I feel compelled to write to ...
Question: I feel compelled to write to you in defense of
Shannen Doherty. I understand that her new show, Oxygen's
Breaking Up with Shannen Doherty, isn't exactly what you'd consider great TV, so I have no problem with you
expressing your disdain for the premise. I can also see your point that if Shannen wants to change people's perception of her, then she should stop playing along with her public image by taking jobs like this. I guess I would have appreciated it if you made an effort to acknowledge that she has done good work in the past. I've been a fan of hers since
Our House, and I watched
90210 faithfully until she left the show. The same thing with
Charmed — once Shannen left, so did I. Both shows lasted many years after she left, but they were never as much fun. She's also been in some decent TV-movies. I remember one with her and
Kevin Dillon as a couple who were accused of killing their daughter. It was a great role for her, and completely unlike anything I'd seen her in before. At the very least, you have to respect a true Hollywood survivor like her. She has done so many things to destroy her career over the years and yet always seems to make a comeback and keep working. Give credit where it's due!
Answer: The reason Shannen keeps coming back to TV, despite the brickbats some of us may throw at her (especially when she sheds crocodile tears about how unfairly she's been treated), is precisely because she has fans as loyal as you. Yes, she's a survivor, and yes, she has had her memorable moments on TV (I would never accuse her of being famous for only being famous). But still, not even a significant pay hike could compel me to watch her latest reality aberration. I figure I'll see her again on her next comeback tour.
