Teen Drama Links for September 19, 2023

Sep 19, 2023

I’m furious over “90s Con” and that “Beverly Hills, 90210” cast members took part in the convention this past weekend — but not for the reason you might think.

Yes, I think it’s inappropriate that “90s Con” took place despite the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

But what’s really had my blood boiling since this convention date was announced is the fact that it was held on Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest times of the year for members of the Jewish faith. Observing this most important holiday means not participating in any activities (no traveling, no working, no writing, no commerce) — much less festivities like “90s Con.”

This convention is already exclusive enough, as only those fans with the financial means can take part. I wrote about the financial burden associated with these types of events earlier this year. And now, instead of fostering inclusiveness, the organizers went and made it even more exclusionary by holding the event on a weekend when most Jewish fans could not attend.

They wouldn’t hold this convention, and the actors wouldn’t participate, on Christmas or Easter. Well, Rosh Hashanah, with Yom Kippur, is like our Christmas and Easter, so I find this incredibly disrespectful. And I think it’s shameful that several Jewish “Beverly Hills, 90210” cast members participated despite the holiday.

Fab Five Events was supposed to hold its convention this past weekend as well, with a handful of “One Tree Hill” cast members set to attend. It was only postponed due to the actors strike. Had it taken place as originally scheduled, I would’ve been just as outraged over the timing as I am with “90s Con.”

It’s hasn’t always been easy being a Jewish teen drama fan. Sadly, this past weekend is another reason why.

See more on this issue as it relates to “One Tree Hill” in “Best of the Rest” below.

SAG-AFTRA Strike Update

News and notes…

So, as noted above, “90s Con” still took place despite the ongoing strike.
- Teen drama participants included Jason Priestley (Brandon, Beverly Hills, 90210), Shannen Doherty (Brenda, Beverly Hills, 90210), Jennie Garth (Kelly, Beverly Hills, 90210), Ian Ziering (Steve, Beverly Hills, 90210), Tori Spelling (Donna, Beverly Hills, 90210), Brian Austin Green (David, Beverly Hills, 90210), Gabrielle Carteris (Andrea, Beverly Hills, 90210) and Lee Norris (Mouth, One Tree Hill).
- Garth launched “I Choose Me” merchandise at the event with Kelly’s face on it. Given that you’re not supposed to promote your character from stuck work, this seems in direct violation of the strike rules. Same with Spelling’s “Donna Martin Graduates” merch. Of course, Garth and Spelling have yet to even acknowledge the strike is happening even though it affects their podcast (and careers), so I can’t say I’m surprised — but it’s outrageous nonetheless.
  - I can’t help but wonder how the writers-producers feel (especially given the writers strike) about Garth and Spelling profiting off of lines of dialogue the writers-producers created.
- Ziering also broke the strike rules by showing off a “Beverly Hills, 90210” calendar. (Instagram)
  - As a reminder, here are the rules regarding what is and isn’t permissible at conventions (and similar rules apply to social media): long version / short version.
- You can watch the “Beverly Hills, 90210” cast panel here.
  - It wasn’t until eight-ish minutes in that the strike sorta came up, with jokes about former SAG-AFTRA president Carteris “keeping track” of no-no references to the show and characters.
    - Spelling seemed to be making a concerted effort to not make references (ironic, given her merch sales), while Garth, Ziering, and Green named things they shouldn’t have.
    - I did think it was odd, though, that Carteris seemed to stop Green from talking about “Special Forces: The World’s Toughest Test.” That is not struck work, so he should’ve been free to discuss it.
  - It wasn’t until about 37 minutes in that Carteris was specifically asked about the strike and what people should know about it. She celebrated the union allowing them to be at the event and mentioned some of the issues actors are striking over.
    - Notably, Carteris didn’t post on social media about the event at all — but apparently she, too, was selling show-related products, which is just stunning to me.
  - Also of note: Doherty announced an iHeart podcast called “Let’s Be Clear” that will launch on November 13.
    - Describing it as a “live interactive memoir,” Doherty said, “So you get to hear everything that I’ve refused to say before. I’m spilling the tea, people, but nicely.”
      - Hmm. Doherty has yet to appear on “9021OMG” (also from iHeart) or “The Beverly Hills 90210 Show.”
  - I was extremely turned off by Green chewing gum throughout the panel.
- I still think it’s hilarious (and shitty) that Priestley and Ziering initially signed on to do the Fab Five event but then pulled out to join the others at “90s Con.” No doubt “90s Con” pays better and they saw the profit opportunity in being able to team up with the girls to sell group photo opportunities.
- Ziering and Spelling also used their time together to hawk their MLM products on Instagram, ugh.
  - Ziering also plugged the MLM scheme during the panel and told people to contact him if they’re interested in joining. Gross.
- Also: I don’t know why it took me until yesterday, more than two months into the actors strike, to think about the season 8 episode of “Beverly Hills, 90210” where Brandon is hired to work at a newspaper whose journalists are on strike and has to decide whether to be a scab. Seems like some people could benefit from rewatching that right about now!
And on the topic of conventions, Friends with Benefit said in a recent post: “We just want to thank everyone for being as patient and understanding as possible with our updates/announcements for the 20in23 Fundraiser Weekend. As long as this strike is ongoing, we must still follow all guidelines. We still intend on giving One Tree Hill the recognition and proper celebration it deserves. We ask for your continued patience and positivity during this time!” (Facebook)
WGA West president Meredith Stiehm (writer, Beverly Hills, 90210) spoke about the writers strike on “The Lead.” (CNN)
Busy Philipps (Audrey, Dawson’s Creek) is auctioning the opportunity to take a pottery class with her to benefit The Union Solidarity Coalition, which is raising funds for crew members who have lost health insurance due to the actors and writers strikes. (eBay / Instagram)
- Someone commented on Philipps’ post: “I would just Make you recite lines from Dawson’s Creek 😂😂.” She replied, “You would have to feed them to me one by one cause honey i don’t remember a single word.”
- The cast of “New Girl,” including Max Greenberg (Young Sandy, The O.C.), is auctioning a Zoom chat. (eBay)
I was very surprised to see Mischa Barton (Marissa, The O.C.) specifically discuss “The O.C.” as she makes the press rounds for “Neighbours.” While she’s free to promote the Australian show, “The O.C.” is struck work and can’t be discussed per the strike rules.
- You can read the rules regarding things like this here.
- I’ve compiled Barton’s new interviews in “Best of the Rest” below.
“2023 Writers and Actors Strike: Celebrities Who Joined Picket Line” (TooFab)