Naomi Clark
Encyclopedia
Naomi Clark, played by AnnaLynne McCord
, is a fictional character
from the CW
primetime drama 90210
, the fourth series of the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise. The character was created by Rob Thomas
, Gabe Sachs
, and Jeff Judah
, with later developments by Rebecca Sinclair
, and occasional input from McCord.
During early stages of production, Naomi was largely described as a privileged and popular teenager. Prior to the series' premiere, Sachs and Judah would further develop Naomi into an antiheroine with a number of flaws, virtues, and familial issues. In the second season, Sinclair, the new show-runner, maintained the previous developments but presented a more comedic take on the character. McCord has expressed fondness for the multi-faceted nature of the role, citing it as a factor in her decision to accept the part.
Often regarded as the show's central figure, Naomi has received critical acclaim from the Los Angeles Times
, Entertainment Weekly
, People
magazine, and other media outlets. Reviews have generally praised the casting of the actress and the complexity of the role. Conversely, Naomi has also been a recipient of criticism, particularly during the second season. For her work in the role, McCord was nominated for a Teen Choice Award
in 2009, and won a Breakthrough of the Year Award in 2010.
of Beverly Hills, 90210
, the first series of the franchise which launched 90210. As production of the spin-off began, the part would become more defined, with actress AnnaLynne McCord, who received the role, labeling Naomi an intelligent girl who possessed both manipulative and sensitive sides. She further described the character as "kind of a chameleon", stating that "she'll be someone with the principal and then someone else with her mother and then someone else with her friend."
Sachs also described Naomi as a layered character whose nature would be explored as the series progressed. With regard to playing such roles, McCord stated, "I tend to reach out to people like Clark because I can see they are putting on a facade and are not as bad as they seem. They will eventually let their guard down and become nice people." The actress opted not to review the original series before beginning her role in the spin-off, expressing a desire for Naomi to have her own identity.
Prior to being cast in 90210, McCord had begun building a reputation for playing vixens and antiheroines, notably via the role of Eden Lord in the FX series Nip/Tuck
. After declining two offers to play Naomi, she eventually accepted in April 2008, believing that her exposure on the show would help to benefit the charities she was involved in. McCord was able to offer the creators her input on the character following her casting. Additionally, she was the second performer and the first actress to be cast.
, during which several aspects of the character's personality are revealed. Self-esteem
is shown to be one of Naomi's biggest virtues and vices early on. When she is assigned to work with new student Annie Wilson (Shenae Grimes
), she initially appears snobbish and withdrawn. Afterward, she unveils a more pleasant demeanor as the two spend time together, but also reveals an opportunistic side by attempting to plagiarize one of Annie's papers. Upon being caught, however, she becomes offended when others express doubts about her ability, and seeks to prove that she can complete the work herself.
Naomi is gradually shown to have a friendly
nature during her introduction, inviting Annie to her birthday party when asked to, while fidelity
is revealed to be of importance to her as well. When her personal life is explored, she is shown to value her longtime boyfriend Ethan Ward (Dustin Milligan
). However, her birthday party is disrupted by the news that Ethan has been unfaithful to her.
Social power is also said to be a priority of Naomi's in early episodes, along with social prominence. According to Erin Silver
(Jessica Stroup
), who is commonly called by her surname, the two were best friends until an ambitious Naomi revealed a secret that came to hurt Silver and her family.
(Jessica Lowndes
) encounters problems due to her drug habit, Naomi's good will is displayed again, as she eventually steps in and attempts to intervene. In the eighth episode, her intelligence is further hinted at when it is revealed that Naomi speaks Spanish
.
Though their personalities differ at times, several of Naomi's issues parallel those of Kelly Taylor
(Jennie Garth
) from the original series
. Early on in the show, she values her 'in-crowd' status and experiences repeated friction with a friend over a boy (as Kelly did). When Annie begins bonding with Ethan, Naomi reveals that the situation is likely to interfere with their friendship. Annie's eventual dismissal of this statement leads to a temporary rift between the girls. Also like Kelly, Naomi endures the experience of a family torn apart by adultery, and is later faced with the matter of an absent parent, as her mother departs town unexpectedly. After her parents have officially split, Naomi seeks temporary refuge in a hotel.
Later, Naomi dates a West Beverly student named Liam Court (Matt Lanter
). At Naomi's after-prom party, Jen (Sara Foster
), her sister, seduces Liam to get back at Naomi for defying her and holding the event at their house. Naomi catches the aftermath (sans Jen) and finds Annie's wrap with Liam, causing her to publicly accuse Annie of sleeping with him. She is last shown being comforted by Jen while police sirens are heard due to Annie reporting the underage drinking.
Several of the series' story lines in Season 2 are shown to have various ties to Naomi, including the deepening of Jen Clark's duplicity, the shaken state of Annie Wilson, and the development of a sensitive side in the character of Liam Court. In addition, Silver and Adrianna, who did not associate often in the first season, are shown to have grown closer in the second through their mutual bonds with Naomi. Shortly after the second season premiered, articles from Entertainment Weekly
and MSN
applauded the increased focus on McCord's character. The actress also promoted the series on Live with Regis and Kelly
and The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien
.
Following the death of Silver's mother, Jackie, Naomi provides Erin with comfort. Soon afterward, Naomi learns the truth about Jen's actions on the night of the prom, creating a rift between the two. Naomi then offers Annie her apologies. Annie initially keeps her at a distance, while Liam, after much effort, is eventually given a second chance with Naomi. Later, she begins to encounter awkwardness with Liam. After clashing with Mr. Cannon (Hal Ozsan
), a faculty member, Naomi falsely accuses him of sexual harassment while talking with her friends, who unexpectedly urge her to come forward with the experience. As with her attack on Annie, she initially declines to act. However, she eventually does so when Liam faces expulsion for assaulting Cannon. She is later called to testify in front of the school board, which prompts her to reveal the truth. Afterward, Naomi faces new conflicts with her sister Jen, while Liam eventually leaves Naomi upon deciding that their relationship is no longer working. While experiencing trouble with her car one evening, she seeks assistance in school and stumbles upon Mr. Cannon. He kisses Naomi repeatedly as she refuses and pushes him away, but he continues and eventually rapes her.
, McCord revealed what she expected for Naomi after she was attacked at the end of Season 2. "I kinda feel like there will be some downward spiral in a way for Naomi's character, but she's good at covering, so she'll still have that facade." In a later interview with HollywoodLife.com, she further stated, "For me, it's important to let all teenagers know, and all women know, if you're violated you have to speak up." The actress also expressed a personal investment in the story, having worked with victims of abuse in a real-life anti-trafficking organization.
states that via the role of Naomi, the actress "became one of Hollywood’s top young stars-to-watch after the series premiered to more than 5 million viewers worldwide." In a review of the series premiere, Tom Gliatto of People
magazine stated that, "The standout is AnnaLynne McCord as bad-girl Naomi Clark: She’s very striking physically—almost startling, somewhere between Charlize Theron and Courtney Love—and she conveys a mix of high drama, meanness and little-girl self-pity that’s a lot of fun." Staff members of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
found McCord's performance "surprisingly more nuanced" than her previous work as Eden Lord. The article also declared that Naomi appeared to be the most complex of the younger characters early on, labeling her a "popular but vulnerable but snotty but misunderstood but vindictive high-school queen." Seventeen
magazine called the character "the ultimate queen bee" in 2009. Following the completion of Season 1, McCord appeared on the premiere cover of Beauty Entertainment magazine, which made reference to Naomi's "Good Girl, Bad Girl" status.
Shortly after the premiere of Season 2, Tanner Stransky of Entertainment Weekly
stated that the series "is getting better and better this season as it deliciously morphs into The AnnaLynne McCord Show". In a later EW review, Jennifer Armstrong labeled Naomi "awesome", and declared McCord "a treasure" in the role.
In an autumn television recap, the magazine proclaimed the series' second season an improvement on the first, and remarked that, "Moving AnnaLynne McCord's immensely entertaining anti-heroine, Naomi, front and center certainly didn't hurt." While noting 90210' s continuing focus on its younger cast in 2010, E!
Online stated, "AnnaLynne McCord, we're looking at you". While discussing Jennie Garth of the original series, HollywoodLife.com proclaimed McCord "the modern-day leading lady". In the midst of Season 2, the actress was labeled "the star of 90210" by Shape
magazine, also appearing on the cover.
In regards to the humorous aspects of the character, Emily Exton of Entertainment Weekly stated that McCord had "honed her comedic timing" in the second season. Jethro Nededog expressed similar acclaim in a review for the Los Angeles Times
, in which he commented on a comically driven Naomi, and asked, "Is there anything better than Naomi when she knows what she wants?" Nededog also lauded Naomi's material in the second season finale, citing the character's "movement, activity and depth."
While reviewing the third season, Andy Swift of HollywoodLife.com compared McCord to Joan Collins
, stating that she "gives every scene 110 percent". Entertainment Weekly' s Archana Ram wrote, "I've said it before, and I'll say it again: AnnaLynne McCord is the best part of 90210. And last night, she proved it again by giving us a glimpse of all the colors of the Naomi rainbow—bitchy, scared, confident, relieved, and more."
labeled Naomi "vapid" and "prissy". Further criticism arose in the later episodes of Season 2, with reviewers citing her dishonesty and insensitivity during this period. While discussing the story in which Naomi makes false accusations of sexual harassment, Entertainment Weekly' s Archana Ram likened the character to her villainous sister Jen. Jethro Nededog of the LA Times also condemned Naomi's actions, but commended her for eventually revealing the truth.
At a later point in the season, Lisa Todorovich of Zap2it
chastised Naomi for being "all about herself" while failing to support Liam during a series of troubles. While acknowledging Naomi's faults, which eventually lead to a break-up with Liam, Krista Navin of MassLive.com stated that "it is totally consistent with her character that she would want to try to be there for Liam, but just be too into her own drama to really be able to be. Also, I think it makes sense that someone like Liam would think he would want to be with someone like Naomi, and then be pretty disillusioned by the reality."
in the category of "Breakout Star Female". In 2010, she won a Breakthrough of the Year Award in the category of "Breakthrough Standout Performance".
AnnaLynne McCord
AnnaLynne McCord is an American actress. Known for playing a range of vixen-type roles, McCord first gained prominence in 2007 as the scheming Eden Lord on the FX television series Nip/Tuck, and as the pampered Loren Wakefield on the MyNetworkTV telenovela American Heiress...
, is a fictional character
Character (arts)
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the CW
The CW Television Network
The CW Television Network is a television network in the United States launched at the beginning of the 2006–2007 television season. It is a joint venture between CBS Corporation, the former owners of United Paramount Network , and Time Warner's Warner Bros., former majority owner of The WB...
primetime drama 90210
90210 (TV series)
90210 is an American teen drama television series developed by Rob Thomas, Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs, and the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by Darren Star. 90210 is the first series produced by CBS Productions under the company's re-launch, but is now produced by CBS...
, the fourth series of the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise. The character was created by Rob Thomas
Rob Thomas (writer)
Rob Thomas is an American author, producer, and screenwriter, best known as the author of the 1996 novel Rats Saw God and creator of the critically acclaimed television programs Veronica Mars and Party Down.-Education and early career:Thomas graduated from San Marcos High School in 1983 and went...
, Gabe Sachs
Gabe Sachs
Gabe Sachs has been a writer/producer for a number of primetime television shows including Freaks & Geeks, Just Shoot Me, Undeclared, Life As We Know It, 90210 and What About Brian.- Life and career :...
, and Jeff Judah
Jeff Judah
Jeff Judah is one of the creators of ABC's TV series Life As We Know It along with Gabe Sachs. He screenwrote the film Diary of a Wimpy Kid, released on March 19, 2010.-External links:...
, with later developments by Rebecca Sinclair
Rebecca Rand Kirshner
Rebecca Sinclair is a writer and producer for American television. Currently, she is the showrunner for the television series 90210. She served as co-executive producer on the CW series Gilmore Girls and as a writer on Freaks and Geeks, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Las Vegas. She lives in Los...
, and occasional input from McCord.
During early stages of production, Naomi was largely described as a privileged and popular teenager. Prior to the series' premiere, Sachs and Judah would further develop Naomi into an antiheroine with a number of flaws, virtues, and familial issues. In the second season, Sinclair, the new show-runner, maintained the previous developments but presented a more comedic take on the character. McCord has expressed fondness for the multi-faceted nature of the role, citing it as a factor in her decision to accept the part.
Often regarded as the show's central figure, Naomi has received critical acclaim from the Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
, Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
, People
People (magazine)
In 1998, the magazine introduced a version targeted at teens called Teen People. However, on July 27, 2006, the company announced it would shut down publication of Teen People immediately. The last issue to be released was scheduled for September 2006. Subscribers to this magazine received...
magazine, and other media outlets. Reviews have generally praised the casting of the actress and the complexity of the role. Conversely, Naomi has also been a recipient of criticism, particularly during the second season. For her work in the role, McCord was nominated for a Teen Choice Award
Teen Choice Awards
The Teen Choice Awards, are an annual awards show that air on the Fox cable channel, that honor the year's biggest biggest achievements in music, movies, sports, television, fashion and more, voted by teen viewers aged 14 through 17. Winners receive an authentic full size surfboard designed with...
in 2009, and won a Breakthrough of the Year Award in 2010.
Creation
Naomi Clark was initially developed by the series' original show-runner, Rob Thomas, who was succeeded by Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah prior to the premiere. Early press releases described the character as a privileged, attractive, and popular teenager, prompting the media to draw comparisons to Kelly TaylorKelly Taylor (90210)
Kelly Taylor, portrayed by Jennie Garth, is a fictional character who was the female lead of Beverly Hills, 90210 for the majority of the show's duration. Initially presented as a "spoiled teen vixen", the role was gradually expanded by producers...
of Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210 is an American drama series that originally aired from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000 on Fox and was produced by Spelling Television in the United States, and subsequently on various networks around the world. It is the first series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise...
, the first series of the franchise which launched 90210. As production of the spin-off began, the part would become more defined, with actress AnnaLynne McCord, who received the role, labeling Naomi an intelligent girl who possessed both manipulative and sensitive sides. She further described the character as "kind of a chameleon", stating that "she'll be someone with the principal and then someone else with her mother and then someone else with her friend."
Sachs also described Naomi as a layered character whose nature would be explored as the series progressed. With regard to playing such roles, McCord stated, "I tend to reach out to people like Clark because I can see they are putting on a facade and are not as bad as they seem. They will eventually let their guard down and become nice people." The actress opted not to review the original series before beginning her role in the spin-off, expressing a desire for Naomi to have her own identity.
Prior to being cast in 90210, McCord had begun building a reputation for playing vixens and antiheroines, notably via the role of Eden Lord in the FX series Nip/Tuck
Nip/Tuck
Nip/Tuck is an American drama series created by Ryan Murphy, which aired on FX in the United States. The series focuses on McNamara/Troy, a plastic surgery practice, and follows its founders, Sean McNamara and Christian Troy...
. After declining two offers to play Naomi, she eventually accepted in April 2008, believing that her exposure on the show would help to benefit the charities she was involved in. McCord was able to offer the creators her input on the character following her casting. Additionally, she was the second performer and the first actress to be cast.
Introduction
Naomi is introduced as a rich girl who attends West Beverly Hills High. Her first on-screen birthday coincides with the birth of the seriesWe're Not in Kansas Anymore
"We're Not in Kansas Anymore" is the pilot episode of the American teen drama 90210, which premiered on September 2, 2008 on The CW in the United States and Global in Canada. 90210 is a spin-off to Beverly Hills, 90210, and the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 continuity...
, during which several aspects of the character's personality are revealed. Self-esteem
Self-esteem
Self-esteem is a term in psychology to reflect a person's overall evaluation or appraisal of his or her own worth. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs and emotions such as triumph, despair, pride and shame: some would distinguish how 'the self-concept is what we think about the self; self-esteem, the...
is shown to be one of Naomi's biggest virtues and vices early on. When she is assigned to work with new student Annie Wilson (Shenae Grimes
Shenae Grimes
Shenae Grimes is a Canadian actress. She currently portrays the role of Annie Wilson on 90210, a spinoff of Beverly Hills, 90210. Prior to that she played Darcy Edwards on Degrassi: The Next Generation...
), she initially appears snobbish and withdrawn. Afterward, she unveils a more pleasant demeanor as the two spend time together, but also reveals an opportunistic side by attempting to plagiarize one of Annie's papers. Upon being caught, however, she becomes offended when others express doubts about her ability, and seeks to prove that she can complete the work herself.
Naomi is gradually shown to have a friendly
Friendship
Friendship is a form of interpersonal relationship generally considered to be closer than association, although there is a range of degrees of intimacy in both friendships and associations. Friendship and association are often thought of as spanning across the same continuum...
nature during her introduction, inviting Annie to her birthday party when asked to, while fidelity
Fidelity
"Fidelity" is the quality of being faithful or loyal. Its original meaning regarded duty to a lord or a king, in a broader sense than the related concept of fealty. Both derive from the Latin word fidēlis, meaning "faithful or loyal"....
is revealed to be of importance to her as well. When her personal life is explored, she is shown to value her longtime boyfriend Ethan Ward (Dustin Milligan
Dustin Milligan
Dustin Wallace Milligan is a Canadian film and television actor known for his role as Ethan Ward on 90210.-Life and career:...
). However, her birthday party is disrupted by the news that Ethan has been unfaithful to her.
Social power is also said to be a priority of Naomi's in early episodes, along with social prominence. According to Erin Silver
Silver (90210 character)
Erin Silver is a fictional character on The CW television series 90210, the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise. Portrayed by Jessica Stroup, the character was originally introduced in Beverly Hills, 90210 as Kelly Taylor and David Silver's sister.- Season 1 :Silver in introduced in...
(Jessica Stroup
Jessica Stroup
Jessica Leigh Stroup is an American actress and fashion model. Stroup is best known for her role as Erin Silver on The CW television series 90210, a spin-off to the original Beverly Hills, 90210...
), who is commonly called by her surname, the two were best friends until an ambitious Naomi revealed a secret that came to hurt Silver and her family.
Progression
Several of the foundations laid in the opening episodes are built upon as the series progresses. In the third episode, Naomi is traumatized by the discovery that her father is having an affair. In episode four, she is shown to maintain a close relationship with Ethan, despite their break-up, turning to him for comfort. She again reveals a friendly side when she pacifies Ethan's autistic brother. Later, she is presented with an opportunity to confront her father's mistress, and boldly does so. She and Erin Silver also take steps toward reconciliation. Afterward, Naomi schemes to save her parents' marriage, though her efforts are ultimately in vain. When her friend AdriannaAdrianna Tate-Duncan
Adrianna "Ade" Tate-Duncan is a fictional character on The CW television series 90210, the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise...
(Jessica Lowndes
Jessica Lowndes
Jessica Lowndes is a Canadian actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Adrianna Tate-Duncan on TV series 90210.-Personal life:Jessica Suzanne Lowndes was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada...
) encounters problems due to her drug habit, Naomi's good will is displayed again, as she eventually steps in and attempts to intervene. In the eighth episode, her intelligence is further hinted at when it is revealed that Naomi speaks Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
.
Though their personalities differ at times, several of Naomi's issues parallel those of Kelly Taylor
Kelly Taylor (90210)
Kelly Taylor, portrayed by Jennie Garth, is a fictional character who was the female lead of Beverly Hills, 90210 for the majority of the show's duration. Initially presented as a "spoiled teen vixen", the role was gradually expanded by producers...
(Jennie Garth
Jennie Garth
Jennifer Eve "Jennie" Garth is an American actress and director, best known for starring in the prominent role of Kelly Taylor throughout the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise...
) from the original series
Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210 is an American drama series that originally aired from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000 on Fox and was produced by Spelling Television in the United States, and subsequently on various networks around the world. It is the first series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise...
. Early on in the show, she values her 'in-crowd' status and experiences repeated friction with a friend over a boy (as Kelly did). When Annie begins bonding with Ethan, Naomi reveals that the situation is likely to interfere with their friendship. Annie's eventual dismissal of this statement leads to a temporary rift between the girls. Also like Kelly, Naomi endures the experience of a family torn apart by adultery, and is later faced with the matter of an absent parent, as her mother departs town unexpectedly. After her parents have officially split, Naomi seeks temporary refuge in a hotel.
Later, Naomi dates a West Beverly student named Liam Court (Matt Lanter
Matt Lanter
Matthew Mackendree "Matt" Lanter is an American actor, former reality TV personality and model, perhaps best known for his roles in Commander in Chief, 90210, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Disaster Movie, Sorority Row and Vampires Suck.-Early life and career:Lanter was born in Massillon, Stark...
). At Naomi's after-prom party, Jen (Sara Foster
Sara Foster
Sara Christine Foster is an American actress. She was previously a fashion model before moving to the film industry. She is best known for her role as Jen Clark on 90210.-Career:...
), her sister, seduces Liam to get back at Naomi for defying her and holding the event at their house. Naomi catches the aftermath (sans Jen) and finds Annie's wrap with Liam, causing her to publicly accuse Annie of sleeping with him. She is last shown being comforted by Jen while police sirens are heard due to Annie reporting the underage drinking.
Impact
During the initial development of 90210, the character Annie Wilson was conceived as the central role of the series. As the first season progressed, however, AnnaLynne McCord gained recognition as the show's breakout performer in the role of Naomi. Media outlets began referring to McCord as the series' lead throughout Seasons 1 and 2; the actress was also nominated for a Teen Choice Award in the category of "Breakout Star Female" in 2009. Rebecca Sinclair, the series' show-runner, had also become impressed with Naomi's portrayal. Though McCord's cast billing would remain the same in the second season, Naomi Clark was placed "front and center", largely becoming the show's central character.Several of the series' story lines in Season 2 are shown to have various ties to Naomi, including the deepening of Jen Clark's duplicity, the shaken state of Annie Wilson, and the development of a sensitive side in the character of Liam Court. In addition, Silver and Adrianna, who did not associate often in the first season, are shown to have grown closer in the second through their mutual bonds with Naomi. Shortly after the second season premiered, articles from Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
and MSN
MSN
MSN is a collection of Internet sites and services provided by Microsoft. The Microsoft Network debuted as an online service and Internet service provider on August 24, 1995, to coincide with the release of the Windows 95 operating system.The range of services offered by MSN has changed since its...
applauded the increased focus on McCord's character. The actress also promoted the series on Live with Regis and Kelly
Live with Regis and Kelly
Live! with Kelly is a syndicated American television morning talk show, hosted by Kelly Ripa. The show has aired since 1983 in New York City and 1988 nationwide. Tony Pigg has been the show's announcer since its inception...
and The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien
The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien
The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien is an American late-night talk show that featured Conan O'Brien as host from June 1, 2009 to January 22, 2010 as part of NBC's long-running Tonight Show franchise...
.
Direction
At the beginning of Season 2, McCord reported that producers would be taking her character into "more comedic" territory. "I don't really consider myself funny, but they wanted her to go along this route, so I'm learning alongside Naomi how to be funny." The actress also claimed that Naomi would continue to display an "ever-emerging heart," and that "at the end of the day, she's the most loyal friend you’ll have—as long as you don't screw her." With regard to the character's appearance, McCord described Naomi as "beautiful," but requested that her makeup be limited in Season 2, stating that "the girls who are watching the show don’t need to see a girl portraying seventeen caked up in all this makeup."Story lines
The second season opens on Naomi completing her final day of summer school, which she'd been forced to attend due to the underage drinking at her party. It is revealed that she, Silver, and Adrianna have formed a friendly trio during the summer. Naomi briefly dates an older man who she later discovers is married, leading her to break up with him. She is still upset at Annie and considers revenge after obtaining naked pictures of her. She hesitates to act at first, but is later encouraged to by Jen, widening the rift between her and Annie. Later, after she escapes some of Jen's influence, Naomi visits California University, and grows close to the dean's son, Richard, along with a boy named Jamie.Following the death of Silver's mother, Jackie, Naomi provides Erin with comfort. Soon afterward, Naomi learns the truth about Jen's actions on the night of the prom, creating a rift between the two. Naomi then offers Annie her apologies. Annie initially keeps her at a distance, while Liam, after much effort, is eventually given a second chance with Naomi. Later, she begins to encounter awkwardness with Liam. After clashing with Mr. Cannon (Hal Ozsan
Hal Ozsan
Halil Özşan, better known as Hal Ozsan , is a British actor and singer-songwriter of Turkish Cypriot descent. He is best known for his roles as Michael Cassidy in the hit ABC Family series Kyle XY, Todd Carr in the WB's Dawson's Creek, and Miles Cannon in 90210.-Life:Ozsan was born to Turkish...
), a faculty member, Naomi falsely accuses him of sexual harassment while talking with her friends, who unexpectedly urge her to come forward with the experience. As with her attack on Annie, she initially declines to act. However, she eventually does so when Liam faces expulsion for assaulting Cannon. She is later called to testify in front of the school board, which prompts her to reveal the truth. Afterward, Naomi faces new conflicts with her sister Jen, while Liam eventually leaves Naomi upon deciding that their relationship is no longer working. While experiencing trouble with her car one evening, she seeks assistance in school and stumbles upon Mr. Cannon. He kisses Naomi repeatedly as she refuses and pushes him away, but he continues and eventually rapes her.
Direction
In an interview with E!E!
E! Entertainment Television is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by NBCUniversal. It features entertainment-related programming, reality television, feature films and occasionally series and specials unrelated to the entertainment industry.E! has an audience reach of...
, McCord revealed what she expected for Naomi after she was attacked at the end of Season 2. "I kinda feel like there will be some downward spiral in a way for Naomi's character, but she's good at covering, so she'll still have that facade." In a later interview with HollywoodLife.com, she further stated, "For me, it's important to let all teenagers know, and all women know, if you're violated you have to speak up." The actress also expressed a personal investment in the story, having worked with victims of abuse in a real-life anti-trafficking organization.
Story lines
In the Season 3 premiere, it is revealed that Naomi spent the summer at a motel. She later decides to press charges against Cannon, but becomes discouraged from going through with the process. In the second episode, she gains access to her trust fund upon turning 18. Later, her friends attempt to help prove that Cannon raped her. She and Jen reconcile in the process. Eventually, Naomi and the police obtain new evidence against Cannon. However, Cannon disappears before he can be arrested. She then begins moving forward in her personal life. When she returns to her hotel room after Adrianna's Christmas party, Mr. Cannon is shown waiting for her unnoticed. He later holds both Naomi and Silver captive, though they eventually manage to subdue him and call the police. While recovering from her last encounter with Mr. Cannon, she takes up meditation, leading her to cross paths with a guru who cons her out of a large sum of money. Naomi later retrieves the money with the help of her science partner, Max. Naomi is shocked to find herself beginning to like Max, and they soon begin a relationship. At the end of the third season, Naomi tells Max that she is pregnant.Season 4
The fourth season begins with Naomi breaking up with Max after what she feels is his excessive relief on discovering that her pregnancy was a false positive. Attempting to make a big impression at California University, Naomi buys a large house, coming into conflict with the owner's son Austin (Justin Deeley), who had been growing marijuana on the property. Naomi throws a big elaborate beginning of school party for CU students but this backfires when the party is raided by the police and Naomi disposes of Austin's marijuana plants by tossing them on a bonfire, causing CU's star quarterback to later test positive for drug use. The disastrous party causes Naomi to enter CU as the most unpopular girl in school, a situation she attempts to rectify by pledging a popular sorority. Initially things appear to be going well as Naomi is taken under the wing of the sorority President, Holly (Megalyn Echikunwoke). But after performing a series of humiliating hazing rituals, Naomi discovers that Holly never intended to let her into the sorority and that this was all done to humiliate Naomi. Vowing revenge, Naomi buys her way into the only sorority that will have her: one made up of nerds and social rejects, and becomes their president. Naomi has sex with Austin after he agrees to help her new sorority humiliate Holly. However, she later learns that Austin was using her to break up with Holly, whom he had been dating. When Holly invites Max to a campus event to unsettle Naomi, she rekindles her romance with him, but still finds herself attracted to Austin.Acclaim
In its biographical page on McCord, Yahoo!Yahoo!
Yahoo! Inc. is an American multinational internet corporation headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, United States. The company is perhaps best known for its web portal, search engine , Yahoo! Directory, Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Groups, Yahoo! Answers, advertising, online mapping ,...
states that via the role of Naomi, the actress "became one of Hollywood’s top young stars-to-watch after the series premiered to more than 5 million viewers worldwide." In a review of the series premiere, Tom Gliatto of People
People (magazine)
In 1998, the magazine introduced a version targeted at teens called Teen People. However, on July 27, 2006, the company announced it would shut down publication of Teen People immediately. The last issue to be released was scheduled for September 2006. Subscribers to this magazine received...
magazine stated that, "The standout is AnnaLynne McCord as bad-girl Naomi Clark: She’s very striking physically—almost startling, somewhere between Charlize Theron and Courtney Love—and she conveys a mix of high drama, meanness and little-girl self-pity that’s a lot of fun." Staff members of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is a major U.S. daily newspaper serving Fort Worth and the western half of the North Texas area known as the Metroplex. Its area of domination is checked by its main rival, The Dallas Morning News, which is published from the eastern half of the Metroplex. It is owned...
found McCord's performance "surprisingly more nuanced" than her previous work as Eden Lord. The article also declared that Naomi appeared to be the most complex of the younger characters early on, labeling her a "popular but vulnerable but snotty but misunderstood but vindictive high-school queen." Seventeen
Seventeen (magazine)
Seventeen is an American magazine for teenagers. It was first published in September 1944 by Walter Annenberg's Triangle Publications. News Corporation bought Triangle in 1988, and sold Seventeen to K-III Communications in 1991. Primedia sold the magazine to Hearst in 2003. It is still in the...
magazine called the character "the ultimate queen bee" in 2009. Following the completion of Season 1, McCord appeared on the premiere cover of Beauty Entertainment magazine, which made reference to Naomi's "Good Girl, Bad Girl" status.
Shortly after the premiere of Season 2, Tanner Stransky of Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
stated that the series "is getting better and better this season as it deliciously morphs into The AnnaLynne McCord Show". In a later EW review, Jennifer Armstrong labeled Naomi "awesome", and declared McCord "a treasure" in the role.
In an autumn television recap, the magazine proclaimed the series' second season an improvement on the first, and remarked that, "Moving AnnaLynne McCord's immensely entertaining anti-heroine, Naomi, front and center certainly didn't hurt." While noting 90210
E!
E! Entertainment Television is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by NBCUniversal. It features entertainment-related programming, reality television, feature films and occasionally series and specials unrelated to the entertainment industry.E! has an audience reach of...
Online stated, "AnnaLynne McCord, we're looking at you". While discussing Jennie Garth of the original series, HollywoodLife.com proclaimed McCord "the modern-day leading lady". In the midst of Season 2, the actress was labeled "the star of 90210" by Shape
Shape Magazine
Shape Magazine is a monthly English language fitness magazine started by Weider Publications in 1981, founded by Christine MacIntyre and became the #1 women's fitness magazine...
magazine, also appearing on the cover.
In regards to the humorous aspects of the character, Emily Exton of Entertainment Weekly stated that McCord had "honed her comedic timing" in the second season. Jethro Nededog expressed similar acclaim in a review for the Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times is a daily newspaper published in Los Angeles, California, since 1881. It was the second-largest metropolitan newspaper in circulation in the United States in 2008 and the fourth most widely distributed newspaper in the country....
, in which he commented on a comically driven Naomi, and asked, "Is there anything better than Naomi when she knows what she wants?" Nededog also lauded Naomi's material in the second season finale, citing the character's "movement, activity and depth."
While reviewing the third season, Andy Swift of HollywoodLife.com compared McCord to Joan Collins
Joan Collins
Joan Henrietta Collins, OBE , is an English actress, author, and columnist. Born in Paddington and raised in Maida Vale, Collins grew up during the Second World War. At the age of nine, she made her stage debut in A Doll's House and after attending school, she was classically trained as an actress...
, stating that she "gives every scene 110 percent". Entertainment Weekly
Criticism
In addition to her popularity, Naomi has been the subject of criticism. In a review of the series premiere, Ray Richmond of The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood Reporter
Formerly a daily trade magazine, The Hollywood Reporter re-launched in late 2010 as a unique hybrid publication serving the entertainment industry and a consumer audience...
labeled Naomi "vapid" and "prissy". Further criticism arose in the later episodes of Season 2, with reviewers citing her dishonesty and insensitivity during this period. While discussing the story in which Naomi makes false accusations of sexual harassment, Entertainment Weekly
At a later point in the season, Lisa Todorovich of Zap2it
Zap2it
Zap2it is an American website and affiliate network that provides news, photos and video, local TV listings and movie showtimes. The site is produced by Tribune Media Services , part of the publishing division of the Chicago-based Tribune Company...
chastised Naomi for being "all about herself" while failing to support Liam during a series of troubles. While acknowledging Naomi's faults, which eventually lead to a break-up with Liam, Krista Navin of MassLive.com stated that "it is totally consistent with her character that she would want to try to be there for Liam, but just be too into her own drama to really be able to be. Also, I think it makes sense that someone like Liam would think he would want to be with someone like Naomi, and then be pretty disillusioned by the reality."
Award recognition
For the role of Naomi Clark, McCord was nominated for a 2009 Teen Choice AwardTeen Choice Awards
The Teen Choice Awards, are an annual awards show that air on the Fox cable channel, that honor the year's biggest biggest achievements in music, movies, sports, television, fashion and more, voted by teen viewers aged 14 through 17. Winners receive an authentic full size surfboard designed with...
in the category of "Breakout Star Female". In 2010, she won a Breakthrough of the Year Award in the category of "Breakthrough Standout Performance".