Best Of Show Or Worse For Wear? Digest Hands Out Blue Ribbons And Booby Prizes

THUMBS DOWN!
BEVERLY HILLS, 90210
Just Say Good-Bye
     When it was announced that Laura Leighton had signed to do a fall stint as Sophie on BEVERLY HILL, 90210, it seemed like a win/win situation. The soap got an experienced prime-time vamp; viewers got a chance to enjoy an actress who'd been so entertaining as Sydney on MELROSE PLACE. Verdict: We all make mistakes.
     The only difference between scheming Sydney, who used sex as a weapon and mooched off everyone, is that Sydney's wardrobe was kookier. In fact, if Sydney weren't dead, the 90210 writers could've just had her take a cab to the new zip code.
     The worst plot of this plot? It trashed the long-standing friendship of Steve (who had it bad for Sophie) and David (who was sleeping with her). When Steve asked David point-blank about their relationship, David lied like a rug, though he knew Sophie couldn't be trusted. Some pal. When Steve learned the truth, he was crushed and had every right to be. With the exit of Brandon, this fractures the gang even more.
     In the end, when Sophie ditched David and flew off to Paris with rich, handsome Tom (in his own jet, no less), we didn't care. Looking back, it seems like Sydney, oops, Sophie, was just a diversion until Gina - 90210's real new bad girl - arrived.