Saved by the Bell (TV Series) The Gift (1989) User Reviews

Uh-Oh! Midterms

[callanvass · 8/10 · 17 January 2014]

Midterms are on at Bayside. Everyone is panicking because Mr. Testaverde speaks ludicrously fast, and nobody can understand a word of it. Lisa is eating too much junk food, Jesse is panicking over what grade she'll get, while Zack and Slater are betting over random things incessantly. Zack keeps getting beaten by Slater in bets, slowly but surely losing the prized possessions that he owns. Zack and Screech are at Zack's house like normal, until suddenly, Screech gets zapped with a bolt of lightening, giving him ESP in the process. Zack, like only he can takes advantage of Screech's newfound abilities to tell the future. He promises the gang that they will ace their midterms, and to trust him. He also bets Slater he will ace the midterm, telling Slater he will be his slave for a week if he loses. Screech's powers go awry during a mishap with Zack's cellular phone, forcing Zack to come up with one of his renowned, mischievous plans.This one is very entertaining, albeit a bit corny at times. There are a few plot holes that entered my mind during this one. Why hasn't the school done something about a teacher talking that fast, why would he in the first place? You want your students to pass and do well, why hire a teacher like that? I also didn't buy into how easily Slater accepted Zack's bets. You would think at this juncture, being the intellectual that Slater is to have the mental capacity to realize Zack is a con artist. All that aside, I can't deny how enjoyable this one is. Watching Screech predict everything was a lot of fun. It makes for some great gags. It also sends a good message about the pressures students face with grades. No story lines are really elevated here, except for Zack and Kelly's burgeoning romance. The ending is awesome as well. You gotta love Zack! he always wins.

8.1/10

Additional notes

1. This was the first appearance for Zack's infamous cellular phone

2. Something I couldn't help but notice. Dustin Diamond said he wasn't very well liked by the cast in real life. I'm not sure about the rest, but Mario Lopez definitely doesn't seem to like him. It might mean nothing, but I noticed during one of Zack's bet scenes with Slater that Slater wins, Slater's cohort is Screech. He gives Screech 5$ by slapping his hand with his shirt. This might sound silly, but I wonder if Slater didn't wanna touch his hand? I'm probably reading way too much into it

Can Lightning Strike Twice?

[JSirro · 9/10 · 13 April 2021]

After getting struck by lightning Screech can predict things 30 seconds into the future. Zach uses this knowledge to make wagers with Slater. Getting caught after Screech's power runs out as he bets Slater he will ace the history midterm.

Looking back this is one episode I remembered fondly as I liked the psychic element to the episode. Along with one of my favorite scenes, when Screech and Zach are in the bathroom making fake phone calls to pull last minute strings to fix the midterm.

This is the first episode we are introduced to Zach's phone, it's a concept for the era of the show for a high schooler to have a portable phone like he does. It added a cool factor. Also showed his ham radio, hence what started Screech getting electrocuted in the first place.

Overall, an enjoyable episode which ties all the characters in, in a very cool way. Shows Slater and Zach's rivalry along with his love interest in Kelly

Score: 9.1/10.0.