Ep 29. Commencement

In the "Beverly Hills, 90210" Season 3 finale, appropriately titled "Commencement," the tight-knit group of friends at the heart of the series approaches a major milestone in their lives – high school graduation. This episode, which is often presented in two parts, serves as a highly anticipated climax to a season filled with drama, romance, and self-discovery.

Throughout Season 3, the students at West Beverly High have navigated the complexities of adolescence against the backdrop of the affluent Beverly Hills community. They've dealt with issues ranging from academic pressures and college admissions to more serious matters such as substance abuse, family dynamics, and identity crises. As the school year draws to a close, the emotions run high, and "Commencement" focuses on the culmination of these storylines while setting the stage for the characters' transition into their next life phase.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are given a reflective look at the growth and challenges each character has faced. There's an underlying sense of nostalgia as these young adults prepare to don their caps and gowns, say their goodbyes, and step into an uncertain yet exciting future. The looming graduation ceremony acts as a narrative device that brings everyone's experiences into sharp relief, showcasing how far they've come from the start of high school.

The commencement exercise is not just a formality but a rite of passage for Brandon, Brenda, Dylan, Kelly, Donna, Steve, David, and Andrea – the core group of friends fans have come to love and root for. Each character grapples with their personal journeys and the decisions that await them post-graduation. In the midst of this, they also try to savor their final moments together and make lasting memories.

Brandon, ever the responsible and ambitious one, reflects on his tenure as a student and his plans for college. His twin sister Brenda, meanwhile, considers the possibilities and opportunities that lay beyond their familiar Beverly Hills bubble. Dylan's rebellious spirit is met with contemplation about what commencement means for someone with a nontraditional family background and his own set of unique struggles.

Kelly's evolution from a superficial high schooler to a more grounded and reflective individual brings its own set of realizations as she steps closer to adulthood. Donna, whose sweetness and innocence have been a staple of the show, must confront the expectations of her future and how they align with her true desires. Steve's journey through high school has been marked by growth from a carefree prankster to someone who appreciates the value of friendship and loyalty.

David, the show's aspiring musician, must reconcile his creative ambitions with the reality of life after high school. Andrea, the group's intellectual, is faced with choices about her future path and how it will impact her deeply held values and relationships.

Throughout the "Commencement" episode, the interwoven stories of the Beverly Hills group are punctuated with moments of togetherness and individual highlights. It’s a tribute to the end of an era, sprinkled with the excitement and fear that accompany any great change. The series' trademark blend of drama and heart ensure that the episode resonates with viewers who have followed these characters’ journey up to this point.

The Beverly Hills High graduation ceremony itself brings family, friends, and the school community together. The pomp and circumstance are matched by personal asides, heartfelt speeches, and the realization that this shared experience is something that will forever bond these characters, no matter where their individual paths may lead.

"Commencement" serves not only as the conclusion of a pivotal year but also teases the future for the central characters, hinting at how their lives will evolve as they make the transition from the protection of high school into the wider and more complex world.

In true "Beverly Hills, 90210" fashion, the episode is a captivating mix of emotional highs and lows, signifying the show's ability to balance soap opera elements with genuine, character-driven storytelling. The wonderful blend of earnestness and melodrama that marks "Commencement" captures the bittersweet feeling of goodbye while celebrating the milestones achieved and the promise of the journeys ahead. It stands as a key episode that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, remaining a memorable moment in a series that has had a lasting impact on its audience.