The final episode of Beverly Hills 90210 aired on May 17, 2000, and brought closure to the lives of our favorite characters. The ending drew mixed reactions from fans, as it attempted to wrap up multiple storylines and provide a sense of resolution for the beloved characters we had grown to know over the years.
In the last season, the show’s focus shifted to the characters’ adult lives and the challenges they faced in the real world. From marriage and parenthood to careers and personal growth, the characters were confronted with mature decisions and consequences. Fans were eager to see how their favorite characters’ storylines would come to a close.
One of the central storylines of the final season revolved around the wedding between Kelly Taylor (played by Jennie Garth) and Matt Durning (played by Daniel Cosgrove). However, the wedding was interrupted by Dylan McKay (played by Luke Perry), Kelly’s long-time love interest, who returned just in time to confess his true feelings for her. This led to a dramatic love triangle that kept viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Meanwhile, Brandon Walsh (played by Jason Priestley) had moved away from Beverly Hills to pursue a career in Washington, D.C. While he remained a central character throughout the series, fans were left wondering if Brandon would return for the final episode and find his own happy ending. The anticipation surrounding his potential reunion with his former friends and love interests added an extra layer of excitement to the show’s conclusion.
As the series approached its final episode, the characters faced their biggest challenges yet. The death of a beloved friend, financial crises, and personal betrayals all tested the strength of their relationships. However, in true Beverly Hills 90210 fashion, the characters came together to support one another, finding solace in their shared history and the bonds they had formed over the years.
In the emotional final episode, fans were treated to a heartfelt reunion as the original cast members returned to celebrate the wedding of Donna Martin (played by Tori Spelling) and her high school sweetheart, David Silver (played by Brian Austin Green). This nostalgic gathering allowed fans to reminisce about the best moments of the series while providing closure for the characters they had grown to love.
The episode concluded with a flash-forward that revealed the characters’ futures. Kelly Taylor ended up with Dylan McKay, finally allowing their long-lasting love to prevail. Brenda Walsh (played by Shannen Doherty) returned to Beverly Hills to pursue her dreams as a theater director. Brandon Walsh, despite not physically appearing in the final episode, was mentioned as being happily married and having a successful career. These conclusions left fans somewhat satisfied but still longing for more.
In the end, Beverly Hills 90210 concluded its journey by offering closure to the characters fans had connected with over the course of ten seasons. While some fans may have wished for a more definitive conclusion, the ending left room for the imagination of viewers, allowing them to speculate about the future lives of their favorite characters.
Twenty years have passed since the final episode aired, and Beverly Hills 90210 remains a beloved part of television history. Its unique blend of drama, romance, and coming-of-age narratives has left an enduring impact on pop culture, creating a lasting legacy that continues to resonate with audiences today. Whether you loved or questioned the ending, Beverly Hills 90210 will always hold a special place in the hearts of its dedicated fan base.