Ep 5. Shooting Star/American in Paris

The episode "Shooting Star/American in Paris" of Beverly Hills 90210 season 3 opens with the gang at the Peach Pit, discussing plans for Halloween. Andrea is excited about attending a party at a local club, while Brandon is hoping to spend the evening volunteering at a hospital. Meanwhile, Brenda is feeling down about her lack of a love life, despite recently breaking up with Dylan.

As the group prepares to leave the Peach Pit, they notice a commotion outside. A famous pop star named Christine Pettit has arrived in Beverly Hills to perform at a benefit concert, and a group of fans are gathered outside the club where she is staying. Brandon, ever the reporter, seizes the opportunity to interview Christine and her entourage for the school newspaper.

Later that evening, the gang attends the party at the club where Andrea meets Jordan Bonner, a young director looking for talent for his new film. He is immediately taken with Andrea and asks her to audition for the lead role. Brenda, feeling left out, begins to drink heavily and soon finds herself stumbling through the club, embarrassing herself in front of Jordan and the rest of the gang.

As the night wears on, the group hears a gunshot and rushes outside to investigate. They find Christine Pettit lying on the ground, shot by a crazed fan. The gang is traumatized by the event, and spend the rest of the episode coming to terms with their own mortality and the reality of celebrity culture.

Meanwhile, Andrea continues to work with Jordan on her audition, but begins to feel uncomfortable with his advances. She realizes that he only sees her as a means to an end, and decides to walk away from the opportunity. Brandon also struggles with his role as a journalist, wondering if his constant need for a story is worth the risk to himself and those around him.

The episode ends with the gang attending a memorial service for Christine Pettit. They realize that life is fragile and that they need to cherish every moment. As they head home, Brenda tells Dylan that she loves him, and they reconcile.

"Shooting Star/American in Paris" is a poignant episode of Beverly Hills 90210 that explores themes of mortality, fame, and the importance of friends and family. The shooting of Christine Pettit serves as a wake-up call for the gang, reminding them of the fragility of life and the dangers of celebrity culture. The episode is also notable for its focus on Andrea, who is given a rare opportunity to shine as an actress. Overall, "Shooting Star/American in Paris" is a must-see episode for fans of the show and anyone interested in classic 90s television.