While Tori Spelling is famous for playing Donna Martin on 90210, it's always been Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth) and Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) who are the female faces of the 90's teen drama. The two high schoolers become best friends (with some conflict along the way) and even though Brenda leaves after season four, she's one of the most memorable TV teens.
Many things about Kelly's character are outdated but when the show was on the air, everything about her made sense for the time period. Who would win if Kelly and Brenda were pitted against one another? It's fun to compare the two main characters.
Kelly: She's A Vulnerable Valley Girl Going Through A Lot
Kelly isn't quite on the same level as the rich kids on other teen shows because she's actually a good person. But she is a vulnerable character who is going through more than her Valley Girl status must suggest.
From starving herself to using diet pills and dealing with her mother who neglects her, Kelly is a more interesting character than Brenda, who has a picture-perfect family set-up.
Brenda: Her Love Story With Dylan Is More Epic And Romantic
There are pros and cons to Brenda and Kelly's relationships with Dylan McKay, but it seems fair to argue that Brenda and Dylan (Luke Perry) have a more epic, romantic story.
The characters meet at the beginning of season one and they have a huge connection right away. Kelly and Dylan have always been in the same social circle and their relationship just doesn't have the same wow factor.
Kelly: She's A Better Friend
On the other hand, Kelly is the best character because she's a much better friend.
Brenda can be vindictive and focus too much on herself, but Kelly wants to help people, even if they're her ex-boyfriends. She dates Brandon (Jason Priestley) on and off and even when they're not together, she's always there for him.
Brenda: She's A Braver, More Spirited Character
Brenda can change her mind in no time flat and all of a sudden, she's got her mindset on something. She has many negative traits and one of them is being impulsive.
IRL, this would make Brenda kind of a jerk. On a teen drama, however, it makes her a better character than Kelly. She's more compelling to watch because she's brave and always ready for an adventure.
Kelly: Proves Money Doesn't Equal Happiness
Brenda's time on the show might be fun and dramatic, but she doesn't really leave a powerful message behind when she leaves the series.
Kelly proves that money doesn't equal happiness and that everyone has to work on themselves and find contentment. She's an inspiring person because even though she comes from a broken family and didn't have her mother's love while growing up, she is able to heal.
Brenda: She's A More Iconic Teen Drama Character
Teen drama fans are aware of common storylines, and when viewed through that lens, Brenda definitely seems like a more iconic teen drama character.
She struggles with her identity and feeling insecure, she falls in love for the first time, she tries to fit in with her peers and sometimes experiences family tension. While Kelly has ups and downs as well, she acts like more of a thirtysomething than a teenage girl. Brenda definitely acts her age.
Kelly: The Show Explores Young Adult Issues Through Her
Even though Brenda is a more typical teenage girl, Kelly's place on the show allowed the writers to explore young adult issues. She suffered from an eating disorder, talked about her sexual assault, and in the later seasons, ed a cult, started abusing drugs and then experienced harassment by a doctor at a clinic.
While Brenda was a strong and bold character, her storylines didn't scream "after school special" as much as Kelly's.
Brenda: Her Sibling Relationship With Brandon Is Special
It's rare to see siblings getting along, whether on a sitcom or TV drama, so it's great to see Brenda and Brandon have such a nice relationship.
Their bond is something special, and it's one reason why Brenda is a better character than Kelly. It was a really big deal for fans to see this kind of sibling relationship portrayed on TV. Even all of these years later, it's really charming.
Kelly: She's A Much Nicer Person With Morals
Kelly is a lot nicer than Brenda and she has morals. While Brenda cares about people who are close to her, she doesn't always stick her neck out for strangers.
Kelly can meet a total stranger and get so wrapped up in helping them that it's all she can think about. This makes her a better character as she disproves the stereotype that all wealthy Beverly Hills teenagers/young adults are selfish and mean.
Brenda: Her Storylines Are Never Boring
Some storylines on 90210 aren't very good, but for the most part, Brenda has great, dramatic plotlines that keep viewers on their toes.
Sometimes watching Kelly can get a bit old, as she has a tendency to feel sorry for herself, especially on the show's later seasons. Brenda keeps fans guessing and that counts for a lot.