Initially presented as an easy-going young woman with questionable priorities, Sydney would gradually be developed into one of the series' most multi-faceted characters.

During her introduction in the first and second seasons, Sydney is prone to making rash and irresponsible decisions, such as getting involved with her sister's ex, and having a brush with the law.

Though she often appears carefree and detached, she displays a sensitive side while enduring the consequences of her actions, and while sharing comforting moments with others.

The series' fourth season returns the character to her clever and scheming ways, though she is presented more as comedic relief during a period of rather serious story lines, and continues to display a compassionate side.

[2] While reporting on the original series in 1994, Rolling Stone,[3] Entertainment Weekly,[4] and People[5] magazine all featured Leighton on their covers.

[6] Sydney comes to Los Angeles in the first season to visit her older sister Jane Mancini (Josie Bissett) in the Melrose Place apartment complex.

Desperate for money, she temporarily becomes a prostitute and begins an affair with Michael, who she later blackmails into marriage when it appears that he had been responsible for Kimberly's death via drunk driving.

[10] In the third season, while Jane is later freed due to questions about her sanity and sent to a mental institution,[11] Sydney works as a waitress and bookkeeper for fellow tenant Jake Hanson (Grant Show), with the two eventually beginning a brief romantic relationship.

[12] Later, Sydney discovers that an unstable Kimberly is planning to set off explosions in the apartment complex, and she and Michael manage to warn the other tenants in time.

[16] Sydney eventually moves on to dating Bobby Parezi (John Enos III),[17] Amanda Woodward's (Heather Locklear) former brother-in-law, who later dies.

The on-and-off couple are married in the fifth season finale, but at the wedding reception Sydney is hit by a motorist, forcibly driven by her one-time business partner Samantha Reilly's (Brooke Langton) abusive father.

[22] It is revealed in flashbacks how Michael helped Sydney fake her death (that would have taken place during the time of the original series off-screen).

"[2] As the original series gained popularity, the show received attention from Rolling Stone,[3] Entertainment Weekly,[4] and People[5] magazine, with Leighton being featured on every cover.

"[27] In a 2009 interview, producer Todd Slavkin claimed that the show had not ruled out the possibility of bringing back Sydney, stating, "We would never close the door officially.