When I saw the promo for the next Brenda-infused episode of 90210, I was so busy celebrating the return of Shannen Doherty I almost missed the content of the previewed scene: she’s in a hospital bed. Even this isn’t extremely shocking…until you pair it with the current rumors which are sweeping the Web.

Many are suggesting that Brenda Walsh is going to become ill and die, the first in the original cast to find such an on-screen fate. The CW and Doherty aren’t commenting, but Jason Priestley recently broached the subject with Access Hollywood.

“This is all news to me,” he said of the rumor, saying the idea is “fantastic.” He continued, “that is going to be awesome. No, they haven’t given me anything yet. I don’t even know if the episode is written yet, but I love all those rumors. That is juicy stuff.” You said it, Brandon.

Which is exactly why I think the rumors have been instigated by the show itself. Many fans are drawn to the series for the hope of seeing Brenda alone…so why would they get rid of her?