I've been trying to figure out how succinctly to put this edit and post together about an untapped connection. I know, in the edit, I wanted to capture the connection between the characters Zack Morris and Lisa Turtle I'm sure many saw during the time when it aired and more so now. In this post, I wanted to dig my heels deep down and discuss the connection that is seen between the two characters featured in this edit that was really never realized. Please note this thoughtful post is not one to disparage or hate on Kelly Kapowski, Tiffani Amber Thiessens' character, whom I also love dearly. This post is about untapped connection and how sometimes that gets lost in translation or missed or, in some ways, overlooked.
The first time the chemistry and connection between Zack and Lisa was seen was on Good Morning, Miss Bliss. There were several moments that establishes this budding and blossoming relationship. It was in the way they looked at each other and how well they played off each other, which provided the first glimpse into their connection. A hint of their connection in the earlier episodes of SBTB like Fatal Distraction and throughout the other seasons of the show was also very noticeable and evident. Two salient remarks made by Mark Paul from his Zack to the Future podcast were included in the edit about wanting to see Zack and Lisa as a couple (Operation Zack, podcast No. 39) and how engaging Lisa/Lark was (Lisa Card, podcast No. 2). When those words came from his mouth, it made me think: if Mark Paul felt this way, why didn't we see more of that relationship on the show? Were there other episodes with them as a couple that got lost in the mix of controversy or was there just meant to be one episode? And why hasn't the media jumped on this like they did with what he said about Zack and Leah Remini's character?
The reason why I say this is because at the start of the edit you can clearly see Mark Paul promoting the Bayside Triangle episode, from a Thanksgiving Parade clip, wearing the jacket made by Lisa for Zack, he modeled at her fashion show. Now, that may not be anything to talk about, but it's worth noting. Why go on a parade and promote something if there isn't a full storyline to go with it? And why add extra episodes with Zack and someone else as a couple, while leaving Lisa's and Zack's storyline on the cutting floor? Or were they really extra episodes? So why does Mark Paul feel there should've been a true storyline with Zack and Lisa? He clearly saw a connection with the two from the beginning (Good Morning, Miss Bliss?) like “there was one in real life," as he claims. And he clearly saw the two had a genuine and good relationship unlike, as he lamented: "Zack & Kelly" (Operation Zack, podcast No. 39).
So, if Mark Paul felt this way and, I'm pretty sure those in charge also saw it too, why wasn't that connection/relationship fully explored? I won't get into semantics and gray areas about why that connection was never nurtured or carefully crafted or fully explored; but the good thing is, is that we do have Mark Paul in his own words on record about that connection. He made it abundantly clear who he thought Zack should've been in a relationship with. In reflecting, I sometimes wonder if the reason why some of the episodes were mixed up was because the chemistry/connection was just too evident and noticeable between Zack & Lisa from the start. Even with those episodes being mixed up, I know I, for one, still saw their connection/chemistry. In watching the show, I've always thought Zack & Lisa would have ended up as a couple eventually, particularly watching Operation Zack & how the two friends had more than just a friend moment. It felt like that's when Zack & Lisa connected on a much deeper level, although at that point, they were really unsure of their feelings toward one another--or were they? In the end, it would seem that the writers, producers, execs, and fans of Zack & Kelly got what they wanted--but I have to wonder, did Zack Morris get what he truly wanted?
We all know that a connection is invariably noticeable to the naked eye but most of the time it is ignored because of preconceived notions or fear. Sometimes fear can hinder the process of exploring areas that are really normal but may be taboo or a little too uncomfortable for some. Despite this, a connection can never die because it will always be seen for what it is. And this is what I see with Zack & Lisa, a natural connection that stood the test of time despite being untapped at the time or the two not ending up together on the show. The connection still lingers on as more & more people continue to discover this untapped connection. I can go on & on but let me end this long-winded thesis on untapped connection.
And with that, humble I come & humble I go. Hope you all enjoy!
Artist: Olivia Newton-John
Music, Beat, & Vocal Mix by: Althingslark
#larkvoorhies #markpaulgosselaar #allthingslark #savedbythebell #remixlife