Starring
Josie Bissett
Thomas Calabro
Laura Leighton
Doug Savant
Grant Show
Andrew Shue
Courtney Thorne-Smith
Daphne Zuniga
Heather LockLear
Marcia Cross
Kristin Davis

Director Darren Star
Producer Aaron Spelling

Amazon $ 46.99

Reviewed by Meenu Gupta

Three years ago my morning used to start with a hot cup of coffee and the title music of Melrose Place, that I absolutely love. It was refreshing to watch the drama series again that features the lives of a group of young people living in an apartment complex named "Melrose Place" in L.A.

The thirty episodes revolve around the ever-changing relations of ad executive Alison Parker (Courtney Thorne-Smith) and her roommate and  boyfriend, Andrew Shue (Billy Campbell).. Among the clever characters are the conniving doctor, Michael Mancini (Thomas Calabro); the psychotic villainous Kimberly Shaw (Marcia Cross); the sweetly innocent ex-wife, Jane (Josie Bissett); and her sister, Sydney (Laura Leighton). Other characters include Jake Hanson (Grant Show), Matt Fielding (Doug Savant), pregnant Jo Reynolds (Daphne Zuniga)  and  the apartment's landlord Amanda Woodward (Heather Locklear). This season introduces Brooke Armstrong (Kristin Davis) with guest appearances by Beverley Mitchell, Traci Lords, Chuck Woolery, and Mackenzie Phillips.

One of my favorite episodes is "Grand Delusions" (Episode No.68) in which Michael regains his memory after an accident and discovers that Kimberly is the culprit. Palmer kidnaps Jake on the boat but the rest of the plan turns upside down as Brittany double-crosses Palmer. As she shoots Palmer and destroys the boat with the detonator, I was left wondering what happens to Jake.
 
I also enjoyed watching the episode, "Love Reeks" (Episode 4, Disc 2) in which Jake provides Sydney with refuge after learning of the attack. Michael fears that Chris is after Jane's money. He follows them to Las Vegas, with Kimberly in pursuit. Chris wins big in the casino and proposes to Jane. Michael and Kimberly break up the wedding, then tie the knot themselves. Michael is fired for skipping work. Jo is hospitalized with an ulcer, and Kimberly provides comfort. Jake beats up Chris and sleeps with Sydney. Peter continues to pursue Amanda. Alison learns about Billy's involvement with Susan. Lust prevails in the name of love in the lonely lives of dishonest, self-interested seeking individuals.

"The Big Bang Theory"(Episode 3 Disc 8) also kept me at the edge of my seat as Matt gets framed for murder and Kimberly plants a bomb at Melrose Place. This drama soap evokes mixed feelings. At times, I find myself hating conniving Michael and Kimberly. I detest Amanda for back stabbing Alison in the Episode "Melrose Impossible" where she hatches a plan to ruin her career. I admire Jane for her sweet smile and always minding her business as a designer at Mancini designs. She never messes up anyone's life like Jake who saves a helpless lady Brittany (Episode No. 65 "I'm Curious Melrose") but doesn't join her when he true evil identity is revealed (Episode No. 68 "Grand Delusions"). Sydney seems funny to me at times and I can't help laughing at her plight. She gets in fixes all the time and none believes her even when she's right. She acts naive when she looks up to Kimberly for help and is obviously betrayed (Episode No. 65 "I'm Curious Melrose").

"Its not what it looks like, it’s worse,” Kimberly says in episode "the Big Bang theory" and I think she sums the series in one line. Most of the episodes open up with the iconic apartment complex and end like an explosive season finale.

Dvd Special Feature:  "Everything You Need to Know About Melrose Place Season 3" features funny commentaries by comedians and writers Michael Colton and John Aboud aboout the show and each of the lead characters. It provides a bird's eye view of this 8 disc-set sensational drama and is not to be missed.

Needless to say the serial is only for adults so watch it late-night after kids have gone to bed.

out of 10 binkies

Meenu Gupta is a reader, contributor and member of Mothering Heights. Her other works can be found at Indian Currents. She lives in California with her two year old son and husband.