Zack is back (Zack Morris, that is)

I knew it was coming. I saw a Twitpic, and I knew. But I just couldn’t bring myself to stay up that late to watch. Sorry, Jimmy Fallon. It was an early night for me.

Fortunately, we’re in the digital age, where most everything on network television is now online. Including Zack Morris’ appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Now, you would think that I meant Mark-Paul Gosselaar, but no, I really mean that Zack Morris made an appearance. And I can’t help but write about it.

If you haven’t watched it, you can on Hulu. Just click here. Or, you can watch the video and hear Gosselaar’s thoughts here.

It was funny. I think it was great. It included the infamous timeouts, the theme song, “Friends Forever,” and even…wait for it…the hideously large cell phone. Add in the bleach blonde hair and the ’90s clothes, and you’re set.

Ok, here’s the story. Zack Morris was always Zack Morris, and he grew up to be an actor. Of course, he changed his name. His poor relationship with Kelly fell apart when she moved to a new zip code (awesome joke to 90210, the good one, by the way), and now he’s on Raising the Bar and, from what I can tell, dating Stacy Carosi. Oh, and yes, he’s still in Zack Attack. Again, if you haven’t seen it and you’re a Saved by the Bell fan, run–do not walk–to Hulu.

Of course, it wasn’t all fun and games. Well, very little of it wasn’t. But they did spend at least a couple times mentioning Raising the Bar, which premiered its second season opener last night.

The entire bit was to get the entire cast of Saved by the Bell on Jimmy Fallon’s show for a reunion. I really haven’t been watching Jimmy Fallon, so I was unaware of this, but it seemed like a fun stunt. It also appears that we’re only waiting to hear from Screech and Kelly for approval. (Though I can’t imagine anyone wants to hear from Dustin Diamond right now, what with his tell-all book coming out soon.)

Anyway, it made for some fun television. I fear that Gosselaar might be a wee bit disappointed the he had to do that instead of a real interview. I mean, how can people take you as a serious actor when you’re literally put back in the shoes of your childhood predecessor? But it went over well, they included a clip of his new show, and people laughed.

And that’s all you need for late night TV, right?

By the way, loved the timeouts when people could barely handle not laughing. Fan-bloody-tastic.

The ‘Bar’ is higher–and a hair shorter

RAISING THE BAR: 2.01 “Hair Apparent”

Oh come on. You knew that they were going to cut his hair. It’s been all over the publicity posters.

And honestly, they transitioned into it rather well, I think. When I first saw the posters, I was afraid that they’d rip the character apart, but it’s no surprise that he’d do something extreme for a case, even if it is changing his own appearance to sway one juror. And his staring into the mirror at the end, well, that just shows that the real Jerry might not have disappeared when the hair hit the floor.

By the way, if you’re a Twitterer, Raising the Bar had a fun live Twitter with @jerrrykellerman, who made comments throughout the episode. It was a fun little feature as you watched the show.

Anyway, the show itself was a good one. Tame for a season opener, but I think we need a little tameness. Kessler, the queen of lions, was the tamest of all. I know that we won’t be rid of her temper and irritation, but it was surprising to see her so quiet in this episode.

But you know what? It let someone else shine instead: Rosalind Whitman. I’m a big fan of Gloria Reuben, ever since her days in ER. And honestly, I was a little disappointed to see that she was so underutilized on the show last season. I mean, when a friend sees the promotional posters and says, “Is she even a well-known actress?,” you can tell that something is needed to distinguish her from the crowd. I’m glad she’s being brought out more, and it’s great to see such strong women in the cast.

Speaking of women, Jerry’s love triangle continues, as his possible relationship with Bobby is put on hold. Of course, this means he’ll be back with Michelle, which wasn’t my ideal couple, but sexual tension is what drives shows. And how sinister did Bobby’s husband look? I still think that a judge would side with Bobby, despite the hugging pictures (alimony? really?), but I guess they had to have something for her to do. Her husband was too dark a character just to have disappear.

Now, if he had a picture of that kiss last season, that would be something.

Anyway, I’m glad it’s back. I missed the back and forth of everyone–the prosecutors and the defense attorneys. I love the friendship despite it all–seeing everyone wearing those horrid Jerry-inspired wigs and then having his friends sneak into the courtroom just to see his new haircut. Really, they handled that transition marvelously.

I see good things for the new season. Now, I did see the preview with the judge in the courtroom pulling a gun; I fear that might jump the shark a bit. But looking at this episode alone, we’re seeing transitions for characters, development, and a harder line between the two sides, which makes for more difficult cases.

I say, bring it on!