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Revoking 90210's Poetic License: Hollywood Sign Sinning
We've been biting our tongue all season so far and not running to the keyboard to spew forth our behemoth recaps of The CW's re-tooled 90210, now in its second year on the air. But we're still watching--and encouraging you to watch, too, like our TV Junkie did yesterday--and last night's episode had just enough on-location action to get our tongues, and fingers wagging.
First, props to the writers and location scouts for working in a trio of authentically cool spots, including the Silver Lake Lounge, Pink's Hot Dogs, and The Edison. But all those props are negated by one huge urban legend-esque liberty that has us wishing we could revoke their poetic license. Young filmmaker (and drug dealer, but that's another story) Jasper uses the iconic Hollywood sign as the backdrop for his latest project.
But Jasper must really be in the know, because he and love interest Annie share a moment adjacent to the sign's gigantic letters. As in inches away. As in there's no way in hell this could actually happen. Why? Because the immediate area of the Hollywood sign is well-guarded and protected, and regular folks have no access to it whatsoever. Just how off-limits is the sign? We explained in 2008:
The sign is equipped with infrared cameras, loudspeakers, and motion sensors, all relaying 24 hour monitoring of the sign to security forces. Even when authorized persons are up there the LAPD will send a helicopter out to make sure the right people are on the property. People are not permitted on the hill by the sign--even though it's park of Griffith Park--because it is a fire hazard, the hillside is extremely dangerous and rocky terrain, and so that the sign is not damaged. Part of its security system is attributed to the [Hollywood Sign] Trust's recent partnership with the Department of Homeland Security.
No wonder it's one of the Top Ten Hardest Locations to Film in L.A.. So come on, 90210, give us a break. The kids of West Beverly Hills might lead blessed lives, but this is more magic than they have at the Magic Castle!
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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