Our conversation with Ashlee Simpson began with a confession.

When watching the pilot episode of the new Melrose Place, it took us a long time to recognize that it was Simpson playing the part of Violet Foster.

"Actually, I had to go to a more natural-looking red," said the 24-year-old Simpson, who has adopted many looks and hairstyles during her singing and TV careers. "I had to let go of my fun, bright oranges.

"So I went to a more natural-looking red, and I like it. And Violet, in the beginning, she's new to Melrose Place, so she's not quite up to par with her style. So it's fun to play that, too."

We have to say this for Simpson, who officially goes by the name Ashlee Simpson-Wentz following her 2008 marriage to Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz: She's a survivor.

Her fame cycle basically began because she was Jessica Simpson's little sister. And one might have figured Ashlee's 15 minutes were up when she was exposed as a guide-track-reliant wonder during a humiliating "live" appearance on Saturday Night Live in 2004.

But somehow, through her continued work in music and theatre and TV, Ashlee Simpson hasn't completely gone away. Audiences may not have forgotten the SNL fiasco -- and remember, her initial strategy was to throw her band under the bus, blaming them for playing the wrong song, ha ha -- but for some reason she escaped being crucified for it.

And unlike big-sister Jessica, who in recent years has remained famous merely for dating and subsequently breaking up with famous people, at least Ashlee is trying to maintain a functional career in the entertainment biz.

"Violet was the only part they considered me for," Simpson said when asked if she had been tested for any of the other roles in Melrose Place. "And it's so much fun because there's so much development with Violet and she's so interesting and has some creepy moments. She's very quirky and definitely has sneaky ways.

"You know, for me, it's fun to play the innocent side, but the really innocent girl is probably not so innocent. She's got a dark side."

The new Melrose Place is an updated version of the famous 1990s series that featured the likes of Heather Locklear and Courtney Thorne-Smith. It originates on the CW network in the United States, which also brought 90210 back from the dead last season.

The Canadian debut of the new Melrose Place is tomorrow on Global. However, if your TV provider offers CW, you can catch the American debut of Melrose Place tonight.

By the way, CW also has the second-season premiere of 90210 tonight. The Canadian premiere of 90210's second season is Thursday on Global.

Simpson claimed she hadn't been watching much TV in recent seasons until she got pregnant last year. Late in 2008, she gave birth to her son Bronx Mowgli Wentz (child cruelty alert!).

"Motherhood has made me the happiest I've ever been in my life," Simpson said. "Just looking at Bronx's eyes, it's like, wow."

Of course, everyone's life could be a little more happy -- like, say, if Melrose Place is a hit.

"The show brings you some good drama, there's a murder mystery, and there's funny parts to it, too," Simpson said. "I think it definitely is a well-rounded show."

So music is on the back-burner for now, Ashlee?

"Yeah, I've put my music on hold for a bit," she said. "Maybe in my trailer I'll start writing."