Bel-Air: 3 Instant Observations After Watching The Premiere
Reboots are nothing new. the issue fans have with them is some are deserving while others can destroy the legacy of pure perfection that the original displayed. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is considered a classic comedy sitcom and rightfully so. When news broke that there was a reboot in the making titled “Bel-Air” fans were eager.
However, there was a twist. The comedy element was left on the cutting room floor and Bel-Air would now be rebooted as a drama. Could they pull that off? After the first three episodes aired on Peacock this past Sunday, fans were left in either awe or disbelief. Characters’ names are the same but their characters are not as the original.
Here are 3 observations I left with after watching the first three episodes of the reboot.
Early Lisa Is Better Than Late Lisa
Will always deemed himself a ladies man. Well, it wasn’t until Lisa came along that Will got serious. Their first real encounter was a gag but that turned into something real. So much so that they were talking about marriage. In the Bel-Air reboot, a new Lisa has emerged. With the characters staying the same and some of the storyline being slightly twisted, this made perfect sense to bring Lisa in early.
Lisa Wilkes didn’t make her appearance until Season 5 of the original. So, to change things around, the writers decided to make her a love interest early on? Lisa is a dope character and she and Will had instant chemistry from the start. The only drawback is that she dated Carlton and that was a bit of a slap in the face.
This Carlton Was Needed
I must admit, it’s going to take some time to get used to this new version of Carlton. The original was about jokes but this one here, there’s nothing funny about him besides his hairstyle. Since Bel-Air is drama-based, making this version of Carlton so serious was pure genius. Carlton always wanted the approval of his father but there was also a dark side to the responsibility of being rich and black in Bel Air that the original show never touched on.
Related: Bel-Air: It Might Not Be The Original, But That Doesn’t Matter
While the drug use may be a bit overboard for some, it does work with the new storyline. Carlton is not the easy-going young man we watched dance to Tom Jones. This version of Carlton Banks has a problem that’s hidden under the surface. While Will has his demons, Carlton’s is also on full display. And that may be too much for old-school viewers to handle.
This version is more popular than the original Carlton which gives him some power over Will. While the older viewers may not like the interaction between Carlton and Will, that jealousy was always there. Just that in the comedic state of the original show, it was all about jokes. This version comes off as more realistic to their situations.
What’s The Real Deal With Geoffrey
One of the most beloved characters on the original Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was Geoffrey. Although he was the Butler, Geoffrey offered comic relief in almost every scene he was in. And quiet as kept, outside of Jazz, Geoffrey may have been Will’s best friend. Now, with the reboot of sorts, the Geoffrey that we all knew, is no more. This new look Geofferey has a certain swag to him that screams “what’s his back story”?
Remember in the original, Geoffrey was exiled from his country due to some Olympic scandal. But the more we see this new version, he gives off vibes that he’s more than well-connected outside of the Banks’ home. Who exactly is this Geoffrey? It’s clear that he’s not the Butler. He’s the House Manager and with that title, it opens up the door to speculation.
He and Uncle Phil share more than an employee and employer relationship. It’s as if they are partners in a bigger scheme of things. But there is something lurking underneath the fly clothes and Jamaican roots we have yet to see.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
