6/10/2006

Could Someone Please Explain...

Back in the late eighties, many of us were introduced to the zany antics of Zack, Kelly, Slater, Jessie, Screech, Lisa, and of course their comic foil, Mr. Belding (masterfully played by Dennis Hastings). The show "Saved By The Bell" ushered in a new era of Saturday morning television. Honestly, who can forget the time Zack comes up with an ill-fated get rich quick scheme, only to redeem himself in the end? Or that heartbreaking episode when Lisa calls Screech a dork? Or how about when Kelly, light years ahead of her time, wore a midriff-baring outfit? Yes, we have followed this show through its many incarnations. It all started with the original, followed by Saved By The Bell: Hawaiian Style, Saved By The Bell: The College Years, Saved By The Bell: Wedding In Las Vegas, and ultimately Saved By The Bell: They Shove Cumbersome Objects Into Their Anuses. (I won't get into that bastard spawn, Saved By The Bell: The New Class.) Saved By The Bell continues to maintain an audience in syndication on TBS, with back-to-back episodes each morning at 7:00. What I'd like to know is why I continue to watch this show? Never - not once - have I ever laughed at this show. I suppose the girls on the show are attractive, but not enough to warrant sitting through such gut-wrenchingly unfunny material. Each morning, between my shower and when I have to leave for work I tune in, hoping beyond hope that this show will, at long last, make me laugh. Alas, I know deep down it will never be. The show seems to have taken the torch from a former syndication powerhouse, The Brady Bunch, which despite being completely dated and absent any discernable humor, flourished well beyond its initial run. So why? What is it about this show that has such a stranglehold on me? There is a pair of slightly worn checkerboard Vans and and a lock of Slater's hair (possibly pubic) in it for whoever can provide the best explanation.

2 comments:

Miss A said...

I tune in to crap before I leave for work because it will in no way hold my attention. I don't have to leave for work in the middle of a good program, and I won't be late for work because I had to stay and watch.

Anonymous said...

I believe there is a huge viewership by business men staying in hotels that tune in between their shower and when they need to check out and make it to their meeting. It isn't great, it is predictable, it is on in every market of the country, and it is much cheaper than $12.95 for a
in-room porn.