MODELS VS. MELROSE PLACE: HOW DO THEY COMPARE?
By Brian Covault, 70650.1523@compuserve.com

In many ways, these two shows are very different. One is centered around a modeling agency. The other is centered around an apartment complex. In one show, we see several people trying to succeed in various roles within a single industry. In the other, we see several folks just trying to make a living any way they can across a wide spectrum of industries.

One show features a very dominant character who seems to affect the lives of all the other characters on that show in a big way. With the other show, some characters have a big impact on the others from time to time, but, no one attempts to enforce a parent-child relationship over others. One show focuses on how the actions of one character influences the lives of others. The other show concentrates more on how several people interact and influence each other.

One show is set in a life style of glamour and wealth. For the most part, the other show is set in less luxurious surroundings. In one show, the roles of good and slime have been clearly defined. The contrast is not so drastic in the other show. Yet, despite these differences, each show reminds me of the other.

Obviously, romance, sex and sleaze has it's place in both shows. And, if you are looking for fast paced story lines, well, missing a single episode of either of theses shows is like missing ten episodes of the average daytime soap as far as I'm concerned.

There is a beach house in both shows, though the house in one show is more prominent than the house in the other. Characters frequent a popular bar in both shows. In one show, it's Stage 99. In the other show, it's Shooters. Relationships begin and end in all of these places.

For me, another thing these shows have in common is that I like each of them. "Melrose Place" started out slow and has improved steadily with time. "Models, Inc." has begun much faster. It has a lot of potential. And, with Frank South & Co. at the helm, potential usually becomes reality.

Article originally appeared in The "MODELS, INC." FAN CLUB NEWSLETTER, distributed world-wide on Compuserve, America Online, and the Internet. Date: Issue #1, August, 1994. Newsletter Editor: Scott Palmer, 72250.1655@compuserve.com