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

THUMBS UP!
MELROSE PLACE
Back To Basics
     MELROSE PLACE was always meant to be pure escapism, without a tremendous amount of brain activity required for viewing. However, the last few seasons saw so many buffed, curvaceous, carbon-copied bods coming and going in ridiculous plots that viewers practically had to take notes to keep track of who was zooming who. This season the producers promised to get back to basics, and kudos for following through.
     Amanda has been the core of the show since her introduction, but she'd become a caricature. Now, Amanda is re-energized and revealing hidden aspects of her personality via Eve (Rena Sofer, ex-Lois, GENERAL HOSPITAL), who's been skillfully woven into the canvas. And instead of importing a herd of fresh faces, the only other addition has been John Haymes Newton as Ryan, Kyle's kid brother.
     And how great is it to have Josie Bissett back as Jane? Like DALLAS's Pam and KNOTS LANDING's Val, Jane was always the character we related to - the calm in a weekly storm of insanity. Watching her fall in and out of love with Michael (sometimes in the same episode) provides an enjoyable dose of nostalgia. MP is once again a great place to visit.