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REST IN PEACE?
When MELROSE PLACE Says Farewell To Peter And Amanda, A Digest Editor Grieves
I've been a fan of MELROSE PLACE since BEVERLY HILLS, 90210's Kelly followed Jake to the West Hollywood apartment complex in 1992. So being asked to participate in the May 24 finale was a thrill. Basking under the studio lights, taking a dip in the heated pool...
Or not. It's cold and cloudy, and the wind is whipping through the trailers and vans parked alongside Leo Carillo State Beach as I arrive to play a mourner at the Malibu Beach funeral of Amanda and Peter. John Haymes Newton (Ryan) passes by wrapped in a warm bathrobe. Jamie Luner (Lexi) emerges from a trailer with her hair in large rollers.
On the up side, I receive a snazzy Sy Devore tie that complements my suit before joining the other extras (including members of the press) on folding chairs. And the actors couldn't be friendlier. Thomas Calabro (Michael) grabs a pen and pretends to doodle a mustache on Peters portrait. "I can't say there's any actor on the show who's not a joker," says Newton. "We all have a lot of fun when were not shooting."
Rob Estes (Kyle) is about to begin a speech when the director, Executive Producer Charles Pratt, Jr., yells, "Cut!" before Estes can open his mouth. "You were excellent!" teases Calabro. "That was great!"
During a break, Pratt says that although the finale was more expensive than a typical episode, it did come in under budget. As for the plot, he notes, "From a story standpoint, we wrapped everything up. I didn't want to end it with the building imploding and being sucked down to hell like at the end of Poltergeist, which was one of the many scenarios we rejected, thank God. I wanted to go out on a positive and romantic note."
The taping takes hours, though, thanks to the Malibu locale. "There's a lot of hurry up and wait," admits Newton, who kills time tossing arond CornNuts. "When you're on location, sometimes it becomes that way," explains Kelly Rutherford (Megan). "Usually on the stage it's pretty quick because it's more controlled. They're doing amazingly well today."
Even a few giggle fits when Calabro fumbles a line don't throw the schedule off. Afterward, he reflects on the end: "It's kind of sad. But at the same time, I feel guilty because I feel I should be so grateful. We beat the odds a lot of times just to have been on for seven years and to work with these people."
The sun breaks though at lunchtime. My fellow extras and I head to the buffet tables, where salmon, beef, pasta, peas and a salad bar wait. You can really work up an appetite sitting around looking like you're in mourning. As the extras pick through the buffet Calabro, Newton. Estes and Josie Bissett (Jane) chow down in a tent.
Back on the set, the sun is blazing. Since we're continuing the scene that began before lunch, precautions are taken to make sure it looks the same. Crew members hold up a screen to diffuse the strong glare. Sunscreen is dispensed to keep our faces from frying, but for some, it's too late - they've gone from pink to red in mere minutes.
But hold the fort: Why weren't former stars asked to return for the big finale? "We approached several [actors] and there was some interest, some non-interest and one case of somebody wanting a great deal of money who will remain nameless," explains Pratt. "So we basically decided, 'If we can't do a whole bunch, then we won't do any."
Elsewhere, Rena Sofer (Eve) prepares for a scene. ("I'm going to milk this line for all it's worth," she grins.) Hubby Wally Kurth (Ned, GENERAL HOSPITAL) shows up with their daughter, Rosabel. "Hi, precious, how are you?" coos Jamie Luner.
"Fun check!" exclaims Luner, turning to the extras glued to their seats. "Maybe you should do the wave." Soon the extras are excused and the crew breaks down the set. "It's a bittersweet," sighs Luner, who will be doing a WB pilot. "Walking around knowing you're going to lose this family is sad, but it's exciting to start something new. I told everyone that I'm not going to say good-bye."
And the good-byes may not be forever. "I was joking with Heather [Locklear, Amanda] and Jack [Wagner, Peter] about that," says Pratt. "I said something like, 'Hey, we'll save that for the reunion movie.'" Then everyone laughed. It's really up to Aaron [Spelling]. We are poised to do just that, although it was never planned or discussed."
Whether or not we meet Amanda and company again, Pratt feels viewers will be satisfied. "Our goal was that no matter what you liked the show for - the romance, the psychos or the melodrama - we have a little bit of everything and a lot to keep you on the edge of your seat."
I take the shuttle van back to my car, and as I drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, I suddenly realize I'm still wearing the tie that wardrobe gave me. Hey, maybe I can wear it in the reunion movie.
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