Melrose Place, the notorious West Hollywood apartment complex better-known for murder and deceit than neighbourhood block parties, hasn’t seen the sex, lies and scandal fans remember of the titillating 1990s classic drama, but viewers may not recognize the reincarnated series when it returns with new episodes March 4 either.

With only a handful of episodes left in the first season, and a second-year renewal still up in the air, Melrose's writers have changed course in the direction of the series in favour of a revival of the show’s former glory. A little less whodunit, a lot more who’s doing it; new episodes put the Sydney murder mystery to rest, leaving a string of illicit affairs in its wake as the series takes on a more relationship-centric tone.

At the forefront of this romantic renaissance, Canadian actor Shaun Sipos stars as stud David Breck. He says the writers have streamlined the script, which will take on a clearer, character-driven tone.

“They’re going to delve more into the relationships of the show, David and Lauren, Ella and Jonah,” Sipos says. “They’re really going to go into the lives of the people and the tenants and what they’re experiencing and that sort of thing as opposed to this murder mystery where they’re just trying to stay out of jail to prove their innocence.”

The end of season revamp also includes a casting shuffle, with Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Colin Egglesfield both facing series eviction as newer additions, among them alumnus Heather Locklear in a reprise of her ‘90s role of Amanda Woodward, take centre stage.

The aging, but still stunning, maneater has already set her sights on her next conquest, the currently attached David, but don’t call Sipos’s character a slut. “David runs around a bit. His mother died when he was 13 and that’s left a real void in his life. And then his father doesn’t really love him so I think he’s seeking love and a connection.”

Mommy issues may also be the catalyst for David’s love of cougars, Amanda being his second senior score this season following an earlier tryst with Sydney. Age isn’t the only commonality between these two women, either. Both Sydney and Amanda happen to be former lovers of Michael Mancini (Thomas Calabro), David’s estranged father, with the former doing both David and dear dad simultaneously.

Oedipus complex aside, Sipos admits Freudian rationales aren’t always intentionally taken into consideration when concocting the script. The real basis for such a sick and twisted take on father-son relations? “It’s Melrose Place,” he concedes.

 

Sipos is also quick to point out that David has stayed faithful to his current girlfriend, Lauren, who isn’t exactly able to say the same courtesy of her secret side job and, following her john-induced overdose, will be exposed as a call girl.

“The next episode picks up with her waking up in the hospital. She’d almost died and David is worried and upset,” Sipos says. “She’s a doctor. If she’s on drugs, had an overdose of drugs, he’s clearly disturbed and wants to know what’s going on. And then it’s David finding out who did that and trying to right that situation.”

With a new love interest on the prowl, it isn’t likely David and Lauren will be able to salvage their relationship, but Sipos warns not to write the pair off so quickly; there is still a chance they could make amends in the future.

“It’s possible because David’s got his flaws as well and he loves deeply, so I think that any type of real deep affection and emotion is hard to get rid of, especially in the face of his flaws and his illegal activities. I think that that sort of would come as a reality check when looking at judging another and open up his vision in a way.”

Other couples might not be so lucky. As Riley enters a downward spiral, Jonah finds solace in his latest lover, Ella, as they recommence following a not-one-night stand. Riley haters, including yours truly, will be thrilled to see the lacklustre Ronah romance disintegrate, and like fans, Sipos seems to think Ella is a much better match for the aspiring filmmaker.

“Any time that you meet someone that has enough similarities to forge a connection, but then is opposite enough for you to have a deep curiosity about and wonder where they’re coming from and what they’re going to do – I think that’s where sparks tend to fly. Usually when you meet someone that’s really similar to you, you get along really well and I think initially, you want to be with them, but then after a bit there’s no curiosity. There’s just affection.”

Jonah’s move from Riley to Ella’s bed is just another indication the writers are giving the fans what they want for the remainder of the season: more sex, plenty of betrayal and perhaps even that fiery spark missing from romances thus far. The past brilliance of Allison and Billy or Amanda and Peter might just being making its way back to Melrose, but only time will tell if this new direction comes early enough for the fledgling series to continue.

Melrose Place airs Tuesdays, 9 p.m. ET/PT, Global/CW

Thoughts? szolis@tvguide.ca or comment below.

 

 

Whether it’s reality or scripted TV, Stephanie firmly believes the most important element to any series is a sordid romantic story arc.— Grey’s Anatomy’s MerDer, Laguna Beach/The Hills’ Lauren and Jason, The Office’s PB & J, and General Hospital’s Spoily, to name a few. The more dysfunctional a couple is, the better.

A proud single gal with an obsession for everything New York, Stephanie is one relocation away from living out her dream as a Carrie Bradshaw impostor. In the meantime, her weekly column scrutinizes the most explosive couples, crushes and relationship catastrophes to unfold on the small screen.

 

 

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