Melrose Place: The Complete First Season

So how did Alison (Courtney Thorne-Smith) and Billy (Andrew Shue) become roommates? Why did medical intern Michael Mancini (Thomas Calabro) become such an adulterous cad? Who is the first core character Amanda (Heather Locklear) slept with? And where 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, 90210, the series is set in an apartment complex in Los Angeles' fashionable West Hollywood district, and features attractive twentysomething characters pursuing 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), who catches Michael's married eye (his wife is too-busy aspiring fashion designer Jane, played by Josie Bissett). And finally, in the episode "Picture Imperfect," we meet advertising agency art director Amanda, who gives Melrose Place what it so desperately needed: 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 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. And that waitress portrayed by Amy Locane? Gone after the 13th episode, "Dreams Come True." An ill-used Vanessa Williams, as a sassy, you-go-girl aerobics instructor, would likewise not be around for the second season. But as this one unfolds, so-called real life gives way to hookups: Jake and "alternative" photographer Jo (Daphne Zuniga); Billy and Amanda, Billy and Alison, Matt and...nope, not in primetime 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. DVD extras on this eight-disc set, compiling all 32 episodes from the 1992-93 first season, include a handful of featurettes and an episode guide. Recommended. (D. Liebenson)