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So how did Alison (Courtney Thorne-Smith) and Billy (Andrew Shue) become roommates? How did medical intern Michael Mancini (Thomas Calabro) become such an adulterous cad? Who is the first core character Amanda (Heather Locklear) slept with? And who is that waitress-aspiring actress? These and other tantalizing questions are answered as we revisit the surprisingly grounded first season of Melrose Place. A scorching hot spin-off of Beverly Hills, 902010, Melrose Place is set in an apartment complex in Los Angeles' fashionable West Hollywood district. It features attractive 20-something characters pursuing their dreams and fledgling careers, while facing more mature life challenges than their 90210 counterparts, such as paying the rent. "This is real life," moonlighting building manager Michael tells Alison, who's facing eviction after her roommate skips out on her. But where's the fun in real life? Enter three video vixens who would help transform Melrose Place into television's hottest address. First to arrive for an initially brief visit is Sidney (Laura Leighton), Michael's troublemaking sister-in law. Then, there's Dr. Kimberly Shaw (future Desperate Housewife Marcia Cross), with whom Michael, who is married to too-busy aspiring fashion designer Jane (Josie Bissett), begins to operate. And finally, in "Picture Imperfect," we meet D&D advertising agency art director Amanda, who gives Melrose Place what it so desperately needs: a campy nighttime soap queen. And for the ladies, we have resident soulful bad boy Jake (Grant Show), who was introduced on 90210 and spends the first several episodes fending off a lovesick Kelly (guest star Jennie Garth). Nice guy Billy maintains a platonic relationship with Alison, but their growing feelings for each other are complicated by, you guessed it, the scheming and seductive Amanda. Then there’s Matt (Doug Savant), who’s gay and pretty much on the periphery. In the beginning, Melrose Place is simply a nice place to visit, but one in serious need of renovation. That waitress portrayed by Amy Locaine? Gone after Episode 13, "Dreams Come True." An ill-used Vanessa Williams, as a sassy, you-go-girl aerobics instructor, would likewise not be around for Season 2. But as the season unfolds, so-called real life gives way to hook-ups: Jake and "alternative" photographer Jo (Daphne Zuniga); Billy and Amanda, Billy and Alison, Matt and...nope, not in prime time in 1992. From steamy elevator liaisons to pregnancy to a violent stalker, it doesn’t take too long for Melrose Place to get into a guilty pleasure groove that is as irresistible today as it was in its decade-defining heyday. Who says you can’t go home again? Donald Liebenson

Product Details

• UPC: 097360382624
• Source: PARAMOUNT
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Pan & Scan
• Language: English
• Time: 25:10:00
• Sales Rank: 31,955

This set contains DVDs which may be available separately:

• Melrose Place: Pilot
• Melrose Place: Friends and Lovers
• Melrose Place: Lost and Found
• Melrose Place: For Love or Money
• Melrose Place: Leap of Faith
• Melrose Place: Second Chances
• Melrose Place: My Way
• Melrose Place: Lonely Hearts
• Melrose Place: Responsibly Yours
• Melrose Place: Burned
• Melrose Place: A Promise Broken
• Melrose Place: Polluted Affairs
• Melrose Place: Dreams Come True
• Melrose Place: Drawing the Line
• Melrose Place: House of God
• Melrose Place: The Whole Truth
• Melrose Place: Jake Vs. Jake
• Melrose Place: A Melrose Christmas
• Melrose Place: Single White Sister
• Melrose Place: Peanut Butter and Jealousy
• Melrose Place: Picture Imperfect
• Melrose Place: Three's a Crowd
• Melrose Place: My New Partner
• Melrose Place: Bye Bye Billy
• Melrose Place: Irreconcilable Similarities
• Melrose Place: End Game
• Melrose Place: The Test
• Melrose Place: Pushing Boundaries
• Melrose Place: Pas de Trois
• Melrose Place: Carpe Diem
• Melrose Place: State of Need
• Melrose Place: Suspicious Minds

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