28. Beverly Hills, 90210
Episode: Season 3, Episode 15, âThe Kindness of Strangersâ
Whatâs on the menu: Cindy Walsh pulls out all the stops for Thanksgiving dinner, especially in Beverly Hills where Brandon and Brendaâs friends wind up ditching their dysfunctional families for the Walsh festivities. Everyone ends up at the Walsh home for the holiday, including Brandonâs new recruit. Putting his kind heart on display (was there ever anyone better than Brandon in those first three years?) by welcoming the homeless man he met early that summer over for dinner.
Brandon encounters war veteran Jack Canner once again after trying to get him a job at the beach club a few months back. He brings Jack into the Peach Pit and convinces him to temporarily stay at a homeless shelter. However, Jack canât handle the dependency and the submission of his freedom, which prompts Brandon to bring him home. Jim initially takes issue with Jack due to a disagreement about the war, but a helping hand during the storm reminds them what the holiday is all about.
Why weâre thankful for it: Of course, weâre thankful for âThe Kindness of Strangersâ because of Brandonâs pure heart. Whoâs sweeter than Brandon Walsh? Swoon! But as if you need reminding, Season 3âs right in the middle of the iconic Dylan, Brenda, and Kelly love triangle, and their entanglements boil over into Thanksgiving. Even though Beverly Hills, 90210 aired plenty more holiday episodes during its 10-year run (including Brandonâs impromptu reunion with Emily Valentine the next year and David and Valerieâs goodbye in Season 9), hereâs peak-90210 heartwarming.