Who Didn't Get Along In Beverly Hills, 90210?
Step into the world of West Beverly High and beyond, and you'll quickly realize that while friendship was a core theme, not everyone was always on the same page. The sun-drenched streets of Beverly Hills, 90210, might have looked picture-perfect, yet beneath the surface, a lot of tension simmered among the characters. For fans who loved the drama, figuring out just who really clashed was a big part of the fun, and honestly, those disagreements made the show so much more interesting, you know?
From love triangles that stretched friendships to deep-seated rivalries, the show gave us plenty of moments where characters just couldn't see eye-to-eye. These conflicts often drove the story forward, showing us how complicated relationships can be, especially when you're growing up and trying to figure things out. It's almost like, even when they tried, some characters simply didn't mesh well, and that's a pretty common thing in life, isn't it?
It’s fascinating, too, how some of these on-screen feuds felt so real, almost like they were happening in your own friend group. The way certain characters just didn't have much time for pleasantries with others really added a layer of authenticity to the show. We're going to take a closer look at some of the most memorable clashes, the ones that really stood out and had everyone talking, because, honestly, those moments are still pretty iconic even now.
Table of Contents
- The Ultimate Rivalry: Brenda Walsh and Kelly Taylor
- Brotherly Brawls: Brandon Walsh and Dylan McKay
- Valerie Malone: The Resident Stir-the-Pot
- Steve Sanders and His Many Misunderstandings
- Gina Kincaid and the Gang's Disapproval
- David Silver and His Struggles with Others
- The Grown-Ups: Jim and Cindy Walsh vs. The Kids' Choices
- Why These Conflicts Mattered
- Frequently Asked Questions About 90210 Feuds
The Ultimate Rivalry: Brenda Walsh and Kelly Taylor
If you're thinking about who didn't get along in Beverly Hills, 90210, the first pair that comes to mind for many is almost certainly Brenda Walsh and Kelly Taylor. Their friendship, which started off so strong, really hit a rough patch because of Dylan McKay. It’s pretty much the classic love triangle that everyone remembers, isn't it?
Initially, Brenda and Kelly were the best of friends, sharing secrets and going through typical high school stuff together. But then, Dylan came into the picture, and things just got complicated. Brenda was with Dylan first, and their relationship was pretty intense, full of passion and a bit of a rebellious streak. However, while Brenda was away in Paris, Kelly and Dylan grew closer, and that's when the real trouble started, you know?
When Brenda returned, she found out about Kelly and Dylan, and it was a massive blow. The betrayal felt very deep, and it created a rift between the two girls that was hard to fix. They didn't really speak much for a while, and the tension was palpable whenever they were in the same room. It was one of those situations where, even though they tried to be civil, the hurt just didn't go away quickly, and that's a pretty natural reaction, I think.
Their conflict wasn't just about Dylan, though that was the main trigger. It highlighted different aspects of their personalities. Brenda, often seen as a bit more impulsive and direct, clashed with Kelly, who was sometimes perceived as more image-conscious and perhaps a little less straightforward in her feelings. This dynamic, honestly, made for some of the show's most compelling storylines. For a long time, it seemed like they just couldn't find a way to truly forgive each other, and that's a tough thing to watch, really.
Brotherly Brawls: Brandon Walsh and Dylan McKay
While Brenda and Kelly had their well-known issues, Brandon Walsh and Dylan McKay, who were supposed to be the best of friends, also had their share of disagreements. They were, in a way, like brothers, but even brothers can have major fallouts, you know? Their bond was strong, but it was tested more than once, especially when it came to matters of the heart.
The biggest point of contention between them, just like with Brenda and Kelly, was Kelly Taylor. When Kelly started dating Brandon after her tumultuous relationship with Dylan, it created a lot of awkwardness and underlying tension. Dylan, who still had feelings for Kelly, found it difficult to accept his best friend dating the girl he loved. It's a pretty classic scenario, isn't it?
Their arguments weren't always loud or dramatic; sometimes, they were quiet, simmering resentments. Brandon, being the moral compass of the group, often felt responsible for everyone, and he sometimes judged Dylan's more reckless choices. Dylan, on the other hand, perhaps felt a bit misunderstood by Brandon's sometimes preachy attitude. So, they didn't always see eye-to-eye on how to live life, which, in some respects, is pretty normal for friends with different outlooks.
Despite their conflicts, they always seemed to find their way back to each other, which showed the strength of their friendship. But for a while, there were periods where they just didn't connect like they used to, and it was clear they weren't getting along as easily. It's interesting how even the closest friendships can have these moments of strain, and that's a very real part of growing up, I think.
Valerie Malone: The Resident Stir-the-Pot
When Valerie Malone arrived in Beverly Hills, she brought with her a whole new level of drama, and it's pretty safe to say she didn't get along with many people in the group, at least not initially. She was Brenda's childhood friend, but she quickly proved to be a very different kind of character, often stirring up trouble and pursuing her own interests, sometimes at the expense of others. She had a knack for causing friction, honestly.
Valerie and Kelly: A Bitter Blend
Valerie and Kelly Taylor had one of the most intense and long-lasting rivalries on the show. From the moment Valerie stepped into the Walsh house, there was an immediate clash of personalities. Kelly, who was very much the "it girl" of the group, found Valerie's manipulative and often ruthless behavior hard to stomach. Valerie, in turn, seemed to enjoy pushing Kelly's buttons, pretty much at every opportunity.
Their conflict often revolved around men, power, and social standing. Valerie seemed to delight in undermining Kelly, whether it was trying to steal boyfriends or simply trying to outshine her in social situations. Kelly, who valued loyalty and honesty, found Valerie's deception incredibly frustrating. They just didn't have much time for being civil to each other, and their interactions were often filled with thinly veiled insults and outright arguments, you know?
The animosity between them was a constant source of tension, and it felt like they were always on the verge of a major blow-up. It really showed how some people, even when forced to be around each other, just don't click. Their relationship, or lack thereof, was a significant part of Valerie's storyline, and it highlighted how she struggled to truly fit in with the established group, at least in a way that felt genuine to them.
Valerie and Donna Martin: A Clash of Personalities
While Valerie's rivalry with Kelly was perhaps the most prominent, she also had her moments of friction with Donna Martin. Donna, known for her sweet nature and kind heart, was often shocked by Valerie's more cynical and self-serving actions. It was a classic case of opposites not attracting, and in fact, kind of repelling each other, you know?
Donna tried to be understanding and forgiving, as was her nature, but Valerie often took advantage of Donna's kindness, which led to a lot of frustration for Donna. There were times when Donna just couldn't believe some of the things Valerie did, and it really tested Donna's patience. Valerie, for her part, probably saw Donna as a bit naive or too trusting, which she likely found annoying in her own way. So, they just didn't have a lot of common ground for a real friendship.
Their disagreements weren't always as explosive as those between Valerie and Kelly, but they were consistent. Donna often found herself trying to mediate situations Valerie had created, or simply trying to protect her friends from Valerie's schemes. It was clear that, in many situations, Donna just didn't approve of Valerie's methods, and that created a constant, low-level conflict between them, which, honestly, made sense given their very different outlooks.
Steve Sanders and His Many Misunderstandings
Steve Sanders, with his often-inflated ego and sometimes questionable decision-making, also found himself in conflict with various characters throughout the show. While he was a loyal friend at heart, his impulsive nature and occasional selfishness often led to misunderstandings and arguments with those closest to him. He just didn't always think things through, you know?
He often clashed with Brandon, particularly in the earlier seasons, over academic honesty, girls, or just general responsibility. Brandon, being the more grounded of the two, often had to call Steve out on his antics, which Steve didn't always appreciate. These were usually temporary spats, though, because their friendship was pretty solid, but they did happen fairly often, you know?
Steve also had his moments of conflict with women he dated, or tried to date. His sometimes chauvinistic attitude or his inability to commit often led to arguments with characters like Celeste Lundy or even Clare Arnold. They just didn't understand why he behaved the way he did sometimes, and he didn't always understand their reactions, which led to a lot of back-and-forth.
Even with Donna, his long-time friend, there were moments of tension, particularly when his actions affected her or her relationships. While their bond was strong, Steve's occasional immaturity meant that he didn't always get along with everyone around him, and that's a pretty common thing for someone who is still finding their way in life, isn't it?
Gina Kincaid and the Gang's Disapproval
Later in the series, Gina Kincaid, Donna's cousin, arrived and quickly became another source of friction within the group. She was a figure skater with a complicated past and a tendency to create drama, and honestly, she didn't exactly make friends easily with the established circle. She pretty much seemed to rub a lot of people the wrong way, you know?
Gina often found herself at odds with Kelly and Donna, similar to Valerie, but with her own distinct style of causing trouble. She had a history with Dylan, which immediately put her in conflict with Kelly. Her competitive nature and her willingness to manipulate situations for her own gain made it difficult for the core group to trust her. They just didn't like her methods, and that's a pretty straightforward reason for conflict.
She also had a strained relationship with Donna, despite being family. Donna often felt hurt or betrayed by Gina's actions, especially when Gina's schemes affected Donna's relationships or career. It was a difficult dynamic because, on one hand, they were related, but on the other, their personalities and moral compasses were very different. So, they didn't always see eye-to-eye, and it was clear that their bond wasn't as strong as Donna's other friendships, which, honestly, was a bit sad to watch.
Gina's presence brought a fresh wave of interpersonal conflict to the later seasons, proving that even as the characters grew older, new people could still shake things up and reveal who truly didn't get along with others. Her time on the show was marked by a lot of tension, and it was pretty rare for her to have a moment where she wasn't somehow involved in a disagreement, you know?
David Silver and His Struggles with Others
David Silver, while generally a good-hearted person, also experienced periods where he didn't get along with certain members of the group, or even with himself. His struggles often stemmed from his own insecurities, his desire to be accepted, or later, his battle with addiction. These personal challenges sometimes put him at odds with his friends, even when they were trying to help him, you know?
In the earlier seasons, David, being younger than the main group, often felt like an outsider, leading to some awkward moments and minor conflicts as he tried to fit in. He sometimes felt overlooked or dismissed, which can be a pretty frustrating feeling. Later, as he pursued his music career, he sometimes clashed with friends over creative differences or professional decisions, which is a very common thing in any creative field, honestly.
His addiction storyline also created significant friction, particularly with Donna. Donna, who loved him deeply, struggled to help him, and his actions during his addiction often hurt her and other friends. It was a painful period where, despite their love, they just didn't communicate well, and David's behavior pushed people away. This showed how personal struggles can really impact relationships, making it hard for even the closest people to get along, which, at the end of the day, is a very real depiction of life.
David's journey was one of growth, but it was punctuated by moments where his own internal battles manifested as external conflicts with those around him. He didn't always handle things perfectly, and that led to some pretty intense discussions and disagreements with his friends and family, which, you know, is part of growing up and figuring things out.
The Grown-Ups: Jim and Cindy Walsh vs. The Kids' Choices
It wasn't just the teenagers who had their disagreements; Jim and Cindy Walsh, Brenda and Brandon's parents, often found themselves at odds with the choices and behaviors of the young adults around them. Their conflicts weren't about love triangles, but rather about responsibility, independence, and the differing values between generations. They just didn't always understand the kids' world, you know?
Jim, in particular, often clashed with Dylan McKay, especially when Dylan was dating Brenda. Jim, being a very protective father, didn't approve of Dylan's rebellious nature and his sometimes reckless lifestyle. He didn't want Brenda getting hurt, and that led to many heated discussions between him and Dylan, and even between him and Brenda. It was a classic parent-child dynamic, really.
Cindy, while often more understanding than Jim, also had her moments of concern and disagreement, especially when the kids made decisions that seemed risky or ill-advised. They both tried to provide guidance, but the young adults often wanted to forge their own paths, which naturally led to friction. So, while they didn't have dramatic feuds like the kids, they certainly didn't always get along with the way things were going, and that's pretty much a universal experience for parents, isn't it?
Their role in the show often highlighted the generational gap and the challenges of parenting teenagers who were navigating a very privileged yet complex world. They just didn't always have the answers, and their attempts to impose rules often met with resistance, leading to those familiar family squabbles that many viewers could relate to, honestly.
Why These Conflicts Mattered
The conflicts in Beverly Hills, 90210, whether big or small, were a vital part of what made the show so compelling and long-lasting. They weren't just filler; they were the very fabric of the characters' growth and the show's narrative. These disagreements showed that even in a seemingly perfect world, relationships are messy, complicated, and sometimes, people just don't get along, and that's a pretty important lesson, you know?
These feuds gave the characters depth, revealing their flaws, their strengths, and their capacity for both love and resentment. They provided tension, drama, and moments of real emotional impact. Without these clashes, the show wouldn't have had the same pull, and honestly, it might not have stayed in our minds for so many years. The fact that we still talk about who didn't get along speaks volumes about their lasting impact.
Ultimately, the show taught us that while friendships can be tested and relationships can break, there's also often a path to forgiveness, understanding, or at least, a kind of peaceful coexistence. The characters, despite their differences, often learned from their conflicts, which, at the end of the day, is what makes a story truly resonate. You can learn more about character dynamics on our site, and also check out this page for more insights into classic TV shows.
Frequently Asked Questions About 90210 Feuds
Did the actors who played Brenda and Kelly get along in real life?
There have been many rumors and reports over the years about real-life tensions between Shannen Doherty (Brenda) and Jennie Garth (Kelly). While they played rivals on screen, stories suggest their relationship off-screen also had its challenging moments. It's pretty common for co-stars to have ups and downs, you know? They have both spoken about their past difficulties and, in recent years, seem to have found a way to move past them, which is a pretty nice thing to see, honestly.
Why did Brenda Walsh leave Beverly Hills, 90210?
Brenda Walsh left the show after the fourth season. Her departure was reportedly due to behind-the-scenes issues and conflicts, including some with cast members and production. The character went to London to study acting, which was a pretty neat way to write her out of the story. It was a big change for the show, and many fans really missed her presence, you know?
What was the biggest fight in Beverly Hills, 90210?
Many fans would probably say the biggest and most impactful fight was the one between Brenda and Kelly over Dylan. That love triangle created deep emotional wounds and truly tested their friendship in a way that felt very real and very painful to watch. It set the tone for a lot of the drama that followed, and honestly, it's still talked about quite a bit today, which shows its lasting power.
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