POP CULTURE BLOG: How the original and rebooted SAVED BY THE BELL pilots reflect changing societal norms

For this week, I decided to compare the original Saved by the Bell to the recent reboot. I always wanted to watch the show with the revival of the ‘90s culture. For this battle, I am going to be watching the pilot (the first episode) for both. I am going to be comparing the plot, how society reflects what is being shown, along with how I feel about it. 

The original is peak 80’s and 90’s aesthetic. It is very wacky and corny, just like the 80’s but hey, it’s iconic and we love it. Just like any sitcom of its time, the main characters get themselves in a sticky situation and spend the entire episode trying to get out of it.

In this case, Zack Morris lies about his age to a summer fling and is confronted about it once she transfers into his school. I really liked his character; he was easily my favorite. The teachers bored me but maybe that’ll change as I watch more. Also, why the heck is Zack so comfortable chilling at his teacher’s house? I could never! Boundaries much? I will give the pilot episode a 5/10. Most pilot episodes aren’t the greatest and usually evolve as the episodes go on. Right now, I’m not too impressed. Saved by the Bell stans, please do not come for me. This rating is solely on the first episode ALONE. I’m sure it gets iconic and legendary as it progresses. 

The reboot starts off as Zack is becoming a governor for California. I love how he still has his same chaotic personality.  It deals with real-life topics such as poverty and privilege. Douglas High, an underprivileged school, gets shut down due to Governor Morris’ policies. Some of the students get transferred to Bayside High. Daisy, an ambitious class president type, is faced with getting used to her new surroundings. She feels like she is a small fish in a big pond as she doesn’t have access to things Bayside students take for granted, such as tablets, smartphones, etc.

I love the theme of striving for equality despite differences in class. The main characters are a lot more diverse in terms of ethnicity. My favorite character is Lexi. I, personally, am a fan of “queen bee/bad bitch” characters. What I also like about her is she is transgender. I think it is refreshing to see a trans girl as a normal girl; one who doesn’t use her gender expression as a crutch or make her entire purpose. She’s unapologetically herself. Overall, the reboot’s first episode gets a 7/10. Maybe because it is more targeted towards my demographic, I liked the humor more. However, I can see why the original gets more attention because it stands out more. The newer reboot does feel more standard. It is not serving me Saved by the Bell; it is giving more typical high school comedy. The only way I would know it’s remotely related is the actors/actresses reprising their roles.  

You can read more of writer Paris Sewell’s reviews and pop culture appreciation posts @parishatesyouxo.