What’s an evening at 4616 Melrose Place without sex, lies and betrayal to consume the souls of hapless Hollywood wannabes? 90s’ hit TV show ‘Melrose Place,’ a cynic’s virtual gateway into the debauched lives of Hollywood hipsters, returns to prime time retooled and loaded with lots of decadence and drama.
The main characters reflect Hollywood’s current 20-something, fabulous and possibly broke esthetic, while Sydney Andrews (Laura Leighton) and Michael Mancini (Thomas Calabro) offer a welcomed look back to a time when 4616 Melrose Place harbored dysfunctional 30-somethings. Doctor Kimberly Shaw (Marcia Cross) and Ad Exec. Amanda Woodward (Heather Locklear) once the most naughty witches in the complex, are replaced by Sydney and Ella.
In a tasty scene that sets the tone for the pilot, Sydney breaks into an apartment rented by publicist Ella (Katie Cassidy), Sydney’s young protégé. She tells Ella to hit the road, but not before insulting Ella’s humble origins, which include a bad dye job, juicy couture, and French tips! Who knew French tips were out? In their verbal sparring match, it is revealed that Sydney’s upset because Ella told Michael’s son David, with whom Sydney had an affair, that she only dated David to get even with Michael. Of course, Sydney’s later found floating face down and dead in the courtyard pool.
Everyone wants to know who killed poor Sydney. And naturally, everyone’s got a motive, a story and lots of secrets. Was it the rich boy/art thief, the chef/evidence absconder, the publicist/bisexual, the medical student/high-class call girl, or any other in a long list of lunatics at 4616 Melrose Place? Can’t wait to find out.
‘Melrose Place 2.0’ is poised to be one of the most entertaining shows this fall. Written by Darren Star and Caprice Crane, and starring ‘Harper’s Island’ alum Katie Cassidy, Colin Egglesfield, ‘Battlestar Galactica’ alum Stephanie Jacobsen, Jessica Lucas, Michael Rady, Shaun Sipos, and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, the show not only features talented actors and a great soundtrack, but it also blends current affairs with trivia in an intelligent and meaningful way. ‘Melrose Place 2.0’ is a good time!
CW’s ‘Melrose Place 2.0’ captured 2.270 million average viewers for the night, and won a 1.3 rating, according to TV by the Numbers.