I have no idea. Maybe it’s “Masterpiece Theatre”-level drama. But by refusing to send screeners of the “90210″ premiere to critics, the CW has aroused deep suspicions. Usually, networks that are proud of their products are eager to show them off to people who will provide free publicity (and any publicity is good publicity, right?) for said products. When screeners are withheld, inquiring minds wonder what the network in question is ashamed of. The CW, apparently tired of critics asking when the “90210″ screener would arrive, issued this defensive statement on Monday. Note the part about “we are not hiding anything.”

“The CW and our studio partner CBS Paramount Network Television have made the strategic marketing decision not to screen “90210″ for any media in advance of its premiere.  We’re not hiding anything . . . simply keeping a lid on 90210 until 9.02, riding the curiosity and anticipation into premiere night, and letting all our constituents see it at the same time.”