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Old 06-12-2008, 09:33 PM
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Anti-Brenda Walsh #5: Because She Doesn't Play Well With Others.

Welcome to the Anti-Brenda Walsh thread!

This thread is designated for the people who abhor the character of Brenda Walsh, was annoyed by her attitude, or just plain winced every time she made her appearance on screen.


Credit: SweetSymphony


Just Three Rules:

1. No bashing of Shannen Doherty, cause she is just the actress who had to play this abnormally rude character. We cannot fault her for that.

2. No bashing of the posters that are anti-Brenda Walsh, cause no one should fault us for our good taste.

3. No bashing of the posters that are pro-Brenda Walsh.

Why We Can't Stand the Sight of Brenda Walsh:

1. Because she is the real hypocrite; having the audacity to act like a victim when Dylan cheated on her when she did the same thing in Paris.
2. Because all she ever did was whine.
3. Because she was a 6 year old brat in the body of a 16 year old.
4. Because she threw her childish temper tantrums every time she didn't get her way.
5. Because the best years of 90210 were after she left.
6. Because yelling at her parents were her favorite past time.
7. Because she completely took her brother for granted, often rallying for favoritism.
8. Because she was a near-sociopathic Social Climber.
9. Because she was so defensive all the time that no one could be honest with her.
10. Because she thought that her fears and problems ("I HATE my hair!" / "Mom, you KNOW I don't like anchovies!") were greater than everyone else's.
11. Because she got real holier-than-thou whenever anything good happened to her.
12. Because her whole relationship with Dylan was him comforting her whenever she'd freak out about something.
13. Because she didn't appreciate the wonderful family she had.
14. Because she took her loving parents for granted.
15. Because there was no spark to her.
16. Because "Kelly has microwaved popcorn for dinner."
17. Because she lied to a guy about her age. She shouldn't be shocked when he dumps her.
18. Because we just don't think she was that interesting.
19. Because there was a 'I Hate Brenda' newsletter, in the prime years of 90210.
20. Because she is the real hypocrite who made out with her best friends boyfriend back in Minnesota to break them up.
21. Because karma is a bitch, just like her.
22. Because she got what she deserved.
23. Because she never listens and ends up getting herself into sh/t.
25. Because she was a brat; full of obnoxious, self-serving complaints and complete disregard for those around her.
26. Because who says we have to accept the protagonists they give us?
27. Because Brenda losing Dylan was the best thing that ever happened to her.
28. Because she was too caught up in her own problems to be loyal to anybody else but herself.
29. Because her sense of entitlement is truly out of this world.
30. Because she intended to miss her flight from Paris to Beverly Hills as she chased after Rick and she wouldn’t have returned to Dylan if she had caught him in time. Brenda is only as loyal as her options.
31. Because she was constantly showing off.
32. Because "You and Jake aren't even up there with David and Donna".
33. Because she was always ranking the level of importance that other people's relationships had, and she was always on top in her mind.
34. Because Brenda Walsh was SMUG.
35. Because she had no humility whatsoever.
36. Because she lived for power and prestige, drooling over her own ruthlessness.
37. Because everything was about rank and position in Brenda's eyes.
38. Because her and Kelly may have had a bond based almost entirely on mutual envy, but at least Kelly envied things that mattered, like a sense of family. Brenda envied material possessions and social status.
39. Because Kelly’s mom is on drugs and all Brenda can talk about is how she wished she had a cool mom and life like that. "What’s your biggest problem? So many clothes so little time?"
40. Because she preached about what she was not.
41. Because she was hardly there for her brother; he was always the one popping his head in her room to ask her what was wrong.
42. Because "Come on, Mom. Anybody who is anybody goes to Palm Springs for Spring Break."
43. Because if she was upset everyone had to know (i.e.: slamming doors, yelling, storming off exc.)
44. Because the difference between Brandon and Brenda is Brandon worked for his success and Brenda demanded hers.
45. Because when you start having problems with Andrea Zuckerman, you might as well commit yourself.




Anti Brenda Quotes:

"That means Brenda is being a self-centered little bitch."
- Kelly Taylor from 2.28 Wedding Bell Blues

"She's ungrateful, she's deceitful, she’s irrational. What we got here is a manipulative little girl who is spoiled rotten to the core."
- Jim Walsh from 3.02 The Twins, The Trustee, And The Very Big Trip

"Well, you know us Walshes, boring and predictable."
- Brandon Walsh from 3.22 The Child Is Father to the Man

"I'm no Brenda Walsh, but I think I'm getting the hang of playing someone obnoxious."
- Brandon Walsh from 5.24 Unreal World

"She seems like such a long time ago. Everybody does, man. Just, like, 'people' I knew in High School. Except you ... Kel. Know what I mean?"
- Dylan McKay from 5.02 Under the Influence

"You know what they say, Brandon. Girls mature faster than guys." / "Not in my house, they don't."
- Steve & Brandon from 3.08 The Back Story

"Nobody knows me here. I could be anybody. I could be somebody."
- Brenda Walsh from 1.01 Pilot
Straight from the horse's mouth....

"Everyone here looks like they stepped out of a music video. I don't even have the right hair."
- Brenda Walsh from 1.01 Pilot

"The power to persuade someone to buy something they didn't even know they wanted in the first place, there's nothing like it in the world."
- Brenda Walsh from 2.19 Fire and Ice
Her first lesson in manipulation...

"I'm sorry that everybody is put off by the idea of an independent woman trying to take an aggressive posture in pursuit of a specific goal..."
- Brenda Walsh from 2.19 Fire and Ice

"The verdict is in. He dropped me off first... not only first but before Andrea Zuckerman."
- Brenda Walsh from 2.06 Pass/Not Pass
God forbid.

"To be a bitch or not to be a bitch, that is the question."
- Brenda Walsh from 2.03 Summer Storm

"Brandon, do you have any pull with the year book editor? Because I have two nominations for the most conniving - Kelly Taylor and Dylan McKay."
- Brenda Walsh from 3.16 It's a Totally Happening Life

"Do you ever wonder if there's someone in the world you were meant to meet and then by chance or weird twist of fate you don't and you miss out on your destiny?"
- Brenda Walsh from 3.05 Shooting Star / American in Paris

"It's better to be the rejecter than the rejectee."
-Brenda Walsh from 4.16 Crunch Time


Credit: Steffi

Articles/Interviews

Source: US Magazine (back when it was akin to Interview or Rolling Stone; not the tabloid it is now), by Margy Rochlin, 1993.


SD: "I think one of the main problems is that my character started off very sweet and gradually she became sappy. She takes everything too seriously and feels like she's being
f'ed over all the time. [People] aren't separating Shannen and Brenda Walsh. They hate the character, so they automatically hate me."

Later in the interview [...]

SD: ""I Hate Brenda" - that's not me, that's my character. And I agree. I don't like my character. And the only people to turn to is our writers. They should probably read this newsletter. I don't think she's written properly. I would like for them to make her a little bit more believable - not quite as sappy or bitchy or whatever."


TV’s Poor Little Rich Girls
Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty),"Beverly Hills, 90210"


Please—it was never believable that haughty Brenda wasn’t destined to live in Beverly Hills. It took her no time at all to befriend two wealthy blondes and begin dating Dylan (Luke Perry), the hot, rich bad boy who fashioned himself after James Dean.

Of course, they all eventually turned on her, and she did what any good Midwestern girl would: She went away for college to find her roots and, when that didn’t work, she pursued “acting” in London. If that isn’t typical bratty behavior, we don’t know what is.

TV's poor little rich girls | Metromix Chicago


“Brenda Walsh from Beverly Hills 90210 played by Shannen Doherty, was voted #10 out of the 13 most memorably unpopular characters from hit TV-shows!”

Shannen Doherty : jokaprue@yahoo.com


When Brenda Walsh Was Young: The revolutionary first season of Beverly Hills, 90210.
By Marisa Meltzer
Posted Thursday, Dec. 7, 2006


On their first day of school, Brandon's mullet isn't exactly a fashion statement in Beverly Hills, and he has trouble figuring out which clique to sit with at lunch, while Brenda assimilates more readily, embracing Beverly Hills' plasticity and developing an instant California twang ("byeeeee").

Making the show's female lead the bitchiest character was a bizarre and depressing move for a series that catered to—and was mostly enjoyed by—adolescent girls. […] for Brenda, the end of season one was already the beginning of the end.

The revolutionary first season of Beverly Hills, 90210. - By Marisa Meltzer - Slate Magazine


A Guide to Recognizing Your Partygoers: A Brenda Walsh Is Best Avoided, 5/3/07, by Amina Akhtar

Species: Brenda Walshes
Etymology: Hipsters attempting to dress like the 90210 character. Ironically, of course.
How to Approach: "Brendas are a very dangerous breed. As their famous fictional counterpart so gloriously demonstrated, a hello can quickly lead to a catfight. Warning signs include eye rolling, sighing, blowing of the bangs, crossing arms, and, most dangerous, the raise of one eyebrow while pursing the lips. Whenever possible, avoid Brendas all together."

A Guide to Recognizing Your Partygoers: A Brenda Walsh Is Best Avoided -- Daily Intel -- New York News Blog -- New York Magazine

VH1’s Best Week Ever, 2006:
Then: Brandon’s saucier, more rebellious twin sister Brenda was the primary catalyst for the ever-scandalous, series-long love tug-of-war with Kelly over the reserved intererest of Dylan McKay.

Despite sharing Brandon’s small-town upbringing, Brenda was much more attracted to the turbulent, superficial nature of Beverly Hills teen culture. Brenda experienced the same high school angst and agony as her brother, but wasn’t afraid to vocally, over-emotionally, express her endless frustrations.

After a characteristically-dramatic goodbye kiss with Dylan, Brenda left for London and was never heard from again. While we’ll never know for sure, her time across the pond was likely spent crying, writing bad poetry and sullenly staring at pictures of Dylan for hours on end.

[Brenda will] likely spend the remainder of her days agonizing over all the things she could have done differently, a tragic victim of her own blind ambition.
------

December, 1998, TV Guide:

(Spelling, however, says a reunion is unlikely: "Brenda is in the past. We've told her story.")
-------

AOL Where Are They Now? 2008:
"Doherty's Brenda Walsh was supposed to be the show's heroine, but her whininess, obsession with fitting in and ongoing battles with frenemy Kelly for the love of rebellious Dylan irritated fans so much that she's one of the few TV characters to inspire an anti-fan 'zine."
-------



Brenda Bashers:

SweetSymphony
cliffy spuffy dreamer
kingjames23
Daniella Ivette
barbeegurl00
KellylovesDylan
MusicofNight07
oneflyCHICK
Liz01
Polia*MAD*Fan
nemapasara
Jaime Bee
natehaley23
playgroundDiaries (Except S4/late S3)
LALEY-FOREVER
SMUSH
*Lori89*
90210-Steffi
Courtz BV
KoHannaD
tootyfnfrooty
soul junkie
ashleyn22
lielabet7
Ellie Cameron
Shiri Appleby
Dk Undeniable
emesoohci
CrAshaholic
Kelly_Dylan
robert90210
xxxninaxxx


Honorary "Anti-Brenda" Supporters

Shannen Doherty.

Picture We Love:


__________________
Well I'm sure the guy's out there somewhere.
___ Maybe. But I'm scared to open up my heart like that again.

Last edited by ride the lightning; 06-28-2008 at 09:04 PM
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Old 06-12-2008, 09:40 PM
  #2
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Posts: 131,188
I will not lose this

Quote:
VH1’s Best Week Ever, 2006:
Then: Brandon’s saucier, more rebellious twin sister Brenda was the primary catalyst for the ever-scandalous, series-long love tug-of-war with Kelly over the reserved intererest of Dylan McKay.

Despite sharing Brandon’s small-town upbringing, Brenda was much more attracted to the turbulent, superficial nature of Beverly Hills teen culture. Brenda experienced the same high school angst and agony as her brother, but wasn’t afraid to vocally, over-emotionally, express her endless frustrations.

After a characteristically-dramatic goodbye kiss with Dylan, Brenda left for London and was never heard from again. While we’ll never know for sure, her time across the pond was likely spent crying, writing bad poetry and sullenly staring at pictures of Dylan for hours on end.

[Brenda will] likely spend the remainder of her days agonizing over all the things she could have done differently, a tragic victim of her own blind ambition.
------

December, 1998, TV Guide:

(Spelling, however, says a reunion is unlikely: "Brenda is in the past. We've told her story.")
-------

AOL Where Are They Now? 2008:
"Doherty's Brenda Walsh was supposed to be the show's heroine, but her whininess, obsession with fitting in and ongoing battles with frenemy Kelly for the love of rebellious Dylan irritated fans so much that she's one of the few TV characters to inspire an anti-fan 'zine."
-------


'Drama queen' can be seen as a term of endearment. What you likely mean is that early Brenda Walsh was a BRAT. In spades, and for over 60 episodes! I was so thankful when she grew the heck up and became as lovable to me as the rest of the gang. 'Twas a long, arduous wait, however ... full of obnoxious, self-serving complaints and complete disregard for those around her. Forget the 'triangle'. I took one look at Brenda when I was 9 years old and said, 'Give me Brandon, or give me Death!'. Who says I have to accept the protagonists they give me? (186, #1)

"Showing Off" does not even begin to describe! I'm not sure Brenda did one thing in the first couple years that didn't serve that very purpose. Brenda Walsh was SMUG. She had no humility whatsoever. How could I feel bad for her ... ever? She lived for power and prestige, drooling over her own sense of ruthlessness ... (194, #1)

And how can you congratulate someone who's so demanding of your praise?! (194, #1)

Everything was about rank and position in Brenda's eyes. Her and Kelly may have had a bond based almost entirely on mutual envy, but at least Kelly envied things that mattered, like a sense of family. Brenda came on the scene to be popular and fawned over, to "have" what the people in BH had -- i.e., material possessions and social status -- which revealed her patent superficiality and ruined any chance this show had to be taken seriously. (194, #1)

Another favorite point of mine is that Brenda was hardly there for her brother. Let's acknowledge for a minute that their relationship was entirely about her needs. At least, early on. How many times did we see Brandon open her door and say, "What's wrong, Bren?" (Knowing her, she'd say, "EVERYTHING!" ... which she has actually said ). Never does she comfort him, or even think to do so. And she shows no gratitude for having such an awesome brother until they're literally graduating high school, and she tells him. Again, that was once she grew up, though. (201, #1)

>> Brenda felt threatened about 10 times a day, but 20 times a day when it was a weekend because she had more time to think. (Alexis, 279, #1)

Brenda totally ruined that trio. It felt like, 'Oh, here's my completely devoted boyfriend and my completely devoted bother. Isn't life awesome? All this attention just on me.' I can't imagine how the trio really works out for anyone but Brenda. Luckily, it only lasted 2 seasons. (289, #1)

I mean, I do believe that they [Dy/B] loved each other, but I can't emphasize enough how much I don't think it mattered that Brenda was who she was in order to make that happen. And when that's the case, I have a hard time saying anything that special about the start of their relationship. (289, #1)

I would never reject her due to being down-to-earth and 'less glamorous' than the other characters. Those around her were on their journey towards revealing their substance. She had substance but wanted to replace it with style. At least until college. (269, #2)

When did you realize you didn't like Brenda?
>> I think I realised I didn't like her when she got held up at the Peach Pit and I didn't care (Courtney, 23, #2)

That'll make you second-guess your affections. Sure. I shocked myself when, after a 'Best Moments' special (or maybe it was 'The Final Goodbye'), it took me reading about it in a magazine to realize that all of Brenda's scenes had been cut or blurred out cause FOX didn't have permission to air them. I was like, 'Oh, really? No way.' (24, #2)

>>>In the beginning I loved her!! When I watched it again, I thought "God girl, shut up! You don't have any problems, stop making some!" (Steffi, 200, #2)

>>> yeah as i am re-watching them she seems so whiny and self-absorbed. was it just me or did it seem she always felt sorry for herself though not sure why (Lyn, 202, #2)
-------

To Brenda, Kelly was an asset, and someone to define herself against in order to make herself feel superior -- whether that meant being as or more "Beverly Hills" as her (S1) or the reverse, even, claiming herself as so much more down-to-earth and independent-minded (S3, just watched "Parental Guidance ...") ... when really, Brenda is most often a gigantic poser. In the beginning, it was about congratulating herself on being oh so similar; towards the end, despite all the enormous character growth of her friends, it was about how 'excellently different' she was. Now, I liked her S4. But ANY time she sought to belittle someone else to make herself feel greater, I shelved the Brenda love. (87, #2)

All she saw was what she could "have" and how she could "win". Total warrior mentality. (52, #2)

Every one of her apologies reveals how sorry for herself she feels. Always with the 'but give me a break' attitude rolled in. 'Look, I'm SORRY, okay?!' And then she'll go on to defend herself some more. Like I've said, she has no humility. (29, #2)

She was always too proud to admit when she was wrong. And for someone who was wrong so often, this becomes even more unattractive. (65, #2)

All of this would be so much more tolerable if she didn't demand that the viewer sympathize with her. I felt like her hand was on my throat the whole time watching. (78, #2)

Never trust a character or person in your life who constantly barks about how much 'more mature' he/she is than everybody. Brenda was just trying to prove it was true most of the time. Other characters either knew they were still a teen, and appreciated that, or had been forced to grow up way too fast. Brenda was lucky, but acted all 'oppressed' so often. (109, #2)

Would the gang - and the viewers, have been better served by DeadBrenda?
I would say yes, but not because of any anti-sentiment. It would simply make for a better story. I've, at times, considered how interesting the ghost of her character would be (not literally) if she had basically taken Antonia's place, but in an imaginary S5. That would be a great payoff for all the Walsh/McKay 'torn lovers' angst I couldn't have cared less about in S2. Of course, we found out Brenda would soon be no more as early/late as S4, and I wouldn't change a pixel from that season, cause it's a favorite. So ... conundrum. But, yes. Why not? Let's kill Brenda. It's more tragic that way. And I could use a pang of that, seeing as how I never found her to be the tragic figure/martyr that she's sometimes painted to be. (185, #2)
----------

I'd say 'had to be the center of attention' more than 'had to be the victim'. But being seen as the later is a great way of gaining the former. (111, #2)

Gratitude wasn't something Brenda expressed often. It comes with the territory of thinking one's entitled all the time ... to anything. Because they want to be seen as "special", which was kind of her point while in BH. (161, #2)

>>It makes me so mad because half the time these people were trying to help and she just had to adapt this moronic/nasty attitude and make it seem like they were doing wrong by her when really all they were doing is looking out for her. (Courtney, 175, #2)

Shallow, angry, jealous, mean, smug, childish, and bratty pretty much sum Brenda up when she's showing her negative side/s. (187, #2)

Too many of her sagas were about not fitting in or not being special ... She couldn't stay satisfied with who she was/what she was doing/the friends and family who loved her cause she could never get enough praise. Sounds a bit like she had low self-esteem in the beginning and then began projecting a fierceness of strength later on. Whether that was just to convince others (or herself) otherwise has yet to be determined. (201, #2)

>>>Brenda Walsh was a spoiled, childish brat who could be really unfair, ruthless, selfish and annoying! (Steffi, 210, #2)

And it harks back to the sentiment that she hung out with Kelly to feel better about herself -- at first, cause this was the kind of popular girl she was seeking to win the affections of/be like, and later because she felt she was superior to her on some level. She is, after all, from Minnesota. Don't you know? No shallow people there at all. Only those who transfer out to pursue the 'dream' of living as if they were shallow. (231, #2)

I think the question re: Brenda becomes, 'When does being headstrong (a generally positive quality) turn into just being a bitch (never positive)?' (231, #2)

FutureBrenda
She'd be pretty ruthless and cold in S5, given the turnaround the play fiasco provoked in her at the end of S4. So much for growing up. Then, she'd be ruined in the later seasons like so many others. AND, had she stayed the full 10 years, she probably would have gotten back together and broken up with Dylan a few times. It would have been dizzying and erratic, like the Gina-infused triangles. And speaking of which , oh man, they would have given her adversaries for sure. There'd be an overall question of how this innocent girl from the mid-West came to BH and let the times/environment turn her into a megabitch. What a lovely tale of friendship among a group of kids. (248, #2)

Heh. The unintentional effects of her not returning. It does paint Brenda as incredibly self-serving.

There's really no excuse that exists for ever missing you twin brother's wedding. Steve's and Donna's ... not much better.

In the beginning, only Dylan knew, but she didn't exactly call or come down when he was near-death in the hospital. At some point, it would only make sense that she would have known about the rip-off/drugs, etc. All her friends and family knew and it was on their minds. What's funny is she did call him over the summer once, cause we hear the voicemail. She dialed him COLLECT. Meaning she didn't want to accept the charges, so she couldn't leave a message with her voice. Oh, man. The little details that can now be put in an anti-thread. Anyway, her call was about the fact that she wasn't coming back, so I doubt Dylan had told her about what happened before ticking off his days in Mexico. But hey, if he really sees her as some kind of savior above all, with nothing but unconditional love for him, why didn't he call her and explain what hell he was going through (and I'm talking about before he finds out she's not returning, so anger with that can't be the reason)? He wasn't so broke that he couldn't travel to jolly old England either.

Brenda Walsh is not a saint, martyr, angel, or savior. In fact, the way things played out, she was quite forgettable. (251, #2)
---------

Brenda spends an awful lot of time fantasizing, especially when it comes to romance. She needs to be brought back down to Earth. There's so much air-blowing/hair-blowing in the wind, soft voices/lighting, and just complete over-the-top-ness. She was always looking for the ideal _X_ for herself, based off ... pre-teen cliches. (244, #2)

>>>I think the fact that she loose Dylan was really a good thing to bring her back to reality and show her, that it's not all about her and that she's not his priority anymore and she could loose and that it doesn't matter how often she calls Kelly a bimbo, as long as no one listen to her (Steffi, 245, #2)

30/61/106, etc
>>>Whenever Brenda was cornered, she resorted to name-calling and making cheap shots at her friends, whether it was calling Kelly a bimbo, or accusing Steve of being a loser in life, or slapping Andrea in front of their drama class because their teacher happened to be interested in her instead of Brenda. She's the kind of person who goes for what would hurt her the most, even though she knows it isn't true. It's like when you get into a fight with your best friend and you're so mad at her you start insulting her weight, even though you know she's sensitive about it cuz she'd been called chubby all her life, but you don't care because you just really want to get back at her and hurt her like you imagined she's hurt you. That's just wrong. (Katherine, 227, #2)

13
>> I hate that fact about Brenda too..she's never been satisfied with her own identity. She's always wanting to get to the next level because she doesn't like herself. And poor Dylan was just a victim of her selfish goals. (Jane, 213, #1)

Remember when Donna and Kelly admit to Brenda at the slumber party that ever since she started dating Dylan she's "developed a part of her personality that was just unbearable" and, in D's words, had "become a little stuck up"? Probably cause Brenda had reached that "new level". (214, #1)

53
Always the case. Especially during her break-ups with Dylan, and even when her problems aren't really problems, per say, but merely her seeking out a "new experience" at the cost of her loyalties. Brenda's sense of entitlement is truly out of this world, most exaggerated in S1, but even in S3 she finds Rick, someone who flatters her ability to 'take on the facade of another person' (French, in this case), and she feels it's her RIGHT to pursue this relationship because it's what she needs at the time. Never mind Dylan. It wasn't an act of revenge. She, at that point, knew nothing of his affair. It was just her being too proud that she could convince someone else of her 'awesomeness' and feeling that no guilt should be suffered. It stuns me that it's often forgotten how Brenda chased after Rick at the last minute, intending to miss her flight back to Beverly Hills. How might things have panned out if they caught each other that day? Her returning to her boyfriend was a decision made for her. Brenda is only as loyal as her options. (192, #1)

48
Her comment to Kelly and Donna about the lack of value in their relationships is just so revolting. And poor Donna, who didn't even register the insult until it was too late to smack her. (194, #1)

45/65
There are many times when Brenda and Brandon go to parties and she berates him for not being sociable enough -- not for his own good, but because she's there to network and he has to help her (she even calls him a "jerk" once, for wanting to stay home). When her and Kelly go on that blind date, she makes a comment about how it would do her good to associate with an Ivy league/older/more financially secure man. I know that's pretty typical when it comes to men and women, but Brenda would get way too excited over those qualities for my taste. It's always, "I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind meeting some new people (ie., 'better' people)", with Brenda. (197, #1)

17
She moves out on her own and calls everyone else in her life 'too immature' and just not equipped for such independence/the ability to flourish as a person ... only for it all to fall flat on her head when she gets evicted before the week's up. Meanwhile, Brandon's running for class president and a part of me just *knows* that Brenda did something 'big' just to usurp him in the spotlight. (197, #1)

As much as even Brandon liked to be flattered, he did the honorable thing in the end and handed the position over to the more responsible candidate. Can you even imagine Brenda doing such a thing? This girl never willingly admitted her faults for any reason and - god - if nothing else, I could not stand early Brenda Walsh because she was constantly full of rage. An undercurrent of defensiveness, let's say, that was always there. She was never calm. She was never mature. People, and characters, tend to preach the very things they are not. The qualities they wish they had. (199, #1)

67
Brandon finally goes off about how bored and unsettled he is with his life in "Duke's Bad Boy", S3, after Brenda stammers in there, demanding to vent to him about how her dad wouldn't let her go to Jack's party. Granted, he's watching sports to feed his gambling addiction, but Brenda has no awareness of this or long-term concern. He turns to her, flustered, and says he'll talk to her all she wants after the game. The way he says, "I promise", at the end, and kind of rolls his eyes, I always found a bit funny. He knows his sis is high maintenance and can't think outside of herself. He knows … Heh. She even grabs the remote and shuts off the TV at the first sign that he's not listening to her. (201, #1)

49
I was watching the intro to "Misery Loves Company", S3, the other day and, while I understand that Brenda's upset that she's still technically forbidden from seeing Dylan (even though she has been), the way she comes into that kitchen to greet Donna and Kelly, arms crossed, pouty face, and sulking voice ... even walking slower (there's the passive-aggressiveness!), I thought to myself, 'By god, this girl is laying it on thick.' The whole conversation and atmosphere dies in the room between her parents and K/D. Bren literally 'holds the air' until she gets a reaction. Even if she felt uncomfortable that her dad bought the act and went soft on her with his credit card ... I don't know; it's still manipulation. Other characters sulk on their own, and when they're actually feeling that way. See - and then you cut to S4 and it's a whole different landscape. Like in "Time Has Come Today", that sorrow is real, and sympathetic ... and quiet in nature. That time, her parents had to find her. (223, #1)

10
Dylan/Brandon was the original (post-birth) relationship in that trio, Dylan/Brenda a mere attachment. If Dy/Bn had gone out in "Isn't It Romantic?", I'd be shipping them right now. (203, #1)

30
Oh, dear lord, we haven't even spoke of Emily Valentine. That poor girl got so mistreated in "Wildfire". If Brenda were my friend then, I'd be scared. And so absolutely put off. "Have fun at the GYNECOLOGIST!" What generally nice human being says things like that/makes fun of your sex life? Love that Emily was a virgin and could stop Brenda right in her catty tracks. (243, #1)

17
Her first bitchy line just happened. Donna and Kelly decide not to go to Skye's "political blabfest" that night and Brenda responds by saying, "I guess Skye's just too mature for you." Brenda -- you held your own trading insults at a comedy club. You're not exactly Jimmy Carter. (249, #1)

"You raised me so well ... I'm ahead of myself!"

OMG!
Brenda, on taking her High School Equivalency Test (GED), so she can leave school:

"It's not dropping out. It's getting your diploma early."


Walsh House. Brenda comes in to find Brandon and Kelly in the living room.

Bn: Oh, hi. We were just taking a break.
B: Hey, listen. Don't mind me. It's fine. I've moved passed all this.
K: Excuse us ...
B: No, go ahead. Play your little political games in your kindergarten-like world. I'm off to experience the real thing.

Next thing, Brenda decides to move out.

Who says her parents can't be wildly and incredulously lenient sometimes? Observe:

Bn: I can't believe you guys just let her go off by herself.
Jim: Me neither. Are we doing the right thing?
Cindy: Honey, what choice did we have?
J: Well, she was determined ...
C: And we already said 'no' about the High School Equivalency thing ...

Granted, for all they knew, Brenda was only going to stay at Skye's for several days, but still -- listen to them. 'Well, we did already reject her request to drop out of school, so I guess it's only fair that we let her move out'. OMG!

Back at school, by lockers.

Bn: So, you coming to the campaign party at Donna's tonight? We're gonna show the new and improved campaign video.
B: Yeah, I've got the gist. 'We love him'. Actually, I'd love to but I have to feed Skye's fish.
K: Sounds thrilling.
B: Well, Kelly, when you're finally on your own, you'll understand having responsibilities.

Unfortunately for Brenda, real adult responsibilities include more than just feeding fish. In what might even be the very next scene, she returns to Skye's to find all her belongings being repossessed.

Suddenly ...

K: How's apartment life?
B: Pretty powerless.

Cut to: Brenda back at home, stoked that her mom is gonna make her a tuna fish sandwich. So much for her superior ability to be independent before her time. (253, #1)

56
No, Brenda did not intend to have her friends ripped apart and exploited on national television. Of course not. BUT ... she was willing to risk it, knowing fair well Steve's past experience with the show, for the sake of fame and ATTENTION. Getting her face on camera (she wants to be an actress, don'tcha know?). Her friends clearly did not support her being involved, and I'm not sure they even knew she went ahead and did the interview at first. Now, because the details of the show's distorted edit were based on fact, her friends at least know that Brenda did actually air their dirty laundry, even if she had good intentions. That's enough for them to justifiably not feel the need to apologize for shutting Brenda out when this all initially went down. Poor Brenda? HELL, no! She doesn't understand the scope of her actions and sometimes her impetuousness is far, far from endearing. Brenda was damn lucky it was Kelly, Steve, and Donna that she exposed. Can you even imagine the intolerance Andrea would have for her? Maybe Bren talking about her out-of-district status and/or social isolation. Brandon would also not take this lightly. Dylan?! Oh, how I wish she had talked to the cameras about him! He'd have broken up with her immediately and never, ever looked back. They wouldn't even be friends. And, quite frankly, Brenda would not deserve him. (259, #1)

I'm not talking about nose jobs, here. Everyone had a nose job. When it comes to Kelly, she brought up her reputation as a ****, which could have potentially unraveled so much in her life, which she was trying desperately to change. The fact that Brenda knows her former behavior and sometimes falsified rep was the consequence of a freshman year rape just makes it so much worse. Why even go there, to a reporter? Who in their right mind actually thinks a tabloid journalist would put out a piece about how a sweet young girl had been wrongfully trashed in society and was strong enough to come out of it? Even if her wishes were granted and Beth decided to go with a piece that was simply 'beautiful and heroic' in nature, don't you think B owes it to her best friend to maybe get her blessing about discussing her sexual past with a TV network? I mean ... I don't even believe Brenda has such impaired judgement, usually. Wow. That could have started things up again at school completely. Not like Kelly didn't already have enough self-hatred? A true best friend would know that and keep it in mind. And I'm sure there are no circumstances where Donna would want B to have her learning disability broadcasted, even if she's been 'triumphant' over it. (261, #1)

To top things off, I even hated the way Brenda seemed to try and improve Beth's impression of her by accepting all those cigarrettes. Well, she was always a "wannabe" in all categories, anyway. Had no interest in defining herself for herself until college. (261, #1)

She didn't take Steve's warning seriously because she thought she knew better. Because she always thinks she knows better! ... Because she's more "independent" and "mature" than everyone. Which is untrue. (271, #1)

>> I wish Dylan had been in town and found out about the way Brenda had gossiped about Kelly like that on national TV. I would have loved to see his reaction!! (Katherine, 283, #1)

He would have said, "I can't BELIEVE you!", just like he did when she almost published his sex life without permission. (284, #1)

16
Brenda can't muster an ounce of sincere happiness for her brother's success without sulking and bitching about the fact that it's not her reaping the benefits. And then she hassles Brandon for special favors and actively upstages him. She rolls her eyes a LOT in this episode. Practically every scene where she's not Laverne and everyone's loving her. Damn, she even belittles Brandon's abilities as an actor while he's applauding her own. Listen, I know this is all relatively harmless, and just something siblings do. But I just can't imagine finding this girl likable. She's childish. And I'm not at all proud of her. (298, #1)

106
Yes, it sucks to have friends who would assume you'd sleep your way to the top. Of course! And I'm not even justifying that, but there's a few things to keep in mind before burning all her friends at the stake until the end of time -- so long as they apologize:

1. Roy Randolph was famous for sleeping with all his leading ladies.
2. The ones who entertained doubts (K, S, Bn) were the same castmembers who actually SAW Brenda's audition, and in everyone's words, including her own, she flat-out blew it. On the other hand, Laura gave the performance of a lifetime, and this was openly acknowledged by the director himself, in front of everyone.
3. It's not true that Kelly and Steve instinctively believed the slept-with theory. Steve first says to Laura that it just isn't Brenda's style. And when Steve runs Laura's accusation by Kelly, she assures him that there's a simple explanation as to why Bren got the part ("Last night, she went over to Randolph's and he gave her a second chance", stated in a tone that in NO way implies that she suspects the worst).
4. Kelly's later suspicions are supported by the fact that Roy had already come on to her. Her words, not mine (though there was obvious flirtage).
5. Also, in the scene where Brenda meets Roy for the first time, she blatantly sucks up to him AND flirts, and we get to see his turned-on reaction.
6. But nevermind all that. I doubt the people behind 90210 would want viewers to be disgusted with half the characters, truly, so they gave us the most questionable final scene ever in the episode before, where we see Brenda show up at night on his doorstep in a sexy dress talking about how she's gonna prove to him that she can be Maggie the Cat. And the music! By god ... I was like, 'Oh, no, Brenda. Don't do it. We love you. Come back. *gasp*
7. Um, have I mentioned how much this qualifies as special treatment that she thinks she's entitled to? Everyone else got one audition and it was clear it'd be the last. Gotta admire her balls, but she freakin' CHEATED to get ahead. That, she is guilty of, so I'm not proud of her.
8. Ha! If you look closely, even David believes the rumor. Donna reprimands him, but she's also famous for being naive and overly trusting.
9. When the rumor became widespread, it was Laura, not one of Bren's friends, who was responsible. I can't imagine watching this episode and thinking that her friends 'finally' got something on her to 'bring her down'. This show was not that dramatic, and these are still a group of friends who deeply love each other. WTF?
10. "One more thing, Laura. I may have missed rehearsal, but I am still Maggie. And you still have nothing. Except for Steve. (cryptic laugh) Which is ... kinda the same thing now, isn't it?" Okay, Steve is a colossal jerk if he helped Laura spread rumors, but notice how unfathomably quick Brenda becomes even more base and immature than those she feels threatened by. What's next? Name-calling? Words that remind me of Brenda: get, have, win, better, etc. Get over yourself. It's like she's trying to take over the world, one play at a time. Lust for power is not attractive to me, and this is why I am able to Brenda-bash.
11. Even Brandon said, "Ya gotta admit, Bren, it could look a little peculiar to people".
12. Though intrigued at first, Kelly stops Steve in his tracks the second time that she thinks he's gonna trash-talk Brenda, showing that she has no personal vendetta against Brenda and is not enjoying this for her own benefit (Remember: she wanted Brenda for the part!). In fact, everyone feels horrible for doubting her, including Steve after seeing Laura clearly (hey, we already knew he could be dense, and 'follow his zipper').
13. No one outside of Steve (and Laura, to the viewer) ever outright accuses her of sleeping with Roy, anyway. It's not used as a point of attack, or something to guilt her over. And they apologize.
14. Steve only fell into this conclusion because he was dating Brenda's understudy. Poor behavior and judge of character, sure, but we can see how he was influenced and, in my book, he's not beyond redemption, after some groveling.
15. Donna admits to Brenda that she was hesitant to call and apologize because Brenda had just automatically assumed that they were all ganging up on her, when really they were just trying to let her know what's going on (the rumor). This speaks directly to my impression that Brenda is always a thousand times too defensive and prone to 'attack mode' for anyone to be honest with her about anything ... ever. And she always assumes the worst in people/projects her own cattiness onto them unjustly.
16. Am I the only one in the world who noticed something odd in Brenda's speech to Laura, as she's trying to convince her not to kill herself? In such a traumatic situation, I think you should be able and willing to say ANYTHING that will persuade the person to live. Brenda's big pitch is that "maybe" she can convince Randolph to give her "a few shows too." Laura is about to hang herself and Brenda's subconscience still refuses to give up the lead! I'm not at all suggesting that Brenda wanted to see any harm done to Laura, or that she wasn't very shaken up over the whole matter, but still ... it's funny. It's like the writers made a mistake which just so happens to fit in with Brenda's earlier, relentless nature.
17. Mm. First Emily, then Laura. What's with people losing their mind around Brenda?
18. Finally, Brenda alluded to Kelly that she believed she was also capable of living up to the rumor, what with her quip after K says she had coffee with Roy. "Yeah, I bet."
19. Both Brenda/Kelly and Brenda/Steve made up.

And this, keep in mind, is an episode/season where I think Brenda is pretty sympathetic. Yet look how much can still be ranted about because it has traces of S1-S2 behavior.

About the B/K Randolph feud, the shortest thought would be that Kelly did not pursue the role of Maggie with honest intent to accept it (which is a shady thing to do to Brenda, yes) until Brenda stormed in and bitched her out for consenting to an audition (that she didn't take seriously), raging on about her entitlement to the lead role when it was an open casting call. There was no 'pre-meditation' on Kelly's part. For Pete's sake, the girl helped Brenda with her lines and was leaving the theater when Roy begged her to humor him with an audition. Kelly never thought in a million years she'd get the part, and would have told Brenda how things went if Bren hadn't heard it from Laura first (Ha! Now she's falling under L's influence, just like Steve did) and go on to assume only the worst intentions from her best friend, Kelly. Cause it's Brenda against the World, don'tcha know? (26, #2)

>> If I would come to someone who pleased me to do a casting, then screamed on me because I get a role I never wanted before asking me what had happen and then looked at me that way when I come over to talk to her (what is not my part after her show!) ... I would smile at her and would say something like "You know what? Kiss my a*s and do it well because it's the only thing you will ever see from me!" (Steffi, 106, #2)

Isn't that [pic] the very second she hears that Kelly dropped out, too? Like, 'Well, well, well ... who's insubordinate now, bitch?' That's what it looks like she's saying. Never forget this line: "I may have missed rehearsal today, but I am still Maggie. And you still have nothing." I don't condone Laura's crazy, unfair activities at ALL, but it doesn't justify me rooting for the success of anyone who would say something like this. It's obviously how she felt about the role from the beginning, Laura or not. Now I'm somebody, and you all are nobody ... Well, I guess she finally fulfilled her superficial wishes from the Pilot. "Nobody knows me here. I could be anybody. I could be somebody." Funny how initial insecurity can inflate to warrior-like ego trips. (107, #2)

It's disgusting. She didn't have the depth of character to supersede this 'me against _x_' mentality. You know, when in doubt, always consider Donna's words as gospel, no matter who's being set straight. What I forgot to mention when we had the whole 'play' discussion is that D was shocked and appalled to see Brenda "ragging on Kelly at lunch" like that. "Oh, yeah. Really hurts me in the director's favorite [sarcastically, about the life experience K had with an alcoholic mother influencing her audition performance]." Then Brenda proceeds to suck up to Roy just as she sees Laura doing so. D: "I suppose now Laura's a sleaze too?" / "No. She is just keeping up. Which is exactly what I should be doing, riiiiight?" Cue Brenda ditching her friend promptly. Listen, when Donna is looking at you like 'WTF', you know you've become a bitch. (159, #2)

109
>> Shannen was leaving the show and they needed her [Brenda] to go out with a bang...literally hahaha (Alexis, 31, #2)

Brenda should be happy for her brother's success but all she can do is navel-gaze about her own. In one of Brenda's last scenes, she watches Brandon on TV, meeting Bill Clinton, and all she can do is look around at how proud her parents are of him and wonder what she can do to make them as proud of her. Disappointed, she blurts out, "I want it, Dylan [for her parents to look at her like that]." That's all well and good, but why do I get the feeling that Brenda hasn't mustered an ounce of appreciation for her brother that doesn't connect to her own goals? Girl didn't even crack a smile. I see the so-strong-it-makes-you-stupid envy she had in S1 never really went away. (32, #2)

57
>> The different between Brandon and Brenda is Brandon worked for his success and Brenda demanded hers. (Alexis, 34, #2)


45/S2, "The Pit and the Pendulum".
[to Brandon, who cares that the conflict of money and power will soon eradicate the Peach Pit and Nat's very soul]:

"At least I'm not too wrapped up in my own principles that I've forgotten how to have a good time!"

Way to go, Brenda. Run off to the Sorority party to schmooze with the daughter of the man who's gonna bring Nat down. Insult your brother while you're at it. Call him a jerk. And embarrass yourself by implying you put less value on your own principles than on the pursuit of networking. Also, declare your support by saying, "I love Nat too. I mean, he even named a milkshake after me." The keyword there being ... "me". (48, #2)

I just thought her statement was kind of alarming. Like, I know Brenda has morals/principles/opinions/hunches of her own, but so often throughout this show she's willing to sacrifice them to be better liked by someone else. And that's actually pretty weak. Maybe I could handle it if it didn't make her so friggin' whiny or, sometimes, ... mean. (50, #2)

67/68
"I know making Dylan choose between me and Kelly seemed like bizarre thing to do. But I never thought it was a contest. I never thought that I would lose."

It pisses me off a little because -- not knowing that Dy/K had their fling at all -- this means that Brenda was willing to enter her best friend into a "contest" where she was postitive she'd get hurt (ie., 'lose'). Leave it to Brenda to put it in those terms too. Kelly had more reason to think Dylan was honestly conflicted, seeing as he never fell out of love, per say, but was just tired of Brenda's crap. Brenda, though, saw Kelly as a pawn, then, in "winning" Dylan back. (Remember: She broke up with him to date Rick , among a mess of reasons) (55, #2)

She always breaks up with Dylan. Then raises hell once he moves on. And if her not showing up to his Dad's release party was taken as a sign that she was unwilling to fight for him, let's not forget the real reason she didn't attend (ie., disobey her father for the hundredth time): She didn't think Jack was a good man. She was "relieved", on some level, that she couldn't go. She admits this to Brandon. In other words, Dylan's suspicions were right, and it's profoundly evident that he would not 'move on' with a woman who had no faith in his relationship with his father. To believe that Jack could change was the equivalent of believing in Dylan at that point. Kelly was his greatest support in that respect. Brenda crumbled under the weight of her own judgments. (57, #2)

>> And the only reason she wanted to go was because Kelly was going and she didn't want her to have the advantage on her -- not because Dylan had asked her to. Once again, she was only looking thinking about herself. (Katherine, 59, #2)

>>>Brenda yes, she was very good to Dylan when Jack died, extremely good to him. BUT that doesn't erase the fact that she wasn't there for him when Jack got released from prison. "It was almost like now that Jack is dead, I can be there for you now Dylan because I don't have to deal with your evil father being around. I can totally tackle this problem." She was picking and choosing what feelings Dylan had she was willing to put up with and deal with. (Alexis, 64, #2)

60
It's a bit annoying to think that Brenda resolved to agree that their summer flings didn't mean anything and move on ... and then the minute Rick shows up, it's like, "You know what? They do mean something." And she proposes they break up. (72, #2)

41
Brenda was never mature enough to admit when she was wrong. It was more important to be relentless and "persuasive". Power without merit is fine in Brenda's eyes. How obnoxious was it when she went to her parents to double-team Brandon about letting her use his car whenever? She actually speaks FOR them, and before they have time to really respond to B's demands, cause Bn comes in right away. She knew - hell, they all knew - that she was a horrible driver, but that was besides the point. Entitlement was the point. (91, #2)

23
>>The first break up - selfish and unnecessary! She hurts him [Dylan] and she enjoy the fact, that he needs and wants her!! (Steffi, 94, #2)

28
I was enlightened to find that she does call herself a "supreme bitch" in Pass/Not Pass, but the line is not so clear. I think she says to her mom, "Yeah, (in fact I was?) a supreme bitch."

Cindy: "Brenda!"
B: "Well, mom, I was. I was petty, I was mean ..."

But this is making Brenda look too good. This is just about the only time I can recall her admitting her faults. Guess you gotta slap someone to realize you've been out of line.

God, she is such a prima donna in this episode! Watch those expressions! And how she disses Andrea to Brandon. "He [Chris] dropped me off first, and not only first but before Andrea Zuckerman." Who has the snobby attitude now? And if you think she never looked down on David, you're wrong. "Camping Trip", in the beginning. (137, #2)

15
Brenda only felt so insecure about Dylan [15]-- that he would be having sex with any girl she saw him interacting with -- because it was early in their relationship and she still had that warped image of him being "too cool for her", because she sincerely thought of the world in such superficial terms. (161, #2)

17
Brenda's first big episode where she decides that she's BETTER than everyone else, or at least more mature (she actually calls Brandon and Kelly 'infantile', and that they're playing 'kindergarten games' while she's in the real world!), then she falls flat on her face and feels no remorse for insulting everyone that's supporting her. (162, #2)

10
>>Get to the so loved Isn't it romantic episode and let me think about it. Brenda's feelings for Dylan were "He's so cute and cool" and nothing more. They were going out and had this really strange situation with Jack which ends up in kissing each other!! Okay... so what? This put them into a "And NOW we're soulmates and nothing is more important than you for me"-Situation?! It must have because Brenda was so full of lovesick when that boy, who she doesn't really know, had ONE simply date with, doesn't come to the second date, that she wasn't able to go on living, but has to cherish her broken heart and soul the whole weekend and on monday, because she couldn't go to school!! I'm still surprised that Jim and Cindy let her stay home because of... NOTHING! Jesus, what a Drama-Queen! (Steffi, 160, #2)

The fact that she falls into such "dramatic despair" after only having one date with a guy who she thinks of mostly as 'cute' and 'cool' at this point [10] shows a lot more about her need to take things to the extremes (unmerited, even) than it does about her honest feelings for him. That sulking was about her feelings for herself. Hell, she didn't even get the story on Jack yet. Didn't she mention something also about being embarrassed to show her face at school again, having been stood up? So much for her superior inner strength. It's almost like she thinks she's been rejected by the 'best boy in school' so it's all downhill from there, and I don't mean that in a romantic sense because she's not in love yet. She's just getting to know Dylan. (161, #2)

44
I love Brenda's small moments of hyper-defensiveness when she can't handle the truth about her own actions and instead blows up at people. Brenda and Kelly were obviously flirting with Tim, the aerobics instructor, but only one of them is single. Kelly says something to allude to their flirting, completely as a friend and with a smile. Brenda stops jogging and turns serious to take the stance of, 'What? What do you mean? Not me! How could you even suggest that?' This is a super small moment, but it's part of a pattern. I think, even, that there's a scene in S3, around Christmas, where the whole group is reprimanded for their lack of cooperation and Brenda still has to call out to defend herself mercilessly. She can't even accept responsibility as part of a collective group. "What do you mean, all of us?!" Oh! And who ends up actually kissing Tim less than 30 minutes later? Brenda. (168, #2)

64
Merry Brenda Walsh Christmas!

3.16, "It's A Totally Happening Life"

B: Donna, I need to talk to you!
D: What's up?
B: Look, Dylan and Kelly cannot go to the school with us.
D: Why not?!
B: Because we're not speaking to each other -- that's why not!
D: Again? What happened now?
B: Nothing happened, alright? All I know is I worked hard on this project. I should have some say as to who gets to go.
D: Bren, you know that's not the way it works. Besides, who's gonna play Santa?
B: FINE! If you think those two are more valuable than me, then cross my name off the list!
D: Brenda!

Sheesh! When Donna tells her she's making up her own petty, self-serving rules, Brenda doesn't even blink before yelling that last line and storming off like she's 6 years old. No consideration for Donna, or the other people who've worked hard on the trip to the Alvarado Street School, or the kids at the school ... Is Brenda's need to kick people out of charitable events really going to make things better? (her relationships with them, or the world - you pick) Check out how she compares her "value" to others, and forces people to take sides. You tell her, Donna! (197, #2)

18
There goes our Brenda regarding Dylan as an asset again, one that can be "stolen" and "taken away" to gain status. Not that it wasn't a funny dream.

33
>>>I watched "Leading from the heart" and it's horrible how Brenda treated Kelly. She treated her like a shallow stupid girl who doesn't have any feelings, who never felt anything real for another person!! (Steffi, 255, #2)

Kelly did nothing to incite a reaction from B like that or to imply that she wouldn't take Bobby seriously. And K just took all the insults, too, until being able to calmly speak her mind with Bobby at the end. I remember Brenda implying that her best friend (who at that time had not betrayed her) was a bimbo, but did she actually say that? Brenda, if you're so superior and 'too good' for your friends, why not cut them loose? Praise yourself in utter solitude if you have to. (257, #2)

Even the show, by the end, makes it clear that all conflict was a result of Brenda, Brandon, and Bobby's fears and hang-ups, not Kelly's, as evidenced in her speech with him and his speech to Brandon.

Bobby feels out of place at the party and miserable because he can't dance and expects Kelly to break things off with him just as any other girl would, in his eyes. She says nothing insulting, he beats her to the punch by telling her what she's gonna feel and do soon, leaves, and Brenda's right there with an immediate, "WHAT. DID. YOU. DO?" And wow, yeah, Brenda never apologizes. By the end, we learn that it wasn't Kelly being shallow at all. It was Brenda, who would only consider a shallow perspective. (258, #2)

Dialogue excerpts regarding Bobby:

B: Kelly, he's really not your type.
K: What's that supposed to mean?
B: Nothing.
----
K: So I finally get to meet this dreamy cousin of yours.
B: Kelly, there's something that you should know about Bobby. He is cute and he is over 21, but three years ago he was in an accident. And now he's paralyzed from the waist down.
K: Brenda, I'm sorry.
D: Me too.
B: Look, he doesn't need your pity! So if you're gonna act weird around him, let's call the whole thing off right now.
K: Why would you even think that?
B: Look, I just get a little over-protective of him sometimes. He used to date a girlfriend of mine back in Minnesota. And she dumped him right after the accident.

Implying that her friend would do the same.

When K is alone with Bobby after the charades game, B says, "Goodnight, Kelly", and gives her the eyes, implying that she shouldn't spend any alone time with her cousin. From there on out, it's Bobby who pursues Kelly. And pretty hard, too. I had forgotten he kisses her.

Bn: What's the problem? So they like each other ...
B: Yeah, well Kelly can be really flirtatious.
Bn: So can Bobby.
B: I just don't want to see him get hurt again, that's all.
Bn: What are you saying, that Kelly can't really like Bobby because he's in a wheelchair?
B: Maybe.

Beyond the '****' question, Kelly just isn't the type to set out to hurt someone. By this point, it's been broken down for us that Beverly Hills natives are real people too, and Kelly is actually really sweet. So why can't her best friend recognize it? I'm sure if Brenda wasn't related to Bobby, and not dating Dylan (or maybe even if she was, lol), she'd be pursuing him as well (see Tim, the skydiving instructor, Dylan, to name those K was interested in too and she knew about). And you know what? These would be her hang-ups and tendencies. It's called projection. (260, #2)

7
Brenda was less likely to understand the full depth of people's problems simply because she was so focused on herself. In the fashion show episode, Kelly says that things with her mom at home can be tough and that she has problems some people don't have to think about, and Brenda goes, "What, so many clothes, so little time?" Learn the lesson of the show, Brenda! (275, #2)

17
>>>Brandon for President and Brenda for Selfishness! (Steffi, 277, #2)

At first, she was nervous about being a "dork with no friends" on the first day of school so she begged Bn to look for her at lunch, presumably so they could eat together. But then she meets Kelly in chem lab class and they end up eating lunch together. As they're walking by the lunch tables, Kelly's explaining to her that it's so easy to become a social outcast and not to get caught eating lunch alone, "like that guy", pointing to Brandon, who she didn't know was Brenda's bro at the time. And what did Brenda do? Instead of introducing him to Kelly like a good sister would, she pretended she didn't know him, had lunch with Kelly, and left Bn to eat alone, like a "dork with no friends." … BUT when they went to Marianne Moore's party, and Kelly expressed casual interest in "that boy over there", then and only then did Brenda proudly admit, "Oh, that's my brother, Brandon." (Katherine, 13, #3)

What's with Brenda pretending things with guys? She has a secret identity for Jason, Rick, ... she lies to Chris Suiter about her likes/dislikes just to 'beat' Andrea for his affection. (15, #3)

If I were a shrink, I'd say Brenda doesn't really like who she is so she fabricates these identities in order to be happy in her own skin. That was the only way she seemed to be able to function since her family moved to Beverly Hills. (Katherine, 16, #3)

It's even little, subtle things that remind me that Brenda is only trying to 'win' at all times. Remember when Brandon says her outfit looks better than Kelly's and she smiles big and squees, "Really?" This is episode two, so you know this isn't a B vs. K thing for me. I didn't even like Kelly yet. But still, just so obnoxious! Why do you care? Great. You win for Most Superficial New Kid. Can we just go to the beach now? (17, #3)


The Pilot was weird all around, but Brenda is besot by dreamy possibilities as opposed to real, hard relationships, so the dramatics don't surprise me. It's like a toy has been taken away from her. 'But ... but I really wanted a cool older man lawyer-type as my boyfriend'. (19, #3)

Brenda's negative and superficial actions throughout the series made viewers root for other characters when she was supposed to be the female protagonist of the show. (Katherine, 22, #3)

She didn't realize [or appreciate] that she had it so good with Cindy. All she saw was Kelly's fancy car, fancy clothes, fancy house, no-rules lifestyle and chic mother. (Katherine, 22, #3)

Remember Bren's speech to Brandon when she's considering going to the University of Minnesota? About how her real friends are over there, cause it's back home that people like you for who you are and not what you look like? It had been 3 years since she moved to Beverly Hills and got to know the gang quite closely. She still hasn't learned the lesson of the series (a la Brandon's speech in "The Green Room", episode two)? So irritating when Brenda thinks she's more "real" than everyone else. Everyone had grown around her and revealed themselves beyond the Beverly Hills stereotypes. She just can't move past them, apparently. Which is a notion that also totally conflicts with the speech she gives Darla Hansen once she's back in her hometown and everyone's presumptuous of her life out West. (26, #3)

Brenda loved to think of herself as a bigger and better person with higher morals than other people around her. The reason why she wanted to go back to Minnesota was to be with people more like her...more "real". Why did she hang around her "friends" in Beverly Hills if she looked down upon them? That speech she gives Brandon just goes to show that she didn't really think of her friends as friends. After everything she had seen with Kelly, or gone through with Dylan, the fact that she could still only see them as the stereotype that was created for Beverly Hills shows that she is a very shallow person. She's willing to change the facts, so she can feel better about herself. She's nothing but a bully, and when she got to college in Minnesota, all her friends could think about was her being that sterotype. She got a taste of her own medicine, she couldn't take it, and she ran back to California. I don't know why her "friends" put up with her attitude. (Alexis, 27, #3)

she was again foiled in the popularity thing in Senior poll when Bn won most likely to suceed and she of course won nothing. I guess she thought her being friends with kelly, donna and dating dylan would boost her popularity. probably the only reason she was friends with the rest since she obviuosly thought they were beneath her (Lyn, 59, #3)

Now that's obnoxious! Nothing like the thrill of empty persuasion ... Just the power of it all. 'I lied to them and they bought it hook, line, and sinker!' My god, what would Dylan think? 'Another day making people feel inadequate to get what I want', LOL. Perhaps that job would have suited Brenda just fine if it weren't for her OWN commission being ripped off. Then, she grows scruples. I couldn't stand her playing saleswoman to David. This is your friend. Just be yourself. This isn't Paris. (75, #3)


Re: S5 and beyond:

See, from where I sit, it's not that Brenda was 'just so special' in the least. Not at all. It's the fact that the show lost it's main character when she left. And then continued to lose more. That's why things began to suck. You can tell when the crew (and even cast) are so stressed about living up to the show's potential amidst change that big gimmicks start being utilized, and often more general changes (attempts to be fresh/reborn). This inevitably shreds the fabric of a show, along with sheer length of time. Four years is a standard, healthy period for a series. It's not the fault of different characters and couples that the quality of the first four years couldn't be maintained. If they're already established strongly (as I believe Val was in the beginning), they're just going down with the ship. That's my take. And if Brenda were on that 'burning ship', oh ... how her character would be ruined! I'm glad my impression of B was able to end on a good note. Early childish brattiness gives way to post-Cat On A Hot Tin Roof bitchy vengefulness? No, thanks. (60, #3)

She was so angry, defensive, and cold a lot of the time. Complete with childish little retorts with that, 'Oh, yeah? Well, at least ...' tone.
Like, I get it. You're rubber, I'm glue ... I'm not still in elementary school, am I? Strong and mean are not the same thing. (85, #3)

The thing is, you just don't talk about the weaknesses and deficiencies of your friends behind their back like that. And if your motives really are altruistic ("Well ... do I get to be on camera?" - okay, scratch that), you get their permission to nationally broadcast about it - whatever the outcome! ((110, #3)

Totally agree about Brenda's sore jealousy issues. I mean, that was a funny moment, but the fact that she does actually care touches off other, not funny ones, lol. Deep down, she thinks everything is a conspiracy if it doesn't go her way. Funny how the lesson to be learned from the Senior Poll is, quite literally, that it doesn't matter, and here Brenda is on a completely different wavelength. (110, #3)

I just watched a clip or two of "Something in the Air" to verify a quote, and I came across a small but amazing pass-the-blame scene, starring B. Walsh. Everyone is called in to Mrs. Teasley's office while the whole thing with Donna is going down. When Brenda spots Dylan, Andrea, Brandon, and Steve already in the waiting room, she says, "Is this what I think it is?" Then the gang all talks about how Donna must have sold them out and they'll all soon get in trouble for drinking that night as well. Brenda looks visibly fearful. Then, when Mrs. T comes out and the group understands that she only wants them to write letters of support for Donna, Brenda quips to Steve rather sharply, "I can't believe you thought that Donna ratted on us!"

S: "Oh, come off it, Brenda. We all did."

Thank you, Steve, for stating the obvious. (123, #3)

We're supposed to be so sensitive to the fact that she's growing and learning, but lord knows she didn't have that same sensitivity for other characters. Brenda was a real 'knock 'em when they're down' type of girl. (126, #3)

I was watching the Halloween episode the other day in S2 and I couldn't believe she actually had the nerve to tell Kelly that her dress was too much after she almost got raped!! I mean, WTF!! Who says that?!??!!! She is actually blaming Kelly (her best friend) for almost getting raped!! NICE BRENDA. (Liesl, 132, #3)

Yeah, I mean I doubt that was supposed to be seen as a bitchy moment for the girls, but when you watch in hindsight you're just reminded of B's whole outlook when it came to OTHER people's sex lives. Basically, if she's mad, you're a tramp. Her cutting remarks are so base and immature ("if it walks like a duck ...", "Have fun at the gynecologist!, "I am still Maggie and you still have nothing", "At least I wasn't second best/choice", and "... or [we all have] our legs to uncross") that I forgive any harm or perceived harm done to her in the moment she says these things. Brenda is the most unholy of bitches when she feels threatened. It's not every episode or 'who she is' in any complete sense, but her negative moments are so disgusting that I could write her out of the show and not miss her. (137, #3)

She was kind-hearted and not meaning to step on anyone's toes. It was completely within her jurisdiction to go out with McKay, too. She did NOTHING wrong, esp. since she had no idea who he was in relation to B or even Bn. I don't remember hearing a 'Thank you, Emily. I was such an ass to you before and I'm sorry for that.' No, instead she sees Dylan down the hall, her prize returning, and gives Em the brush-off. A sweepingly special scene, this was not. (139, #3)


I certainly wouldn't have just forgiven someone for telling my darkest secrets to the first person that came along. That would take a whole lot of repenting, not just some pouting and the "oh, feel sorry for me I'm the real victim in all of this" attitude that Brenda likes to portray. (Jaclyn, 159, #3)

Oh, Brenda had lots of moments that merited her putting her tail between her legs, but I don't recall her ever doing all of the above at once: 1) admitting she was wrong, 2) actually feeling sorry for what she did and/or apologizing, and 3) withholding the need to go into a loud, ultra-defensive tirade of some sort to cushion her image, show she's "a fighter", and basically negate numbers 1 and 2. I like women's strength and independence, etc., but Brenda ... most of the time she was just being a teen with a callous attitude whenever challenged. That's not the same thing. (173, #3)

It's amusing since I usually go for the bitchy brunette characters I.E. Brooke and Blair, and feel bad for them when the best friend sleeps with their boyfriend, but Brenda is just so unlikeable. (MusicofNight07, 200, #3)

this thread makes me smile. i didn't realize that there were so many other people out there who couldn't stand brenda. yeah, the first half of the series is way better than the second half in my opinion, but i don't credit brenda's character being involved in the plots for that. she should not get all the credit for the "glory days" of 90210. (allison, 220, #3)

Ah, yes, the cancer scare or as I like to call it "giving me false hope". (Jaclyn, 247, #3)

Okay, getting back to the horrible disorder that is Brenda Walsh's personality; she exibits one of my pet peeves in the episode where everyone is starting rumors that she slept with that vaguely creepy director for the lead in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. When she finally stops being a bitch long enough to realize that her friends were trying to help her by telling her about the rumors she says "I'm sorry, but...". No true apology has the word "but" in it because if it does, it's not an apology, it's an excuse. She always wants to think the worst of everyone around her and she doesn't want to ever admit when she makes a mistake and jumped to the total wrong conclusion. (Jaclyn, 267, #3)

[If she died] You're right. That completely unjustified and ridiculous 'martyr complex' would be front and center. Brenda is just a girl, not a fallen angel of epic proportions (unless they were to tie her death in with the Marchettes). You know, losing a boyfriend you cheated on and broke up with hurts but it's not the most tragic thing that can happen to a person ... nor the most unique. What else is she famous for losing? Oh, yeah. The friends she looked down upon. (88, #3)
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Old 06-12-2008, 09:45 PM
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Whoo hoo! #5!

I sooooo need one of these.
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Old 06-12-2008, 09:47 PM
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Where did you find that?
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Old 06-12-2008, 10:08 PM
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I can't read a word on this page, but they had that shirt on it...
Wendy Magazine >>> Psychia
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Old 06-12-2008, 10:37 PM
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Awesome.
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Old 06-12-2008, 11:10 PM
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Don't forget to add the 3 other article citations at the top of that big post. Titles are in bold. And I know 1 or 2 more are missing from the second half of the last thread. I'll have to go back sometime, and also pick up a copy of my second 'long post'. It STILL needs to be organized.
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Old 06-12-2008, 11:37 PM
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Oh I translated that page for you Jaclyn

Translated version of http://wendymagazine.free.fr/wendy-magazine-psychia.html



I'll fix it up a little later Mel, I have to go in a second.
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Old 06-13-2008, 12:05 AM
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I love reading translations...they're so nonsensical. Did Madonna really wear an "I hate Brenda Walsh" shirt to the Grammys?
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Old 06-13-2008, 12:11 AM
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I don't know Thats funny if she did
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Old 06-13-2008, 12:17 AM
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Yes, it is. I can't think of a better fashion statement to make.
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Old 06-13-2008, 12:23 AM
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O Thread 5 is up
Nice, nice...
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Old 06-14-2008, 10:01 AM
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New thread!!!!!!!!
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Old 06-15-2008, 07:44 AM
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Cangrats on the new thread
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Old 06-15-2008, 09:40 AM
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I hate Brenda! When she started smoking in Paris I thought that was stupid. I hated Laverne too! She's so dramatic...ugh
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