It seems The CW has officially enticed Heather Locklear into reprising her role as the savior bitch of Melrose Place. She’ll return to the sexy apartment complex on the network’s new remake starting Nov. 17. Here, a refresher of what we have in store, from the season Locklear came to the rescue of the original. (Why oh why was it so satisfying to watch her eviscerate poor Allison, the character we were supposed to actually like?):
Of course, Locklear will be joining original Melrosers Laura Leighton and Thomas Calabro — who were baked into the DNA of the redo, which revolves around the murder of Leighton’s Sydney Andrews — as well as Josie Bissett and Daphne Zuniga, who’ll also be showing up this season. And there’s no denying the pleasure that is watching Locklear as Amanda Woodward. But I’m also wondering if the new show — struggling to gain its ratings footing in comparison to official CW hit Vampire Diaries – is ODing on nostalgic guest spots in a desperate bid for buzz instead of making its own way, just like 90210 did last year. Mini-Locklear Katie Cassidy has potential as the resident troublemaker, but she’s yet to truly find her villainess groove — could the on-screen comparison hurt her?
What do you think, PopWatchers? Is a Locklear guest stint too distracting? Or is there nothing but upside to more Amanda Woodward in the world?
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Still not sure this will work. It just feels desperate. Kelly, Brenda was there from the first episode last season on 90210. With Kelly staying around… With Melrose Place; I don’t think it was needed to be made over. And now this just feels like they are desperate. And I am not sure Heather can make a the same inprint that she did in the original series. If a remake is going to work. It needs to work on the new characters and not on the backs of old ones…
I totally agree with you Stacey. I loved the old Melrose Place but I couldn’t get through the first episode of this reboot. I don’t think even the lure of Amanda will change my mind. The problem is people like me – who watched the original – don’t really care about a bunch of 20 somethings hanging out in Hollywood and the gossip girl crowd (the demographic they want to attract) won’t be interested in any of the old cast. It’s a lose/lose situation. Heck, I’m only still watching 90210 because I’m hoping Kelly will be back soon.
yes, and the acting is so…stilted. Especially the Amanda-like character. And of course Ashley.
Melrose was my favorite show. Watch the first episode of the new one and tuned out. I’ll watch now that Amanda Woodward is back! Love Heather Locklear she’s the best.
The biggest problem I’m having w/ the new show is the sound track constantly playing in the back ground? It takes away from the “real feeling drama” of what the show is suppose to represent? Heather is going to help, however, she nor will the original cast fit into that new aged music ALWAYS playing setting.
Yeah, good point! Too much music on CW new shows especially 90210 and Melrose Place (and in the later, the music doesn’t even fit in!).
Gossip Girl always have great choices of music (The Transcenders, keep up the good job). The vampire diaries and The beautiful Life are following the same way.
I felt the same way about the soundtrack, thought I was watching a music video at times. I think Amanda will be a great addition to this cast and hopefully she will give Ella some advice on being a real screen bitch. The only good story lines are involving the original cast, and that of the hooker aka Lauren, watching the old episodes of Amanda and Allison going at it in the office’s of DND is priceless!
…as Jilly said, I too tuned out after a while. I have saw EVERY episode of Melrose Place…I lived for “Monday are a Bitch” and like the original, Heather ignited the show…its was kind of dry at the beginning w/ a few of the original people.
Amanda Woodward can’t possibly hurt the show. Amanda IS Melrose Place.
Didn’t Amanda (and Peter) fake their own deaths (with the help of Michael) in the series finale of the original series?
Yes! Amanda and Peter did fake their own deaths, were very happy and going to live Happily Ever After! I am so disapointed they brought her back. It ruins the original for me. Why can’t they leave a good ending alone!
Unfortunately, this won’t be Heather Locklear we’ll be seeing on Melrose – it will be some caricature of the women we loved to hate. Why do these beautiful women feel the need to destroy themselves with plastic surgery. Heather just looks scary now. I feel really bad for her.
That is exactly the reason I think this is a bad idea. Heather Locklear looks horrible. Just imagine seeing her face up close in HD, that will not be a pretty sight. Also it will look stupid seeing Amanda, who is much older than the current crew, trying to go up against them. I actually like this Melrose, especially Katie Cassidy’s character. This stunt casting will only hurt the show.
Seasoned characters are always fun to watch, and Kattie’s character needs a few tips on being a back stabbing bitch, need someone on the show we love to hate
I haven’t seen the new Melrose Place, but if it is like the new 90210 it will have problems. The new 90210 is dark in character, the sets are dark and distracting, the characters are not interesting, too formulaic. They need Brenda and Tori FT. I’ll watch the new Melrose with all of the old cast back. Amanda/Heather – fabulous fun to watch!
Heather will be killed the first 15 mintues like Sydney was. The show killed the best thing it had going for it and will likely do it again to prove another point.
need I say it? they’re jumping the shark
I ponder this… with all the fresh new talent in the world, why do tv networks keep dusting off old scripts/tv shows and actors. Can we please move on?
Ok…I know it’s just TV…But in the FIANL (ehem!) episode of the original…didn’t Amanda and Peter fake their own deaths …run away to the tropics…to never be found again…and have their story covered by Michael (with the help of a HUGE pay-off the was irresistable)???
Now she’s back like nothing ever happened?!? I am sure the IRS will be-a-knocking
I have been trying to watch the Series Premier since it aired. I watch about 5 mins and then tune to something else. As others I really like the original Melrose but I just can’t get into the new one. I’m not sure that even Heather Locklear can save this one. I’ll be surprised if it lasts the first season.
*shrug* I’ll happily be the lone dissenter… I haven’t had time to sit down and watch the 2nd episode yet, but I actually kind of liked the first episode. It built on the past with the old characters and set up enough story possibilities for the new characters to carry the show forward.
It was campy, it was trashy…. it was exactly what I would have wanted out of a new Melrose Place.
Matt, I agree. It’s not like they can just start MP again…the plots have been interesting and I’m giving it a chance. Liked the first ep a lot. It will be interesting to see how they can bring Amanda back into the mix…I’m so there.
I’m with you Matt. Saw the first episode and thought it had some interesting tibbits. Will be watching the 2nd and 3rd episodes this week.
I agree 100%…and I also still haven’t seen the second episode yet
the show is great and the characters are right for the time, I love watching Sydney on the screen and her evil ways, can’t wait to see what the have in store for Amanda…waiting for Tuesday’s to be a REAL BITCH!
HAHA! I love that clip! Get her, Amanda!