TVSquad

The new 90210 has yet to air but it's already created a tremendous amount of buzz. The return of actresses Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth from the original series has made news, as well as Luke Perry's words that he won't be coming back and Jason Priestley letting the world know he'd be available to direct.

But what about Brenda?

Well, in his new perch at Entertainment Weekly, Michael Ausiello reports that his sources -- producers Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah -- have confirmed that Miss Shannen Doherty is in formal talks to join 90210 in her original role, Brenda Walsh.

Shannen, who is known for being a bit of a bitch on the set -- she had troubles on both Beverly Hills 90210 and Charmed -- isn't signing on the dotted line until she knows the story lines.

If she's as persnickety as reported, she may be the type to count lines. You know, "Why is Jennie getting 12 lines in that scene while I'm only getting 8?" Yeah, that kind of stuff happens.

Ausiello reports that La Shannen is also asking for considerable coinage, i.e. more money than the producers have proffered. She could be negotiating, looking for the best possible deal, but the likelihood of this deal is already looking iffy. How important is it to the CW to have Shannen on the show? Will she ensure that the drama even makes it to the end of the 2008-09 season? Does anybody?

Even if money and story issues are worked out, Ausiello points out the potential personality conflicts if Shannen is signed. She's had squabbles with Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling during the first series run. Would those acrimonious old feelings crop up again if the writers put Brenda and Kelly and Donna in a scene together?

The word is that Shannen is willing to keep the past in the past, and they're all older and -- presumably -- wiser, so maybe it'll work out.

Here's what I think, if Shannen Doherty is necessary to make 90210 a hit, the producers will sign her. If the other actors don't like it, too bad. Suck it up. The chances of a successful run will outweigh whatever qualms in casting. They'd sign Godzilla if they thought it would ensure high ratings. (Is Godzilla available?)

Also, what's the worst that could happen? Shannen acts up and they have to fire her, it's as simple as that in my world. Why over complicate matters?