I've never really been a fan of Jimmy Fallon. I always thought Tina Fey was the brains behind the
Weekend Update team and my favorite part of
Fever Pitch was when they played the Dropkick Murphy's version of "Tessie". But, however, Jimmy Fallon (check that: Executive Producer Lorne Michaels) is on to something with his quest for a ratings bonanza known as a
Saved By The Bell reunion.
(see the clip here)Basing this pronouncement on sheer volume, no show of the 1990s was as quotable, other than Seinfield. (To all you java lovers at the Central Perk, not even close) "Saved By the Bell" produced teen-idols that will continue to stand the test of the time, because the show was THAT beloved by members of our generation. I was a 11 year old watching Saved by the Bell. From "Oh, Artie Boy...the bugs..the bugs..the bugs" to "Friends Forever". I wasn't alone. There have been many classic nights on campuses across the country throughout the years when individuals have stumbled in from a night out and played Saved By The Bell drinking games..From bad fashion to Violet to Stacy Kerosi (whom I think made out better than anybody on this show), it has as much 90s cultural significance as Pearl Jam and Magic Eye puzzles.
I consulted my good friend who was in college during the early part of the 1990s and "Saved By the Bell" wasn't a blip on their radar screen. The trials and tribulations of everyday life at Bayside High & in the booths of the Max didn't appeal to them....And why would it when the crews of 90210 and Melrose Place were snorting coke, stalking each other and wolfing down milkshakes at the Peach Pit? (That would be a great Food Network "Iron Chef" match...Nat vs. Max) The show gained its ultimate popularity and cultural significance in re-runs...so its hard to pinpoint the age range that the cultural significance has been at its peak. I'd have to estimate and say anybody who graduated high school from 1993 on have somehow been given varying degrees of honors from Bayside High School.
Hands down, Elizabeth Berkley was the hottest woman on the show. While Tiffan
i Amber-Theissen did go on to greener pastures (and evil ways) as Valerie on 90210, Elizabeth Berkley gave every male in the midst of puberty the gift of "Showgirls". (her "acting" in the movie...that's the equivalent to the kid sitting on his bed reading
Playboy and having a scantily clad woman dressed as a bunny land on his bed...."Thank you, God!")
While I reference
d it in an earlier post, the shot Frank Laranko & myself did with an overweight Dennis Haskins at the Olive Branch in New Brunswick is still one of the great moments in my life.
So many great moments have been ingrained in pop-culture, it is impossible to discuss them all. Hell, you can have a 2 day symposium regarding the Here are some questions, I'd like answered at the reunion (please feel free to add some in the comments section):
"Does Slater still harbor any resentment towards his father, the General, pushing him too much when he was younger and how has it fucked up his life thus far?"
"Can Slater & Jessie, perform "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" for old-times sake?"
"Is Rod Belding, the non-bald Belding, who wanted to take the class whitewater rafting on a sex-offender list somewhere?"
"How the hell did Zach get a score of 1502 on the SAT when the SATs were scored in increments of 10?"
"Did the gang ever get to see the U2 ZooTV tour in the aftermath of the ticket mishap at the mall?"
"Did The Attic ever get shut down for lax policies when it came to admitting underaged patrons?" (you know Jeff was snorting coke back there....you just know it)
"Is Mr. Carosi dead of a heart attack?"
"Mr. Belding, how is your teacher's pension doing now that California is completely broke?"
"Jesse, did you hit the pills at Columbia like you did in high school?...I mean Bayside wasn't exactly Columbia..."
"Screech, when did you lose your virginity?" (tapes leaked by your alter-ego, Dustin Diamond, do not count)
"Is miniature golf still a varsity sport at Bayside?"
"Is Tori now getting drunk in biker bars somewhere along Route 66?"
"If y'all go back for the annual "Bayside vs. Valley" football game, is a reunion really neccessary?"
"Did your experience watching Johnny Dakota do illegal drugs translate to you doing illegal drugs, even after your appearances in the "No Hope With Dope" ads?
"Mr. Belding, can we see some pictures of your baby son, Zack, that was born in the elevator?"
"CalU...what the hell was the deal with that?"
I mean, these are obviously questions that someone would ask at a "Real World" reunion show hosted by John Norris.
Any show where the characters can get away with smashing a Lexus with a slap on the wrist deserves a reunion.
And I for one will be watching.... (with an after-party consisting of Bud Dry and "The Best of Firehouse") Thank you, Jimmy Fallon.
