Reboot #90210

reboot

riːˈbuːt

verb

(with reference to a computer system) boot or be booted again. 

restart or revive (a process or sequence, especially a series of films or television programmes); give fresh impetus to. 

noun

an act of booting a computer system again. 

something, especially a series of films or television programmes, that has been restarted or revived. 

On August 7, 2019, a little television show called "Beverly  Hills, 90210" that originally aired from October 4, 1990 through May 17, 2000, aired an original take on the "reboot" of series overly popular in today's media.  BH90210 was a twist, as the original remaining cast members (Luke Perry died earlier that year) gathered together, to create a story that highlighted a heightened version of their own lives, still played out on the pages of the tabloid (some more than others) mingled with the beloved characters they had lived before us.  Loyal Beverly Hills, 90210 fans waited with baited breath for this new rendition, uncertain what to expect, only with a keen interest and excitement for the return.  Not only were we excited for this new update to our beloved childhood series, but we hoped for more afterwards.  BH90210 was not continued thus, at least not yet, however still a reboot or another series is highly wanted among loyal fans alike.  Yet, perhaps a reboot of such is occurring, just not in the way we imagined.

Yes, I know that there was another 'version' of 90210 that ran from 2008-2013, however, the OG cast of Beverly Hills, 90210 has spoken openly about how they don't really see that as a viable or canon within the world of all things 90210 (Sorry to the cast & fans of that show, but that's what has been said, I don't make the rules, the OG BH90210 cast does.)  The show BH90210 not only was an original concept for the reboot, but it was also equally produced by all of the original cast members.  A cast that at a very young age had their world turned upside down in a Beatles-Esque frenzy overwhelmingly taking the control and choice from their lives as their own and giving it to us, the clamoring fans, public at large, producers, directors of the show itself.  So, good for them, to take over the power of their story, their lives, their reboot, to act in it but also to have producer power as well.

In young adolescent and teenage years, among many a fan around the world, (yes, many who chased and mobbed them down in shopping malls and other public spaces), I admired, looked up to, wanted to be like, yes, idolized these actors and their characters, papering the walls of my room with images of them cut out meticulously from Teen Beat, Seventeen, and other similar magazines, staring lovingly while drinking in any news, interviews, on their personal lives.  God, did I love them and still do.  

In addition to the posters on my wall, I looked up to them for life advice, insights, and direction, and still find myself doing.  Not yet having the chance to attend a convention where they appear, I watch as the fans today act quite differently than their younger selves, a lot tamer and more respectful perhaps from the maturity of the mind or even the lack of energy of the physical, no longer does the cast have to worry about breathless, fainting fans mobbing the stage as they flee the stage hurriedly, sometimes in laundry carts (See: Luke & Jason!).  Yet, the interest for their lives personally as well as their characters is still heightened and desired, of which, I think is both a longing for a simpler time evoking the warm fuzzies but also as age ascends upon us, we continue to look up towards them for guidance.  As a young person, they seemed not only glamourous, but so grown up.  Now as a middle-aged woman (what?!?), time has leveled out the playing field and I realize that they are only a few years older my senior.  Yet, similar to the struggles of adolescence, I find myself a wash with questions during this transition of 'rowing north' and such as my younger self, I find myself looking for answers from them once more.

Since the release and then loss of BH90210, fans such as myself have continued to clamor for more in the series, or another reboot on theirs and our show, wanting to know 'where the characters are now'.  However, with their recent appearances at conventions as a full cast or only a few, where fans can ask questions directly about the beloved characters they portrayed and shower praises of gratitude upon them, of which I, not able to attend, watch on Youtube and Instagram, spellbound drinking in their laughter, their love for one another, for their fans, their insights, their stories, their thoughts.  Even during the research for this blog, I found myself getting distracted gazing at their photos lovingly, falling down a rabbit hole of Youtube interviews, a never ending longing for the security of youth and connectivity.  Yet, perhaps a reboot of such is occuring, just not in the way we imagined.  Now, I listen with marked interest as Shannen Doherty details with clarity and truth her past history during the show, her struggles with such, life with Stage 4 cancer on her podcast, "Let's Be Clear", Jennie Garth implores us to, like her, choose and love ourselves on her "I Choose Me" podcast, Tori Spelling spills all in her own voice and her truth, taking back the tabloids sought to slander, on her podcast, "Mis-Spelling", Brian Austin Green, with his fiancé, Sharna Burgess, and friend, Randy Spelling, share insights on ways to improve one's mental health on their podcast, "Oldish".  And as I do, it dawns on me, this is the REBOOT, not what we wanted, but exactly what we needed.

We all have pop culture loves we fan-girl over (regardless of gender), that which brightens our lives with warmth, hope, guidance of sort, a comfort, that which stands the test of time as we progress through life, never wavering in the gift we treasure.   It is vitally important for our wellness journey and soul's evolution that we not discredit such love as minor, less than, or unimportant merely because it is "pop culture", for the value it gave knows no difference inwardly than any other facet of our identity.

My Favorite Song - Songwriterz

 

Wisdom From Night Court

 

Over the last few months of this year, I have finally been able to re-watch Night Court reruns, having not been able to since the death of the magical Harry Anderson in 2018, due to grief and the time  needed to heal.  Through the wonders of streaming services, my partner and I have been able to purchase and watch seasons of the episode, starting with season one, through Amazon. 

To say that it has helped fulfill the lonely pang of my heart fraught during this time of recovery would be insufficient in itself.  The magnitude of what that little courtroom comedy inspired and gave to me first as a child, as I grew into my creative profession, and now in this time of healing early trauma is beyond comprehension.  But, thus it does, to which the majority of such comes hence from the magical human that was Harry Anderson, whose presence fills up the rest of the cast to their fullness of capability and creation.  I don't mean to lessen their talent and worth, for on their own they are some of the most talented performers I have yet to see (yes, my bias is apparent here somewhat), but even so, within that talent alone could not suffice if it wasn't for Harry.  There are certain breeds of human throughout this existence of time we spend on this blue and green marble of which we abide that have a spark about them that carries with it the power to uplift and encourage with mirthful love.  Harry Anderson was such and his Harold T. Stone was that such embodiment.  (With no respect towards Melissa Rauch and those involved with the reboot, they have an uphill battle to showcase the sequel with the absence of him.)

As a child, I could not express fully into words or thoughts why I loved the show so yet my heart and emotion knew.  I longed for and needed the comfort found in the presence of Harry and his courtroom.  As I grew as an actor and writer, I see now how the effects of the talent both onscreen and offscreen affected my creative evolution.  As I watch the episodes today, I understand more fully just how divinely perfect the fullness of the show appears, from the writing, the acting, and so much more.  The different cast members who came and went throughout the years, whether it be by death or some other reason, until the right cast was discovered, I can now see just how each character that was brought in was needed to complete the happy arrangement.  For example, Harry, with only Dan Fielding and Bull Shannon as his male counterparts, was lacking, he needed a buddy with a similar mindset and wavelength of which he need not always rescue, assist, or advice, but one who could share the burden of such while also helping him to laugh at the foibles.  Enter Mac Robinson.  As I mentioned earlier, the rest of the castmembers that came along that filled the cast as we recall it most fondly were that which rounded out the Night Court family, nothing against the actors who were a part for a brief time, but in the grand scheme of it all, the right actors that found their way at last to Night Court were what was meant to be. 

Why can I say this?  Because as I watch the reruns, I am struck with the deep love and enjoyment that seems to be infusing out of each actor for each other as they perform together, which colors how their characters feel for each other as well.  As a performer in both film and stage, I have felt this communion with my cast and crew members, a familial bond forms that never dies even with the final curtain call and credit roll.  That is such I see as I watch the old reruns of my beloved courtroom comedy, which is apparent also in the social media posts I read by the remaining cast members as they pore out their grief over the losses of their family.  

This I saw watching episode nineteen of season two, "Married Alive" last night which featured prominently the storyline of Dan Fielding, always bound to be good especially for this Larroquette Fan Girl.  In my opinion, John Larroquette is one of the most talented actors I have ever seen on TV or film, more recognition of that needs to be made apparent today!  It is often wondered how the character of Dan Fielding would fare in today's social climate, with its #metoo worldview and other such reality.  The more I re-watch Night Court I am struck with the reality that Larroquette's Dan is not as problematic as one would think in today's standards and perhaps was more so back then.  He was self-seeking, always trying to get ahead by any means necessary, and most definitely, a horny little devil.  But underneath it all, beat a heart of gold with an extreme sense of honor to his work and loyalty to those he loved.  None other could show this dichotomy of character so expertly as John Larroquette did.  In last night's episode, Dan finds himself in the presence of an socially awkward heiress who he courts with the attempts to better his financial situation, to the disdain and disgust of his courtroom counterparts, most specifically that of Billie Young.  But, as the relationship unfolds for Dan and wedding bells are put on the table, something unexpected occurs, he falls for her.  As he shares with his colleagues in a heart-wrenching, time-stopping, silencing monologue:

Dan Fielding: Yeah okay, okay, I get the picture. And I even understand why you feel this way. I'm not saying there aren't differences. Socially she's a little... underprivileged. But when we're alone, I feel good. Very good. Relaxed, wanted, and accepted. [snaps his fingers] Poof! I mean just like your magic, Harry. She makes my problems disappear, my anxieties subside. I mean God's in his heaven, all is right with the world, there's nowhere to go but up, look for the silver lining, don't give up the ship! And I'll be damned if that's not what each and every one of us is looking for, and I just happened to find mine, so the best of luck to the rest of you. You know that crazy stuff that we all carry around inside of us? That stuff that eats little holes in your brain and churns at your insides? That stuff that you know you cannot possibly tell another living human being? I can tell her. And she listens, and she understands. She says "It's all right. [long pause] It's all right." And it IS.

The episode was chock full of the highs and lows of the nuance of Dan Fielding, I found myself in side splitting gut busting laughter, almost to rolling about the floor, tears rolling down my face, then the silence befall as I took in the above monologue, and lastly real tears caught in my throat at the close of the show.  In the final moments of the show, Dan's fiance calls of the wedding, a human being he has allowed himself to fall for and feel closer to than anyone else, breaks his heart, leaving him lost and dejected.  Momentarily, he finds reprieve in a cute blonde who comes begging for a date, leaving Billie Young and Selma Hacker with much disgust.  But, as they walk out the door leaving him alone with Harry, the two men start to exit when suddenly Dan expels a tearful, "Harry!" and Harry immediately puts his arm about Dan with the comforting "It'll be okay, Dan!"  And, together they walk out the door arms about each other.

That love of one another, both character and especially actor, was apparent in that scene.  The depth of the love and appreciation I have for the show deepened then more fully in that moment than ever before, a show with such beautiful acting, exquisite comedic timing, and great writing, demonstrating the camraderie that the togetherness of creating is truly built upon, never fades, nor dies.  I started to ponder how painful it must have been for John Larroquette to walk back onto a similar set for the sequel, to be alone with a new cast and to be hit with the difference therein.  He's acted in other series and films so much since the original Night Court ended, but to be back in a place where so much love, laughter, and life was shared and to know that never will the faces of those you loved, who supported you, walked with you is painful.  Around each corner did he expect to find one of them, to find Harry, ready with a magic trick, a joke, or a hug.  So, wondering that in my heart, a sob caught in my throat.

But, more immediately hearing Harry's comforting words, "It'll be okay, Dan!" brought upon the strongest wave of heartbreak.  All of my life those were the words I wished for more than ever from him.  Could I get that on a soundbite then, "It'll be okay"?  Such that I could play Harry's words over and over whenever I need them, a sense of comfort and encouragement, a meditation.

It may be that in this time we find ourselves parasocial relationships seem perhaps more paramount than ever before, however, I believe that all connections we make are for purposes decreed from before, a soul contract of connection, whether that be in our personal life or more external.  Nothing that the heart attaches itself to is accidental, but all has a purpose, a lesson, to assist in one's personal evolution towards reaching the higher self.

My Favorite Song

Hear more about my love for Night Court as well as other fandoms of myself and my friends on the podcast, FanGirlHour

"Your Heart is Your Truest Self,

Trust In That Alone

Make Your Dreams A Reality!"