Beverly Hills, 90210 (season 5)

Beverly Hills, 90210 Season 5

DVD cover
Country of origin United States
No. of episodes 32
Broadcast
Original channel FOX
Original run September 7, 1994 (1994-09-07) – May 24, 1995 (1995-05-24)
Home video release
DVD release
Region 1 July 29, 2008 (2008-07-29)[1]
Region 2 February 9, 2009 (2009-02-09)[2]
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 4
Next →
Season 6
List of Beverly Hills, 90210 episodes

Season five of Beverly Hills, 90210, an American teen drama television series, began airing on September 7, 1994 on FOX television network. The season concluded on May 24, 1995 after 32 episodes.

This season focuses on the gang's sophomore year of college. The fifth season aired Wednesday nights at 8/9c in the United States averaging 14.7[3] million viewers a week. The season was released on DVD as an eight disc boxed set under the title of Beverly Hills, 90210: The Fifth Season on July 29, 2009 by CBS DVD.[1]

This is Tiffani Thiessen's first season as Valerie Malone and this is the last season for Gabrielle Carteris, Mark Damon Espinoza, Carol Potter and James Eckhouse as series regulars as their characters Andrea Zuckerman, Jesse Vasquez, Cindy Walsh and Jim Walsh, respectively.

Contents

Overview

In this season, Dylan's problems with alcohol and drugs come back after the events of the season 4 finale. Brenda decides to stay in drama school in London, leaving her room at the Walsh's house vacant. Cindy and Jim take in their friend's daughter Valerie (who is not as innocent as she seems). This season also marks the start of the Peach Pit's after-hours club, After Dark, initially run by Steve.

Cast

Starring

Recurring

Guest starring

Episodes

# Title Directed by Written by Original air date Production
code
113 1 "What I Did on My Summer Vacation and Other Stories" Michael Lange Charles Rosin & Larry Mollin September 7, 1994 (1994-09-07) 2194110

After enjoying a successful summer in London, Brenda decides to stay in England and pursue her stage career at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. With her room vacant, the Walsh family agrees to take in Valerie Malone, the college-age daughter of a family friend. Meanwhile, Dylan brokenly returns to town after a binge-filled summer in Mexico, Steve relates his latest romantic setback, Andrea details the frightening experience involving her newborn daughter Hannah, and Kelly and Brandon take their relationship public.


NOTE: This is Tiffani Thiessen's FIRST episode. Howie Long makes a guest appearance, one of two references to the Fox network having won the rights to broadcast National Football Conference games starting with the 1994 seasons (the other nod to this comes when Brandon and his father are watching football at the airport, and Brandon comments on how improved the picture quality of those games is now). 
114 2 "Under the Influence" Scott Paulin Chip Johannessen September 14, 1994 (1994-09-14) 2194111
Brandon and Kelly continue to hide their relationship from Dylan, but Dylan's anger leads to him finding out the truth, and it sends him further into self-destruction. Andrea isn't happy with the daycare options at CU. Meanwhile, Donna plans to take the semester off to participate in a debutante ball, but reconsiders her decision when she realizes how racist the affair really is and that she's still recovering from her breakup with David. 
115 3 "A Clean Slate" Bethany Rooney Richard Gollance September 21, 1994 (1994-09-21) 2194112
Brandon's decision to run for student government is fraught with electoral peril, but his success there is undercut by a shocking tragedy after the polls close. Meanwhile, Valerie digs her claws into Dylan who is shocked to find she's the newest member of Casa Walsh. David begins working at the CUTV station. 
116 4 "Life after Death" James Whitmore, Jr. Jessica Klein & Steve Wasserman September 28, 1994 (1994-09-28) 2194113
Josh's death hangs heavy on Brandon, but talking to Josh's sister and getting attacked by his political rivals leaves him determined to fight for the office. Meanwhile, Donna finally meets a man that makes her forget David, and David meets Clare. 
117 5 "Rave On" David Semel Larry Mollin October 5, 1994 (1994-10-05) 2194114

Where there's smoke (from marijuana), there's fire, in Kelly's opinion... at least where Valerie is concerned. Steve organizes a two-night party at the Peach Pit, and Dylan is spotted pocketing some money that he shouldn't have. Andrea heads out for a night on the town and spies Jesse flirting on the job. Donna meets Ray Pruit, a construction worker while doing a sarcastic video project, they flirt, and he shows up at the rave as her guest.


NOTE: This is Jamie Walters's first episode. 
118 6 "Homecoming" Gilbert M. Shilton Meredith Stiehm October 12, 1994 (1994-10-12) 2194115
The President of Selanesia visits California University to receive cancer treatment, but his presence sets off a fierce debate among the student body when Brandon learns he authorized torture and murder of dissidents, and Brandon and Clare are at odds when a campus human rights group wants Brandon to deliver a subpoena against the visiting leader. Meanwhile, the KEG boys and Alpha girls plot to steal the mascot of a rival school before the upcoming Homecoming game, with Donna blowing off the caper to spend time with Ray Pruit, but Valerie is recruited and comes up with a clever plan. And Andrea gets some attention from a man at the laundromat, but ignores it when Jesse leaves work early for a romantic evening with her. 
119 7 "Who's Zoomin' Who?" Gabrielle Beaumont Karen Rosin October 19, 1994 (1994-10-19) 2194116
When the fire marshal shuts down the After Dark for violating capacity, Steve suggests purchasing the space next door. Unfortunately, Dylan is broke and the only one who knows it is Valerie (whose own double-dealing between Dylan and Steve is exposed), and Dylan's reaction to Mr. Walsh's offer to help him makes things worse. Meanwhile, David and Clare find themselves in a binding situation, and Donna continues to juggle dating both Griffin and Ray. 
120 8 "Things that Go Bang in the Night" Jason Priestley Chip Johannessen October 26, 1994 (1994-10-26) 2194117
Dylan's desperation becomes obvious to all when he takes out his gun and shoots up his living room. To make matters worse, a pool hall acquaintance introduces him to hard drugs. Valerie is an outcast in the group but can't return to Buffalo, while Brandon learns from her that Dylan is hitting rock bottom. Meanwhile, Andrea gets upset when Jesse's aunt presents baby Hannah with a crucifix for the Day of the Dead, and she questions if Hannah is Jewish or Catholic or both or neither. David and Clare head out to the desert for a UFO hunt with a happy but unexpected climax. Donna picks Ray over Griffin. 
121 9 "Intervention" Daniel Attias Jessica Klein & Steve Wasserman November 2, 1994 (1994-11-02) 2194118
Dylan's closest friends stage an intervention at Casa Walsh, where they beg him to enter rehab; he does, but leaves quickly and then has a catastrophic car accident. Meanwhile, Kelly's modeling career takes an upward turn when she is offered the chance millions of girls only dream about: the opportunity to appear on the cover of a national fashion magazine. Clare and David film themselves having sex but then lose the tape and frantically seek to find it. 
122 10 "The Dreams of Dylan McKay" Scott Paulin Charles Rosin November 9, 1994 (1994-11-09) 2194119
As Dylan lies in a coma fighting for his life, he experiences a number of bizarre dreams involving Erica, his drug dealer, and his dead father. Meanwhile, Steve is annoyed when his father insinuates himself into a KEG house flag-football game. 
123 11 "Hate is Just a Four Letter Word" Les Landau Teleplay: Charles Rosin
Story: Richard Gollance
November 16, 1994 (1994-11-16) 2194120
The campus erupts in controversy when a Louis Farrakhan-type leader who has made anti-Semitic comments is asked to give a speaking engagement at the school. Brandon finds himself caught in the middle of the chaos when his political choices come into direct conflict with his friendship with Andrea. Meanwhile, Donna plans a birthday surprise for Ray; David reflects on his own lapsed Judaism and relationship with Clare; and the scumgag dealer who sold Dylan heroin tells him to keep his mouth shut about it. 
124 12 "Rock of Ages (a.k.a. The Voodoo That You Do So Well)" David Semel Larry Mollin November 23, 1994 (1994-11-23) 2194121
Brandon is forced to defend his presidency when his former opponent, Alex, calls for a hearing to determine the validity of his position. Meanwhile, the entire gang ends up at a Rolling Stones concert, and Dylan takes one step forward in his rehabilitation. Show writer/producer Larry Mollin makes a cameo appearance as a roadie. 
125 13 "Up in Flames" Gilbert M. Shilton Meredith Stiehm November 30, 1994 (1994-11-30) 2194122
Emily Valentine returns to Beverly Hills hoping to reunite with Brandon, and even his devotion to Kelly can't dampen the sparks that still burn between them. Meanwhile, an illegal rave at an abandoned house leads to a fiery conflagration that could destroy more than one life at California University. 
126 14 "Injustice for All" Michael Lange Karen Rosin December 14, 1994 (1994-12-14) 2194123
The courts decide on a punishment for Steve, whose illegal rave resulted in the fire that almost took two lives, and Jesse angrily relates a true story of injustice that opens Steve's eyes. And speaking of the fire... Kelly escaped with her life, but her injuries may have permanently scarred her face, while Brandon attends a Hanukkah party and deals with his guilt over not being there when Kelly was nearly killed. Meanwhile, Dylan returns home from rehab to find a disturbing letter from Erica. 
127 15 "Christmas Comes This Time Each Year" Richard Lang Teleplay: Max Eisenberg
Story: Steve Wasserman & Jessica Klein
December 21, 1994 (1994-12-21) 2194124
After reading Erica's plea for help, Dylan leaps into action and hires a private investigator (with the FBI's help) to help him track down her kidnappers. Meanwhile, Felice interferes in Donna and Ray's relationship, and Kelly worries that her scars will disgust Brandon. 
128 16 "Sentenced to Life" Jack Bender Teleplay: Jessica Klein & Steve Wasserman
Story: Ian Ziering, Jessica Klein & Steve Wasserman
January 4, 1995 (1995-01-04) 2194125
While working off his community service Steve meets a victim of Alzheimer's Disease (special guest star Milton Berle), whose life story inspires Steve to make the most of his own. Meanwhile, Ray is offered the chance to perform on stage; Dylan takes a long time before taking Jesse's advice regarding the criminal charges against him; and Kelly is unkind to Valerie, only to end up eating some of her words when Valerie does her a nice favor. 
129 17 "Sweating it Out" Jason Priestley Chip Johannessen January 11, 1995 (1995-01-11) 2194126
A motorcycle road trip inadvertently leads Brandon and Dylan to an ancient Native American ceremony where the two friends learn valuable lessons. Meanwhile, Valerie becomes interested in Ray, who Donna is inspired to find a cure for his stage fright; and Kelly is quite inspired at a seminar led by a charismatic CU professor. 
130 18 "Hazardous to Your Health" James Whitmore, Jr. Larry Mollin January 18, 1995 (1995-01-18) 2194127
Dylan and Valerie fly to Mexico with PI Jones, where they hope to rescue Erica and steal back Dylan's stolen inheritance. Meanwhile, Kelly becomes more deeply involved with Professor Finley's organization, leading to a rift in her relationship with Brandon. 
131 19 "Little Monsters" James Eckhouse Meredith Stiehm February 1, 1995 (1995-02-01) 2194128
Kelly distances herself from everyone that matters to her as Finley's hold on her grows stronger. Meanwhile, home-wrecking Ariel (Kari Wuhrer) sashay's back into Donna's life when she offers Ray a record deal. Dylan isn't generous when it comes to rewarding Valerie for her role in getting back his money, but PI Jones offers her a lucrative bargain that she accepts. 
132 20 "You Gotta Have Heart" Gilbert M. Shilton Max Eisenberg February 8, 1995 (1995-02-08) 2194129

Brandon and Kelly's relationship troubles come to a head at Finley's new headquarters, and a heartbroken Brandon turns to an unlikely source for help. Meanwhile, when Donna refuses to sleep with Ray, his pent-up frustration inadvertently leads him to Valerie's hotel room. KEG and Alpha host a charity fundraiser.


NOTE: This episode features the popular American 90s girl group Jade
133 21 "Stormy Weather" Bethany Rooney Teleplay: Lana Freistat Melman
Story: Larry Mollin
February 15, 1995 (1995-02-15) 2194130
Brandon seeks Dylan's help with both taking down Professor Finley's cult-like organization and reuniting with Kelly, but when it comes to her all bets are off. Also, Ray tries to cut ties with Valerie. 
134 22 "Alone at the Top" Victor Lobl Steve Wasserman & Jessica Klein February 22, 1995 (1995-02-22) 2194131
As the new owner of the After Dark, Valerie uses her newfound leverage to force Ray to continue their affair. But Ray has never been one to follow orders... Meanwhile, a campus rape causes mass panic on campus, and David tries to help the troubled former veteran who becomes the prime suspect; Brandon stands up for campus security; and Rush Sanders gives Steve an unexpected bonus for brokering the PPAD sale. 
135 23 "Love Hurts" Gilbert M. Shilton Teleplay: Ken Stringer
Story: Larry Mollin
March 1, 1995 (1995-03-01) 2194132
The campus is in an uproar when an alleged rapist is released from custody. Despite his alibi, the students are sure that Lenny is responsible for the string of crimes on campus. And while everyone is fixated on Lenny, the real rapist is in the perfect position to strike again, but an argument between David and Donna ultimately saves a much worse situation from taking place. Dylan learns of Andrea's affair and she faces her own breakdown. 
136 24 "Unreal World" David Semel Teleplay: Meredith Stiehm
Story: Larry Mollin
March 15, 1995 (1995-03-15) 2194133
A documentary for a class project reveals intimate secrets about the gang and threatens to tear apart some long-standing couples. Meanwhile, Jesse makes a confession to Andrea that shocks her; and Valerie's time living in a hotel comes to a forced conclusion. 
137 25 "Double Jeopardy" Richard Lang Christine Elise McCarthy & Sam Sarkar March 29, 1995 (1995-03-29) 2194134
Brandon, Clare, and Andrea vie for a spot on College Jeopardy! but only one can win. Meanwhile, Jesse moves out of his and Andrea's apartment. 
138 26 "A Song for My Mother" Chip Chalmers Max Eisenberg April 5, 1995 (1995-04-05) 2194135
Ray is unhappy that David has come to Portland with him and Donna. David panics when he discovers that his mother Sheila was fired, no longer lives at her last known address, and hasn't cashed her alimony checks for months. He turns to Donna for help, and Ray behaves like a total jerk. David and Donna cannot find Sheila at any of her favorite hangouts and learn that she was recently arrested. Donna misses Ray's concert; he explodes and shoves her against a wall in their hotel room. He later feels guilty and loans David his truck. Mel flies in from Los Angeles and tells David that Sheila has a long history of mental illness. They receive a tip that she is living on the streets and take her to the hospital. David realizes that Donna is happy with Ray and decides to back off. Dylan explores hypnotherapy in the hopes of understanding the main character in Charley's script. Valerie gets a tattoo. 
139 27 "Squash It" Les Landau Teleplay: Phil Savath
Story: Larry Mollin
April 12, 1995 (1995-04-12) 2194136
Steve and David organize a hip-hop night at the club to boost the sagging gate receipts. David asks Willie's nephew Juwan, a talented DJ, to join him onstage. Steve backs out of the event because he is nervous about Juwan's criminal record (though he has one of his own). Valerie tries to dodge a grimy Australian metal band that claims to have been booked. Although his tour is ending, Ray is unsure about returning to Los Angeles. Valerie goes to Reno to re-hire him, and claims to have changed her ways. While Val is gone, the Aussies crash the hip-hop night and trash the After Dark. Juwan and his friends are prepared to fight them, but decide to keep their cool. David and Clare get back together. Dylan allows Molly to hypnotize him and regresses to a past life as a hobo. Chancellor Arnold asks Brandon to keep an eye on a bratty 12-year-old genius who may apply to C.U. 
140 28 "Girls on the Side" Victor Lobl Meredith Stiehm May 3, 1995 (1995-05-03) 2194137
Kelly becomes depressed after making the cover of Seventeen, as she fears that she will never regain her past looks. Steve and Jackie try to convince her to continue her modeling career. Kelly has a chance meeting with Allison's girlfriend Dana, who gives her the brush-off. Kelly tries to visit Allison at the burn center, but she refuses to see her. Kelly talks to Dana's new girlfriend, who reveals that Allison dumped Dana because she is in love with Kelly. Allison calls Kelly and asks to see her after she is released from the hospital. Ray returns to town, and LuAnn gets drunk before his first performance. David and Clare take her home, and she babbles about Ray's affair with Valerie. David and Clare confront them, but decide not to tell Donna. Charley grows tired of seeing Dylan moon over Kelly; he encourages him to make a move. Jesse is offered a clerkship in Boise. Andrea offers her support, although she is less than thrilled by the move. Jesse turns down the offer because he doesn't want to force Andrea to give up her dreams of medical school. 
141 29 "The Real McCoy" Jason Priestley Teleplay: Charles Rosin
Story: Larry Mollin & Charles Rosin
May 10, 1995 (1995-05-10) 2194138
While under hyponsis, Dylan recalls a past life as a gunslinger in the Wild West. He recognizes Kelly as the woman who convinced him to change his ways and become a family man. He later helped rescue a past love from hanging and was gunned down by the son of one of his victims. Dylan concludes that Kelly is his soulmate. He shows up on her doorstep when she returns from a trip to New York, and they share a passionate kiss. Brandon seeks re-election and is virtually unopposed. When the board of education mandates a tuition hike, Brandon is criticized for failing to look out for the students' interests. Alex Diaz runs for president as a write-in candidate and wins easily. Valerie concludes that Brandon is her perfect guy. Jim fears that his job is in jeopardy when his bosses hold meetings behind his back. Jesse is offered a teaching job at the Yale School of Law, but will only accept if Andrea's scholarship is reinstated. The school agrees wholeheartedly. 
142 30 "Hello Life, Goodbye Beverly Hills" James Whitmore, Jr. Jessica Klein & Steve Wasserman May 17, 1995 (1995-05-17) 2194139

Dylan asks Kelly to join him on a trip around the world. Valerie sees the tickets in Kelly's room and tells Brandon. Brandon counters with a marriage proposal, and Kelly asks for time to think things over. She eventually rejects both men and proclaims, "I choose me." Andrea and Jesse prepare for their move to Connecticut. The gang surprises her by organizing a picnic lunch at West Beverly High (although Brandon and Dylan, still waiting for Kelly's decision, opt not to attend). Everyone meets Andrea and Jesse at the Peach Pit one last time to say goodbye. Ray lashes out at Donna for devoting time to her friends and studying for finals. He drags her away from Andrea's picnic and verbally berates her. Jim considers a possible move to Hong Kong as his company offers a promotion and substantial raise. He and Cindy decide to go through with the move.


NOTE: This is Gabrielle Carteris final appearance as a series regular and Mark Damon Espinoza's last episode ever. 
143 31 "P.S. I Love You: Part 1" Victor Lobl Larry Mollin & Chip Johannessen May 24, 1995 (1995-05-24) 2194140A
Jim and Cindy leave for Hong Kong. Kelly wants to continue her relationship with Brandon, but he cannot get over the rejected marriage proposal. Steve and Donna head to Palm Springs for an Alpha/KEG convention. A contrite Ray agrees to accompany Donna, who is making a speech at the event. He quickly becomes angry and possessive. Rush tries to set up Steve with a business associate's daughter. Steve is more interested in the Cadillac-driving "goddess" he keeps encountering. Brandon and Valerie decide to head to Palm Springs to avoid the caravan of potential buyers who have overrun the house. Brandon goes on a drinking binge and finds himself tempted by Valerie. He has a hallucination in which his parents appear and express their disappointment. Kelly postpones her trip to the convention to spend the day with Allison, but is very secretive. David and Clare see them together and get the wrong idea. Allison admits her love for Kelly, who is not interested. Dylan's plans to visit his mother and sister are nixed when Charley finds an investor for the movie. Dylan is wary after learning that the man is a mobster. 
144 32 "P.S. I Love You: Part 2" Victor Lobl Larry Mollin & Chip Johannessen May 24, 1995 (1995-05-24) 2194140B

David tells Brandon about Kelly and Allison, and Brandon humiliates Kelly with his drunken ramblings. Brandon plans to give in to Valerie. The police pull over Brandon and arrest him when a joint is found in Val's car. He is released, but rejects Valerie. He clears the air with Kelly before heading home, and refuses another reconciliation attempt. After learning that Tom Rose knew his father, Dylan tries to contact Christine. Rose traces the call and takes Dylan up in a tram car, where his goons hold him over the edge. He says that he knows the identity of Jack's killer, but the information would cost Dylan his life. Dylan and Brandon end up sharing a bus ride home. Dylan plots to track down and kill his father's murderer. Brandon learns that the house has been sold, and he must move in two weeks. He and Valerie end up making out. Ray becomes physical with Donna during an argument and knocks her down the stairs. She suffers an arm injury, and is unnerved when Felice suddenly gives Ray her approval. Valerie tells Donna that she saw Ray push her, but Donna denies it and lashes out at Val. Steve discovers that his goddess is a man.


NOTE: This is James Eckhouse and Carol Potter's last appearance as series regulars. 

Soundtrack

Beverly Hills 90210: The College Years was released at the beginning of season 5 but the cover art was from the fourth season and the costumes were from the season 4 episode "Twenty Years Ago Today".

Ratings

Season Timeslot Season premiere Season finale TV season Rank Viewers
(in millions)
5th Wednesday 8/9C September 7, 1994 May 24, 1995 1994-1995 #46 14.7[3]

DVD release

The DVD release of season five was released in Regions 1, 2 and 4. The release has all episodes from season 5, but unlike the other season releases, it does not have any special features.

The Fifth Season
Set details [1] Special features [1]
  • 32 episodes
  • 1370 minutes (Region 1); 1370 minutes (Region 2);[2]
  • 8-disc set
  • 1.33:1 aspect ratio
  • Languages:
    • English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround)
  • Subtitles:
    • English, Dutch, Norwegian, Danish, Finish, Swedish and French (Region 1)
Release dates
 United States  United Kingdom
July 29, 2008 [1] February 9, 2009 [2]

References