Ep 14. Strange Bedfellows
- December 15, 1993
The episode "Strange Bedfellows" in Melrose Place season 2 follows the intertwined lives of a group of young adults living in a trendy Los Angeles apartment complex. This particular episode centers around the unexpected consequences of a seemingly harmless bet and the fallout that ensues.
At the start of the episode, Jane, a fashion designer, is feeling down on her luck after getting rejected by a potential investor. To boost her spirits, her ex-boyfriend Michael suggests they make a bet to see who can pick up the most attractive person in the complex. Jane agrees, and they set off to work their respective charms.
Meanwhile, Trouble is brewing in the budding relationship between Billy and Alison, who have been dating for a few months now. Alison is feeling neglected by Billy, who has been preoccupied with a new job and spending time with his boss, Brooke. Her suspicions are confirmed when she sees Brooke and Billy exiting a hotel together, and the resulting argument puts a strain on their relationship.
As the bet between Jane and Michael heats up, tensions begin to rise. Michael starts to become too invested in the bet, neglecting his own relationship with Kimberly, a psychiatrist who lives in the complex. Jane, on the other hand, is uncomfortable with the game and tries to back out, but Michael convinces her to keep playing.
Things take a turn for the worse when Michael sets his sights on Amanda, a seductive advertising executive who has a reputation for playing games. They sleep together, and Michael thinks he has won the bet. However, Amanda has a surprise in store for him when she reveals that she knew about the bet all along and was just using him to get revenge on Jane, whom she sees as a rival in the fashion industry.
Back at the complex, Alison confronts Billy about his actions and demands answers. He finally admits that he has feelings for Brooke and that he was hoping to use his new job as a way to advance their relationship. Alison breaks up with him on the spot, devastated by his betrayal.
As the episode comes to a close, Michael is left reeling from Amanda's revelation, and Jane is disgusted by his behavior. Kimberly, who has learned of the bet through a psychological experiment, decides to break up with Michael as well, realizing that he is too immature to handle a serious relationship. Meanwhile, Alison begins packing her bags, unable to bear the idea of staying in the same complex as Billy.
Overall, "Strange Bedfellows" is a dramatic episode that explores themes of love, betrayal, and competition. It highlights the complexities of modern relationships and how easily they can be torn apart by jealousy and deceit. With its well-developed characters and captivating storyline, it's a must-watch for fans of Melrose Place and anyone who enjoys a good soap opera-esque drama.