If I am correct, Jenny Wilder was a fictional character, but I think Shannen did add something to the show. Does anyone know of any real people Shannen could have played instead? She was too young to play Carrie, but maybe Laura really did know someone else that age. I think that would have been better than making up a character just to keep the ratings high.

I Don't know who she could of Played. but i don't think that anyone would of missed her if she had't been on the show all together sure some episodes she was ok but wanting to kill herself that was a little carzy i could of done without a Jenny that is all i am saying

That's the funny thing about Shannen - it seems to me that people either really like her or they hate her. The thing is neither the Greenbush twins nor Missy Francis could act, but I always thought Shannen had sort of a spark to her.

I think they were just trying to put a girl on there of about the same age as Laura was when the show started, I guess to try to fill the role that Laura left behind when she grew up -- kind of what they did with Nancy to take the place of Nellie. I've noticed this with other shows too, like when Olivia was added to The Cosby Show apparently to take the place of Rudy once she grew up a bit.

The episode that I think Jenny did a nice job in was, "Wild Boy." Jenny was very compassionate towards Matthew, and they had a cute chemistry between them.

I know that Shannen Doherty is not a very "likable" person, which is too bad, but I really enjoyed her in the original "90210" series. She was a good actress. It's funny how she always plays a nice character, but in real life, had some issues.

Amy, I've been waiting for you to find this thread. Don't feel like you have to hold back so much, though.

I like your idea of aging Rose a little bit! That would have been a lot better. See, they really needed to hire you and Cheryl.

I too didn't particularly like the way they added Jenny to the cast just to get more children on the show, but I thought Melissa and Shannen both did a stunning job in "Times Are Changing" when Laura is upset with Jenny for attempting suicide.
Actually when I did an internship at a depression hotline in college, I often used what Laura said to Jenny as a sort of a model when I was talking to suicidal people.

I agree, Cheryl, I DID NOT like the "Wild Boy." To this day, I cannot watch it. I despise what that man put Matthew through in the beginning. But, I do like Jenny in this episode, the few times I have actually watched it.

Honestly, until a few weeks ago, when it was talked about on this forum, I never knew that Shannen had an affair with Melissa Gilbert's first husband. That is why I cannot stand her now. And she was only like 17 or 18 or something. Ewwwww!!!! I can get past her other issues, but not that one.

Amy, you got my tickle box turned over! You mean you didn't want a little girl to name Jenny??? LOL

I was okay with Jenny's character, at the time. BUt now that I'm in the middle of all this fine discussion now for the past hmmmmm 5yrs......I do think more could have been written for Carrie, James, Cassandra and Grace. They did have the kids, why not use them??

I never watched 90210, only the tv movies Shannen has been in. Those seem fine.....If given the choice- a Melissa or Shannen movie.....Melissa everytime.
I honestly think all of Shannen's poor choices in the business and private have kept her from doing more work. She just doesn't go into it without "elbowing" others.
Melissa was a bigger woman than me......I would have found that well Carrie fell into and dropped her in it.