This review was originally written on Epinions.com.

Season 3 of Beverly Hills, 90210 was probably the most important season of the show’s run. By the third season, they had quite the fan following. This wasn’t a top ten rated show by any means, but for the demographic they were targeting, it was an immense success. There were many reasons that this was such a monumental season for the show, including one entire season long storyline love triangle. Not only that, but the teenagers from West Beverly High were seniors and the entire season was focused on them graduating and moving on.

But the season began in the summer and Dylan (Luke Perry) and Brenda (Shannen Doherty) were still in the midst of their rocky relationship. Kelly (Jennie Garth) and Donna (Tori Spelling) were supposed to go to Paris for the summer, but Kelly opted out. This lead to Brenda’s parents, the great Jim and Cindy Walsh, to send Brenda to Paris to get her away from Dylan. This is what happens in Beverly Hills. You irritate your parents because you miss curfew and instead of being grounded, you get sent to Paris.

Dean Cain in pre-Superman fashion is featured in the Paris episodes as a man Brenda meets and undresses with her eyes. But she pretends to be French so that he doesn’t know the true her. David Arquette also shows up in Season 3 as Diesel, a wannabe rocker who is the ex-boyfriend of Brandon’s young sophomore squeeze Niki. Seth Green plays a nerdy high schooler who gets set up on a double date with Brenda and Kelly. Burt Reynolds also shows up in a cameo on an episode in which a con woman uses Brandon and Steve to steal money from people who expected her to give them a Hollywood Tour.

The season long love triangle was expertly done. With Brenda in Paris, Kelly and Dylan get to spend time together and fall in love. But they try to honor their friendship with Brenda and you know how that works. Since Brenda also has something going on in Paris with Superman, the viewer feels the issue is fair and there is really no bad guy. Except, Shannen Doherty is so much of a better actor than both Luke Perry and Jennie Garth, she steals every scene and you start to feel sorry for her even though it’s almost a fair situation. Well, I guess if Dean Cain was Dylan’s best friend.

(One of the things that is changed about this DVD because of license issues is a memorable run where Brenda plays Losing My Religion all the time because she’s depressed. The song is sadly changed here. What really should’ve been played is Biz Markie’s Just A Friend. Oh baby you, you got what I need. But you say he’s just a friend …)

The big blow up of the season causes Brenda to call Kelly a “slut” and then tell her that if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck … Pure greatness. The storyline doesn’t really become finalized even at the end of the season and would go on for the next season.

You might be wondering about the living legend Brandon Walsh. The big deal for him the entire season was the fact that he couldn’t hold a girlfriend. But inside of that, he also does a bit of gambling. There’s a lesson here kids. Don’t bet money that you don’t have. The subtle attraction between Andrea (Gabriele Carteris) and Brandon is continuous even as she finds not one, but two boyfriends throughout the season. Brandon goes through a couple of women himself, including one who is racist, and one who gets beat up by her ex-boyfriend.

For some reason, David Silver (Brian Austin Green) decides that because he’s a junior and everyone else is a senior, he’s going to double up on classes so that he can graduate early. Never once is it stated how he does this. The only information we’re given is that he needs help on the morning radio show that he does for the high school. Steve gets in a bit of trouble with his grades which leads him to do devious things, get in much trouble, and then for some reason, hit a lucky half court shot at a LA Lakers game and win some money. Sometimes, the sun shines on a dog’s a**.

Other than the love triangle, there are two big subplots that the season will be remembered for. Dylan’s father, who is in prison because of money laundering, makes a deal with the FBI (though we don’t learn this until later) so that he can get out of prison. Jack McKay, is played by Josh Taylor who was also the dad on the Hogan’s Family (which originally starred Valerie Harper and was called Valerie). He has never been in Dylan’s life but is making up for lost time. In a very memorable episode, Jack goes to move his car, and the car blows up right in front of him. His dad’s death plays into Dylan’s character for the rest of the season.

(When Dylan screams “No!!” it’s nearly as heartbreaking as when Ritchie Valens died in La Bamba and his brother Bob screamed, “Ritchie!!”. Two of the most heartbreaking screams of all time. Fast forward to about 1:10 to see heartbreak. One of the few times I’ve ever shed a tear in a movie.)

But what this season is really remembered for is three words.

Donna

Martin

Graduates

Or, as to say it like the kids at West Beverly said it, “Donna Martin graduates!” Wash, rinse, and repeat about 500 times. Right before prom, the school board tries to pass a new rule that if anyone was caught drunk on prom night, they wouldn’t graduate with the rest of the class. And guess who gets drunk? 85 pound Donna Martin, that’s who. That great man Brandon Walsh puts together a plan that leads to everyone walking out of their finals and marching and protesting the school board to see to it that Donna Martin indeed graduates. It was BWalsh at his greatest.

Like I said, this season was the turning point in the series. Because of this season, season 4 would shoot up in ratings, doing the greatest ratings the show would ever do. The season long love triangle keeps the continuity of the show in tact, though there are some odd ball episodes that don’t really fit in, including a wacky one where an angel and a man presumed to be God argue over whether they should change fate in order to make sure the kids from Beverly Hills don’t die in a car accident. Yes, this episode happened.

At the end of the season, we are lead to believe that the gang is splitting up with Andrea going to Yale, Brenda moving back to Minnesota for college, and Dylan wanting to go to Cal Berkley. The rest of the crew moves on to California University. Go Condors!

How can a child be too good?

I read an article on ESPN.com today that made me shake my head.

It concerns a young boy who excels at baseball so much that they don’t want him to pitch anymore. He was too good. So good that the league made sure that he couldn’t pitch in any of the games.

Little league baseball is about fun and a little bit of competition. But there are rules in place to make sure that kids aren’t pitching too much, every child plays, and that coaches don’t over exaggerate the situation and try to win so much that they put the health of the kids in jeopardy.

But according to the article, it could be something else.

Jericho’s coach and parents say the boy is being unfairly targeted because he turned down an invitation to join the defending league champion, which is sponsored by an employer of one of the league’s administrators.

Jericho instead joined a team sponsored by Will Power Fitness. The team was 8-0 and on its way to the playoffs when Jericho was banned from pitching.

The Little League attorney (um, an attorney runs the league?) says that’s not the case at all and it’s just that he’s too scary on the mound, and thus the kids don’t want to face him.

I get that, but the way to handle this is to make sure you limit what the kid can do on the mound. Let him throw only one or two innings.

Thankfully, my experience with Little League baseball wasn’t like this last year. I’ve experienced some interesting things playing Little League when I was a child, but never anything like this.

All this tells me is that Little League baseball is faker than pro wrestling. Word to Mick Foley.

I shortened the title to this post. “These Are” didn’t seem necessary today.

I was in So. Cal this weekend and Jessica and I finally saw The Dark Knight. What a great flick. There was such an immense attention to detail and the director’s vision was so creative, yet logical at the same time.

It was the first movie that Jessica and I have seen together in person, and I’m not sure there’s a more fun person to watch a movie with. I’m not the type of film watcher who shuns people who talk during movies. If someone wants to make a comment, I can both watch the film and pay attention to their comment at the same time. I know there are some people who need to be completely focused at all times, or else they can’t get into movies. I’m not that guy. But she is the single loudest person in the theater. Even when she knows to expect to be surprised, she still screams and jumps in her seat. She laughs at most of the punchlines, even if they aren’t great. But she’s also really good at seeing where things are going several minutes before they happen. And she voices that out loud as well. So if you don’t see where things are going, and don’t want to know, you’re going to have to just tune her out.

I just finished watching the gold medal basketball game between Team USA and Spain and it was an excellent basketball game. Spain was the perfect underdog. They were fundamentally sound, but had just the right recipe of players to match up against USA. But man, they play some bush league basketball. I understand that when you play the more talented team, you have to do a few things to try to take them out of the game and see if you can upset their composure. That has been the achilles heel of Team USA, even when they were still winning gold medals. But it didn’t work here and it just made Spain look like a bunch of loud mouthed jerks. They set screens high on players before half court. They hold guys when they’re trying to run back on defense. And they do so much pointing and yelling and screaming that you would’ve thought they were getting screwed out of something.

Pau Gasol tried to hold Dwight Howard when he was running back on defense and Howard slapped backwards with his arm, and in the process, flicked Gasol in the face. Gasol came back on defense and after Howard was fouled, got right in his face and pretended like he was going to start something. And his brother Marc, who looks like a man who just came from the woods, was pure thuggery on the court. But mix in a nice little touch and good footwork around the bucket, and he’ll be a good bench player in the NBA. Spain was good enough to play the game straight, but I guess they felt the only way they could compete until the end was to try to play the game a bit roughly. That’s fine. But then don’t flop on every play as well.

I jokingly had a talk with the kids the other day about playing baseball again. I just wanted to gauge what they thought about it. And they were all for it. They have watched me play almost a hundred times, but they were so young that they don’t really remember.

I thought back as to why I quit, and part of the reason was the divorce. I probably didn’t blame that, and it wasn’t the biggest reason, but the fact of the matter is, when you don’t have that support, it’s much harder to take up an entire Sunday afternoon to play baseball. I also remember being scolded by my dad for continuing to play when Brian was playing flag football on Sunday. Now, I can’t remember the last time I was scolded before that and this was only a few years ago, but I remember him saying that I have to stop being selfish and be with Brian and help him. I didn’t say it at the time, but it did bother me a bit, but it wasn’t his fault that it bothered me. I pretty much keep my feelings close to the vest. And at that time, baseball was my only real release from what was going on at the time. It was the only way I could stop life for a few hours and feel normal again, like my life wasn’t crumbling before me, which is what divorce and separation feels like. Of course, my life didn’t crumble, but that’s what it was feeling like at the time.

But my reason for playing again doesn’t really have to do with that. I don’t need it for that. I don’t have to try and put life on pause. It’s fine now. And I don’t miss the competition all that much either. I remember when I didn’t play last year, someone asked me if I missed it. And I honestly didn’t. I just didn’t think about it much. After playing baseball for 23 straight years, I probably did need a break. But I guess the reason I think I want to play again has to do with the fact that I stopped playing to take care of a situation more so than because I truly wanted to. It would’ve made my life much harder had I decided to continue playing. But now, not so much.

There are so many things I need to do before I can even apply myself to playing again. When I stopped playing, my wrists were in pretty bad shape. And after being on a computer for many hours every day since then, I doubt the pain is gone. In fact, all I have to do is play softball or even grip and swing a bat a few times and the tingling in my hands and wrists comes back. I also need to get back into shape. I wasn’t really in playing shape the last two years that I played and it showed. I played ok, but not like I wanted to. But I also didn’t have Jessica, who is a licensed massage therapist, to put me back together after every game. She can probably help take that next day pain away. And it will be great to have that support again.

Will I play? Who knows. A few things need to fall into place first. I’d love to play again on the right terms though. I probably don’t have many years left. JJ is a baseball fanatic. Brian has some talent to play as well. Maybe it will be fun for them. And they are at an age to where they can remember watching me play. I think I was at least 14 when my dad stopped playing completely. I remember those games well.

I know I do.

September 2nd y’all.

The Summer Olympics are more than half way over. Thus, our question was very timely. What Olympic event could this celebrity win a gold medal at? I gave you a clue. It was by a guy, but then again, how could you not figure that out already?

Who could have sex the longest. I think that’s an event I can do well in.

Here were the guesses.

Kim said, “Diddy!”

Wow, Kim was quick.

Money Mike said, “That would be Sean John P. Puff Diddy Daddy Combs.”

I think you just about got every name for the former Puff Daddy. You know P. Diddy got the keys to the city right?

Low Jones said, “Probably not the right answer…but I’m going to go with The Hedgehog.”

Blake loves answering Ron Jeremy for nearly every one of these.

Miko said, “Hmmm this hard. Could be anyone really. My vote is…shet…I have no idea. LOL.”

Way to guess Miko!

Eddy Zucko said, “Kobe, whether you want it or not.”

Kobe can jump over an Aston Martin. No man gets to have another special talent if he can do that.

Jessica said, “I don’t know, but my sister wants his number.”

She probably doesn’t. Not unless she’s ready to catch a shoe from J. Lo.

Cactus Jim said, “That would be Cactus Jim, of course! Actually I have no idea, but my guess would be George Bush because he’s been screwing me non-stop for almost 8 years.”

I’m sure that early on his life GDub could go for hours. But then again, he was probably on some stuff.

Hea Jin said, “Diddy and a turkey sandwich after he is finished please.”

You want the turkey sandwich after he is finished? You’ll be waiting a long time.

The Coach added, “And a sugar cookie…”

Don’t forget the pack of skittles.

Check the video for the answer. He spells his own name for you.

I remember when Martin used to be great. I’m not sure it was ever better.

Check out Christopher Reid better known as Kid from Kid ‘n Play.

Yet another Super China Buffet Day has passed and my belly is full. I guess that means it was a success.

This year, we took Eddy Zucko’s advice and went to the Tropicana Buffet. It didn’t have as great of a name as last year’s buffet. That one was called the Yummi Buffet. The main reason for the switch was simply cost. The Tropicana Buffet was about half the price and if you closed your eyes, you couldn’t really tell the difference in the food quality.

This year, we had a few more guests celebrating this great day. Last year, it was only Eddy Zucko, Double Bri, Double J, and me. This year, in addition to us, my sister, cousin Miko, Hea Jin, and Young Randall came as well. They’ve heard about Super China Buffet Day~! for a few years now and they wanted to celebrate with fried meats, sweet shrimps, and terrible puffed pastries.

Double Bri and Double J understand the excitement around the day, but they simply don’t like the food. They tried to get me to change it to Super McDonald’s Buffet Day~! or Super Tacqueria Buffet Day~!, but I wasn’t going to budge.

(For those who don’t know, Super China Buffet Day~! is a celebration that was created by F4WOnline’s Bryan Alvarez. It was declared that on SummerSlam Sunday (I had to do mine on a Saturday because of previous plans), members of the F4W Empire would gather near and far to meet, greet, and eat with other members and/or friends and family.)

Only on Super China Buffet Day~! can you see two men (Eddy Zucko and Young Randall) bump butter buns.

Only on Super China Buffet Day~! can you eat such terrible food in large quantities.

Only on Super China Buffet Day~! can you see pizza and frog legs together in the same restaurant.

We had our fill and more importantly, just had a great time eating on a great day. It’s up to someone else to find out where to house our celebration next year. But if Double Bri and Double J have their say, we’re having a Super Fresh Choice Buffet Day~!.

You can see the rest of the images here.

After playing their best ball in their win over Greece two days ago, Team USA turns their attention to Spain, who is also undefeated through their first three games.

1st quarter

• Kobe just ran over Pau on a screen and Dougie Collins said it was good because that’s Kobe telling Laker teammate Pau this is real. It’s damn real.
  
• There’s been a Carmelo sighting. He just hit a three to tie the score at 7.
  
• Dougie Collins just said that in 35 minutes, Jason Kidd has taken zero shots.
  
• If anyone is fired up, it’s Lebron. He might run over and through someone today.
  
• When I grow up, I want my arms and shoulders to be large and cut like Lebron’s.
  
• Um, Lebron just ran over someone. He now has one foul. Kobe already has two.
  
• If they had a gold medal for most tattoos, Team USA would win.
  
• Spain is running a half court trap and poor Chris Paul is going to be banged around a lot. But he’s the perfect guy to break it.
  
• Paul to Wade makes the score 29-16 and Spain has to call a time out. That’s what they get for doing the slanted eyes.

2nd Quarter

• The first quarter ended with USA up 31-22.
  
• We have an early Tayshaun Prince sighting. He immediately hits a three and then throws a lob to Lebron for a dunk. And then his next three was blocked. The good and the bad of Tayshaun.
  
• Kobe finally hits a three and Team USA is now up 14. But then he gets his third foul and has to leave the game.
  
• Chris Bosh isn’t only the better player for Team USA, but everything picks up when he’s in the game compared to Dwight Howard.
  
• Team USA is 7-10 from the three point line and is up 16 with four minutes left in the half.
  
• A Carlos Boozer sighting! Unfortunately, he took Tayshaun out of the game.
  
• A Boozer buzzer beater puts Team USA up 61-45 at the half.

3rd Quarter

• At halftime, the song Basketball by Kurtis Blow played throughout the arena. In China!
  
• Carmelo is hot. He just hit his fourth three pointer and USA is up 22.
  
• Kidd finally took a shot and made it. It was a layup off a fast break.
  
• DWade just blocked a layup attempt with his forearm and sent it out of bounds.
  
• That was a pretty boring quarter. Team USA is up 86-63.

(Why is it so hard to find a video of the Dwayne Wade alley oop to Kobe Bryant from Thursday where he threw the pass falling out of bounds and with his back to Kobe?)

4th Quarter

• Craig Sager is talking to Tina Thompson who has some great soup coolers by the way. But I did watch some of the women play yesterday and they are even more vicious than the guys. They play to kill immediately.
  
• Lebron threw an alley oop to DWade, but his pass was late and DWade was already up in the air. He did flush it, but he clipped the rim on his way down and fell. Not the greatest oop, but just shows you how athletic DWade is.
  
• Team USA is now up 29 after a Michael Redd layup.

It was at this point that the kids could take no more. They didn’t want to watch the butt kicking any longer and wanted to play some PS3. With Team USA being up by 33 at this time (with 3:28 left), I obliged.

We need some Hacksaw Jim Duggan right now. USA! USA! USA!

(The final score was 119-82.)

Check out the latest trailer for the new 90210. Don’t blink or you’ll miss Shannen Dougherty and Jennie Garth reprising their Brenda and Kelly roles. Where’s Tori Spelling? Looks like ol’ Donna Martin won’t be with us. They weren’t willing to pay her enough.

I think very soon we’ll see David Silver and Jasper’s Law performing at the 15th reunion for West Beverly High singing, “Keep It Together”.

Baby it’s you girl
You know you got it going on
Let’s keep it together …

The dude is official. You only get an IMDB page if you’re official right?

Albert recently graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA in Film Production and was tapped to be the Cinematographer for an IFC series called Pushing Twilight. It’s shown on IFC in between shows and also on their website.

You can see Albert interviewed here in an online extra.

It was nearly three years ago when I said that Albert was walking the talk. He’s making moves y’all.

Here’s what he sent me to pass on to everyone.

Please watch at least some of it so IFC will think it’s HUGE and maybe I can get another job out of this and Joy won’t have to divorce me.