90210

Admittedly, when I watched the inaugural episode of the 90210 reboot, I was counted among the many who thought the series had more kitsch than kick.

Maybe it was my loyalty to the original, or the fact that a Canadian landed the lead role, but for one reason or another I just couldn’t tune out after one episode.

So I kept watching … and watching … and before long, I was sort of, um, hooked.

The show’s second season has really found its stride, and the increased ratings show it. The dramatic storylines we were promised all summer long actually panned out, but without the incredibility that was so celebrated in the first season.

Annie became a darker shell of herself, an outcast amongst the rich and pompous West Beverly students who were all angry at her for calling the cops on their prom party; Adrianna lost her dramatics and became a good friend, until she fell off the wagon; Naomi’s sister continued to play her until Liam finally devised a plan to bring her down; and the characters had more group scenes, which hid some of the worst acting by some individuals.

After a long break (and a bit of a cliffhanger between Jasper and Annie) 90210 returns this week on your choice of two nights. Naomi, Adrianna and Silver are back from their vacation, but the boys in their lives haven’t gone anywhere. One gal, however, has another gender on her mind.

Adrianna grows closer with Gia (guest star Rumer Willis) after going to an AA meeting, and CW promises a rather steamy kiss to boot.

In a staler storyline, Debbie finally confronts Kelly about her feelings for Harry, something that clearly won’t bode well for either couple come May — if you haven’t already heard, both Rob Estes and Jennie Garth are exiting the show.

90210 airs Tuesdays, 8 p.m. ET, The CW and Thursdays, 10 p.m. ET, Global

Thoughts? amber@tvguide.ca or sound off below.

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