Ep 16. It's a Totally Happening Life
- TVPG
- December 16, 1992
- 45 min
-
6.1 (202)
In season 3 episode 16 of the hit drama series Beverly Hills 90210, entitled "It's a Totally Happening Life," viewers are treated to a heartwarming and thought-provoking hour of television. The episode opens with Brandon feeling disillusioned with his life. He's struggling to balance school, work, and relationships, and is beginning to wonder if all the effort is worth it.
As he falls asleep, Brandon receives a visit from a guardian angel who shows him what his life would be like if he had never been born. The rest of the episode plays out like a surreal dream sequence, with all of Brandon's friends and family appearing in different roles and situations that illustrate how his absence would have affected their lives.
As he watches his friends struggle without him, Brandon begins to realize the positive impact he's had on their lives. He sees that even small gestures and moments of kindness can have a ripple effect that goes far beyond what we can imagine.
This episode is a departure from the usual high school drama that is the show's bread and butter, but it is no less compelling. It tackles big questions about the purpose of life and the importance of relationships, and does so with a deft touch that balances humor, sentimentality, and emotion.
The cast is in top form here, with Jason Priestley delivering a standout performance as Brandon. He's able to play both the confident, charming Brandon we're used to seeing and the vulnerable, uncertain version we see in the alternate reality scenes. It's a testament to his acting range and versatility.
The rest of the cast also gets their chance to shine in this episode. We see Ian Ziering's Steve as a down-on-his-luck car salesman, Gabrielle Carteris's Andrea as a single mother struggling to make ends meet, and Jennie Garth's Kelly as a lonely, bitter woman who never found love.
The writing is sharp and insightful, with a number of memorable lines and moments. The themes of the episode - the importance of community, the power of small acts of kindness, and the value of making meaningful connections - are universal and resonant, and are delivered with a genuine warmth and sincerity that never feels preachy or saccharine.
Overall, "It's a Totally Happening Life" is a standout episode of Beverly Hills 90210, and one that is sure to leave viewers feeling thoughtful and uplifted. It's a testament to the show's versatility and ability to tackle big ideas in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Fans of the show will not want to miss this one.