Being a constant viewer of the original MP from 1992-1996 (Daphne Zuniga left, so I zoned out), I can say as much that this one was a dud in comparison. That's not to say it didn't have merits, but it was a far cry from the original. In the case of attempted innovation, that's just fine, but the show needed to step it up a notch, as soon as the pilot was over. It is common practice to build slowly in a shows freshman season in order to pull the viewers in, and gain their loyalty and devotion. The problem, however, is that with a serial like "Melrose Place", one cannot afford to build so slowly. What made the original so popular was it's high octane energy, and fast paced story lines. YES, even the original started out slow and then sped up with time, but with a reboot like this could have been, they needed to hit the ground running, and they hit the ground jogging instead. We only got a glimpse of it's real potential starting at the 13th episode, or so. After that, we finally had some good stories, but by then it was too late. The show had been canceled before it was canceled. Another mistake, ultimately, was the designation of the viewers. On the CW, the demographic was indefinitely bound to be consisting of mostly teenagers, and that cuts any possible chance of real adult interest out of the picture. The original MP had a lot of sex, violence, and twisted capers, but there was also a lot of business sense and adult interest, such as mortgages, jobs security, and business ethics in general. It had adults behaving, outside the bedroom, like adults. (most of the time) Here, we have barely touched on anything of the like, and, in turn, have kiddies in Abercrombie and Fitch running around saying "pity poor me". There is no credibility to this because it's too far for the suspension of disbelief that most adults nowadays watch with. Furthermore, it's dull. These younger stars like Ashley Simpson and Katie Cassidy are not talented, and the boys of the show like Shawn Sipos and Michael Rady are not credible either. Jessica Lewis almost had the same maturity going for her that Jo Reynolds had in the original. (Fancy the storyline that Jo had with Riley). Alas, the only credible actor and character was Lauren played by Stephanie Jacobson. She displayed an urgent need for morale and justice despite her torn predicament as a med student/call girl.
Other than that, cast members and story lines were pretty boring. Heather Locklear's return was very welcomed indeed, and served it's purpose very well. The same went for fellow MP originals Thomas Calabro, Josie Bissett, Laura Leighton, and of course, my personal favorite, Daphne Zuniga.The problem with these fine relics, was the writing. It wasn't easy blending these seasoned characters/actors, with newer characters and talent. It all matched up great by seasons, or shows end, but never quite took off the way it could have and should have. My only real compliment to the show, at long last, is that Jo Reynolds got some real treatment the way she should have been treated the first time: Real happiness, despite being a workaholic of course. Sad to say this show almost became a good continuation. It would have too, if it were renewed at least one more season. Oh well, almost a good show there.
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