly. Her affection was often evident in her actions and words, though she rarely explicitly declared undying love. The closest she comes to a direct confession is during vulnerable moments where her admiration and care for him are undeniable.
FAQ 3: Did Brandon Know About Andrea’s Feelings?
Answer: While never explicitly acknowledged, it’s highly likely that Brandon was aware of Andrea’s feelings, at least on some level. His responses ranged from being supportive as a friend to subtly distancing himself when her feelings became too intense. He valued her friendship but wasn’t interested in pursuing a romantic relationship.
FAQ 4: How Did Other Characters React to Andrea’s Feelings for Brandon?
Answer: Other characters, particularly Donna and Brenda, were often aware of Andrea’s feelings and sometimes served as confidantes. They offered advice and support, but ultimately understood that Brandon was not reciprocating. Their reactions highlighted the unrequited nature of Andrea’s affections.
FAQ 5: Did the Actors, Jason Priestley and Gabrielle Carteris, Have Any Input on the Direction of Brandon and Andrea’s Relationship?
Answer: While information on specific episode-by-episode input is scarce, actors often have some level of influence on their characters’ arcs. The writers and producers would have considered the actors’ perspectives when shaping the relationship between Brandon and Andrea, ensuring it aligned with the overall narrative of the show.
FAQ 6: What Was the General Fan Reaction to the Brandon/Andrea Dynamic?
Answer: The fan reaction was divided. Some viewers rooted for Brandon and Andrea to become a couple, appreciating their intellectual connection and believing they would be a good match. Others felt that they were better suited as friends and that forcing a romantic relationship would be unnatural. This division further fueled the debate around their potential as a couple.
FAQ 7: Did Andrea’s Pregnancy and Marriage Change Her Relationship with Brandon?
Answer: Yes, Andrea’s pregnancy and marriage to Jesse Vasquez significantly changed her relationship with Brandon. While they remained friends, the dynamics shifted. Andrea’s focus shifted towards her family, and Brandon’s role in her life became less central. This further solidified their platonic bond, acknowledging the new priorities in Andrea’s life.
FAQ 8: Did Brandon Ever Date Any Women Similar to Andrea?
Answer: While Brandon dated intelligent and ambitious women, none were quite like Andrea. He was often drawn to women who possessed physical attractiveness and popularity, traits that Andrea did not necessarily prioritize. He appreciated Andrea’s intelligence and moral compass but seemed to lack romantic interest.
FAQ 9: What Made Andrea Such a Compelling Character Despite Her Unrequited Love for Brandon?
Answer: Andrea was a compelling character because of her intelligence, ambition, and unwavering moral compass. She was an outsider who challenged the status quo and consistently stood up for what she believed in. Her unrequited love for Brandon added a layer of vulnerability and complexity to her character, making her relatable to viewers who had experienced similar situations.
FAQ 10: Were There Any Deleted Scenes or Alternate Endings Where Brandon and Andrea Ended Up Together?
Answer: There is no publicly available information suggesting the existence of deleted scenes or alternate endings where Brandon and Andrea ended up together. The writers and producers seemed committed to maintaining their platonic relationship throughout the series.
FAQ 11: How Does Their Relationship Contrast with Other Romantic Pairings on the Show?
Answer: Unlike the often tumultuous and dramatic relationships between other characters like Brenda and Dylan, or Kelly and Dylan, Brandon and Andrea’s relationship was grounded in intellectual respect and mutual support. It lacked the passionate highs and lows of the other pairings, highlighting its unique and more mature nature.
FAQ 12: Looking Back, Was It a Good Decision to Keep Brandon and Andrea as Friends?
Answer: Ultimately, whether it was a “good” decision is subjective. However, maintaining their platonic friendship allowed for a more nuanced exploration of relationships that extended beyond romantic love. It showcased the importance of intellectual connection and mutual respect, providing a valuable counterpoint to the more dramatic romantic entanglements on the show. The decision to keep them as friends arguably solidified their unique dynamic and contributed to the show’s enduring appeal by portraying a different kind of meaningful relationship.