Saved By The Bell: Times They Actually Did The Right Thing!

In my opinion, I’ve come across a captivating web series titled “Zack Morris is Trash” by Funny or Die. This series brilliantly portrays the character of Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s fourth-wall-breaking persona from Saved by the Bell, revealing his cunning, self-centered, and time-manipulating nature that often causes chaos. Yet, it’s important to note that he isn’t entirely villainous…

Or in a more conversational tone:

I’ve recently stumbled upon an entertaining web series called “Zack Morris is Trash” on Funny or Die. It sheds light on the character Mark-Paul Gosselaar plays in Saved by the Bell, revealing a side that’s quite manipulative, selfish, and even capable of bending time for his own advantage. But don’t get me wrong, he isn’t all bad…

Indeed, he and his tight-knit circle of friends from Bayside High School – specifically Kelly Kapowski (played by Tiffany Thiessen), A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez), Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley), Samuel “Screech” Powers (the late Dustin Diamond), and Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies) – have surprised many with their occasional mature choices on the cherished TV show. Take a look again at some of the most memorable moments from the Saved by the Bell cast.

Zack Chooses Jessie As His Dance Contest Partner

In the initial episode of “Saved by the Bell“, titled “Dancing to the Max“, Zack asks Jessie for assistance in learning a dance routine for an upcoming competition, with the aim of winning Kelly’s affections. However, he chooses to partner with Jessie instead when he finds out she intended to skip the contest due to her height disadvantage compared to other male dancers, fearing ridicule. Ultimately, Kelly teams up with Slater, but it is Screech and Lisa’s original dance number, named “The Sprain“, that takes the prize.

The Gang Shoots Its Own Anti-Drug PSA

In one of the numerous “very special episodes” from the popular series “Saved by the Bell“, titled “No Hope with Dope”, the group initially looks forward to collaborating on an advertisement advocating for a drug-free life alongside a well-known actor. However, they uncover his personal drug usage. In response, Mr. Belding (played by Dennis Haskins) enlists the assistance of a friend who is a news anchor to help them produce their own public service announcement instead.

Zack And Tori Deliver Mrs. Belding’s Baby

In the fourth season episode of “Saved by the Bell” titled “Earthquake!”, a sudden earthquake strikes Bayside High School. This leaves characters Zack and Tori (Leanna Creel) confined in an elevator with Mr. Belding’s pregnant wife, Becky (Louan Gideon). When Becky suddenly goes into labor, it falls upon Zack and Tori to assist in the delivery of a baby boy. Remarkably, as we later learn from “Saved by the Bell: The New Class”, this child is named Zack.

The Gang Tries To Save The Max

In the story “Save the Max,” Mr. Belding reopens the KKTY radio station, where the group takes on different on-air roles. Upon learning that The Max could be closing down, they decide to utilize their radio show to gather funds and ensure that their beloved hangout place remains open.

Zack Creates A Private Prom For Him And Kelly

As a die-hard fan of ’90s TV, I can’t forget the heartwarming duo of Zack and Kelly from “Saved by the Bell.” One scene that perfectly encapsulates their love story unfolds in the Season 2 premiere episode, “The Prom.” When financial troubles prevented Kelly from attending the dance, her boyfriend, Zack, didn’t let that stop him. He arranged a romantic celebration right outside the school, complete with a delicious meal and a heartfelt slow dance that ended with a sweet, tender kiss under the stars.

The Gang Put Friendship Over Business

In “The Friendship Business” episode from Season 1, the friends’ venture takes a turn as they split into two distinct teams, each aiming to excel as budding entrepreneurs. The cutthroat nature of the project almost causes the friendships to fracture, but eventually, they realize that their past disputes are insignificant compared to the partnership they could forge.

Zack Helps Kelly Win Homecoming Queen

In the story titled “Cream for a Day,” Zack nearly jeopardizes Kelly’s aspirations of being named Homecoming Queen, similar to her mother, when he unwittingly sells her a wonder cream that, at first, he doesn’t realize, temporarily colors the user’s skin maroon. Interestingly enough, this color happens to be one of the school’s colors, which gives him an idea to pass off her unusual complexion as an overdose of school spirit.

Screech Gives Up Being Valedictorian

In the grand finale of “Saved by the Bell,” titled “Graduation,” I, as a devoted cinema enthusiast, found myself in a heartwarming moment when Mr. Belding announced that Screech was Bayside High’s valedictorian. However, he declined this prestigious honor, acknowledging that it held greater significance for Jessie. Upon learning of her selfless act, she devised a way to express her gratitude towards him during the graduation ceremony, leaving me with a warm, fuzzy feeling in my cinematic soul.

Zack Helps Jessie Get Off Caffeine Pills

Among the memorable “extraordinary episodes” of Saved by the Bell, one notable example is titled “Jessie’s Song.” In this episode, Jessie becomes dependent on caffeine pills (originally speed in the script), as she struggles to manage her numerous responsibilities. However, when Zack uncovers her addiction, he not only prevents her from taking another pill but also denies her the opportunity to perform at a special event that could have led to a record deal for the group. Instead, he prioritized her well-being over his own ambitions.

The Gang Helps A Homeless Family Around Christmas

In the two-part holiday special titled “Home for Christmas” from the series “Saved by the Bell”, Zack comes across a young woman named Laura who works at the local store. Unbeknownst to him, she’s the daughter of a homeless man he had previously encountered. When an unfortunate incident causes Laura to lose her job, Zack and their group manage to convince her employer to reconsider. Eventually, they invite Laura and her father to stay with them temporarily until he can secure employment.

The Gang Tries To Rescue Pond Animals

In Season 3’s “Pipe Dreams,” I found myself part of a heart-wrenching tale where an oil spill contaminated our beloved Bayside campus. My pals, Zack, Slater, and Screech, were on a mission to save the animals we had taken care of for a class project, from the harmful effects of the pollution. Despite their valiant efforts, we arrived too late, and a cherished friend, Becky – a duck that Zack held dear – met a tragic end.

Zack Defends Screech From A Bully

Occasionally, it might appear strange that Zack and Screech would be such close friends, but their bond makes sense when you realize they’ve been close since the characters were first introduced in the show Good Morning, Miss Bliss, which served as a precursor to Saved by the Bell. In one episode of that Disney Channel sitcom, Screech was being bullied ruthlessly, and among the few students who stepped up to defend him was none other than Zack Morris.

The Gang Helps Zack Graduate

As Zack prepares to graduate, Mr. Belding sadly tells him that he is missing just one credit and must attend summer school instead. Fortunately, Zack devises a plan where he enlists his friends’ help in staging Bayside’s production of the ballet titled “Swan Pond” – which turns out to be enough for the credit he lacks.

Zack Accepts Kelly’s Feelings For Jeff

In the third season of their show, Zack and Kelly’s relationship faced a difficult moment known as “The Last Dance,” when Kelly started having feelings for her boss at The Max, Jeff. To handle this situation responsibly, Zack wisely chose to end their relationship.

Zack Helps With Lisa’s Financial Troubles

In the first season of Saved by the Bell, an episode finds Lisa struggling under a massive bill on her father’s credit card, accumulated from purchasing items that couldn’t be returned. Stepping in to lend a hand is Zack, who brainstorms several strategies to cover the remaining balance, such as selling some of her wardrobe.

Slater Saves Zack And Kelly’s Wedding

Previously, the “Saved by the Bell” series ended (excluding “Saved by the Bell: The New Class”), with the 1994 special titled “Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas.” In this episode, Zack and Kelly plan to get married in Las Vegas but come close to having a quickie wedding at a low-cost venue. Just as they were about to exchange vows without parental support, Slater intervened by calling Zack’s parents, who then offered to finance a proper ceremony, thus saving the day and making their dream wedding possible.

Zack Gets Nikki To Accept Her Love For Baseball

In the transition from “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” to “Saved by the Bell,” not every character made a comeback. For instance, Nikki (played by Heather Hopper), who was pivotal in several episodes of “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” including one titled “The Mentor.” In this episode, Nikki struggled when boys teased her for being a skilled baseball pitcher due to societal expectations of femininity. However, it was actually Zack who motivated her to pursue her talents and remain true to herself.

The Gang Shows Their Appreciation For Mr. Belding

In the second season episode titled “The Fabulous Belding Boys,” the group encounters Mr. Belding’s brother, Rod (Edward Blatchford), who temporarily takes over as their history teacher. He quickly wins over the students, much to Principal Belding’s annoyance. However, when Zack learnes that Rod intended to abandon a planned camping trip with the class, he and his friends soon understand that they would rather spend it with the original Mr. Belding instead.

The Guys Warn Kelly About Her Boyfriend’s Infidelity

In the Season 3 episode “Fake I.D.s”, Zack, Screech, and Slater initially engage in a questionable action by deceitfully gaining entry to an adult club called The Attic. However, their actions later prove heroic when they notice their friend Jeff, who had previously ended things with Kelly, interacting with another woman. In a surprising move for Zack, given his past with Jeff and Kelly, he decides to inform on Jeff.

The Gang Pulls A Fast One On A Con Artist

In “Class Rings” from Season 4, it’s Zack who takes on the responsibility of purchasing commemorative jewelry for his graduating class. He thinks he’s struck gold with a jeweler named Gem Diamond (played by Gary Beach). However, when Zack and his friends uncover that the merchandise they bought was fake, they devise a plan to teach him a lesson. They pressure him into providing them with genuine rings instead.

Zack Dances With Wendy

As a devoted cinephile, let me share my take on the captivating episode “Date Auction” from Season 3. In this tale, a character named Wendy, a vibrant student of ample size (portrayed by Judy Carmen), finds herself the victor in a date bid. The lucky gentleman, Zack, initially attempts every evasive maneuver conceivable to wriggle out of their rendezvous due to her appearance. However, as events unfold, he starts to recognize the injustice of his treatment towards this young woman. In a heartwarming climax at the school dance, Zack extends the final dance of the evening to Wendy, demonstrating growth and understanding.

Zack And Jessie Help Kristy Join The Wrestling Team

As a passionate film aficionado, I find myself reminiscing about an episode of “Saved by the Bell” that mirrors the “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” installment focusing on Nikki’s baseball career. In this particular tale, a student named Kristy aspires to be part of Bayside’s wrestling team, but her dreams are dashed due to her gender. Stepping up to defend her honor and challenge the status quo are none other than Zack and Jessie. They champion for Kristy’s right to join the athletic team of her choice, irrespective of her gender.

Zack Flips The Script So Jessie And Slater Can Kiss During A Play

In an episode of Season 4, reminiscent of what Lin-Manuel Miranda might appreciate, Bayside High stages a performance of a modernized fairy tale musical titled “Snow White and the Seven Dorks”, where Jessie plays the lead role and is supposed to kiss Zack’s character. However, this leads Kelly and Slater to feel left out, prompting Zack to alter the story’s ending so that Jessie gets to kiss her sweetheart, Slater, instead.

Zack Gives Screech The Chance To Win An Athletic Competition

In Season 2, Zack decides to escape detention by enrolling in a high school military program known as the California Cadet Corps. However, he soon regrets this choice. In a deal with Lt. Chet Adams (Cylk Cozart), Zack is offered freedom if he wins an athletic competition. He then gives his intelligent friend Screech the opportunity to secure their team’s victory in this tournament, and it turns out to be successful.

Zack Drops His Class President Campaign For Jessie

In “The Election” episode of Season 1, Jesse first seeks the class presidency without any competition, but later Zack expresses his intention to run, solely motivated by the prospect of a cross-country trip that comes with the position. However, as he observes Jessie’s passion for improving school life, Zack recognizes the significance of the role and decides to withdraw from the race, allowing Jesse to continue making a positive impact.

Screech Helps Violet Sing

Back in the days of “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” Screech developed feelings for Lisa that lasted through time. However, during his stint on “Saved by the Bell,” Screech encountered a new love interest named Violet (Tori Spelling). In the second season’s episode titled “Glee Club,” Screech lent a hand to Violet when she struggled with self-confidence and found it hard to sing.

Zack Votes For Kelly In The Malibu Sands Beauty Pageant

In the episode “Fourth of July” from the Malibu Sands storyline on Saved by the Bell, Zack is chosen as a judge for the resort’s yearly beauty pageant, with his superior Leon Carosi (Ernie Sabella) suggesting he manipulate the results in favor of his daughter Stacey (Leah Remini), who is also Zack’s girlfriend. However, Zack recognizes that Kelly deserves the title and desperately needs the prize money, leading him to make a fair and honest decision and vote for her instead.

Zack Chooses His Friends And Bandmates Over Solo Success

Season 3’s “Rockumentary” portrays an imaginative narrative similar to “Behind the Music,” delving into the rise of the band Zack Attack, and how the prospect of Zack going solo nearly tears apart their friendship. However, in a heartwarming twist, Zack opts for unity over individual success, mirroring their famous song’s message, “Friends Forever.” Interestingly, this scene turns out to be a dream sequence, yet the idea of selflessness within a friendship remains significant.

Zack Babysits Kelly’s Baby Brother

Before Zack started his family with Kelly, the reboot of “Saved by the Bell” presented their son, Mac Morris (Mitchell Hoog), who had some early experience in the original series with her younger brother. Remarkably, he proved to be such a capable babysitter that the baby’s first word was “Zack.

Screech Accepts Zack And Lisa’s Blossoming Romance

In the fourth season’s episode titled “The Bayside Triangle,” an unanticipated romantic bond starts developing between Zack and Lisa, causing distress to Screech who harbored feelings for both of them. However, he eventually learns to accept their affection for each other, but this situation is only depicted in this particular episode as the unique instance where Zack and Lisa’s relationship is shown.

Zack And Slater Team Up To Save Their Relationships

In the story titled “Breaking Up Is Hard to Undo,” an unanticipated group consisting of Zack, Slater, and Mr. Belding lean on one another as they each grapple with personal romantic issues. However, it’s understandable that Zack and Slater wish for Belding to stop meddling in their affairs. To achieve this, they secretly assist their principal in his quest to win back his wife, while simultaneously trying to win back Kelly and Jessie. They do this by staging performances depicting how they believe they should have behaved during the instances that led to their breakups initially.

Zack Prevents Screech From Being Taken By The Government

In Season 2, Zack attempts to play a trick involving Screech by photographing him in an alien costume for a competition, but things become real when the government believes he’s actually an extraterrestrial and threatens to conduct experiments on him. To save his friend from this fate, Zack reveals the truth about the prank and gets his friends to dress up as aliens too, thus proving it was all just a joke.

2025-05-04 14:41