Mark-Paul Gosselaar Says This Notable ‘Saved By The Bell’ Episode ‘Would Never Be Done’ Now

Mark-Paul Gosselaar reflects on a racially callous “Saved by the Bell” episode that “would never be done” now.

During Wednesday’s episode of his “Zack to the Future” podcast, the former child star said he was “squeaking” when reviewing a 1990 episode called “Running Zack,” where his character Zack Morris stood. dressed as a stereotypical Native American for an ancestry project.

“I got scared seeing myself portray a white dude being Zack Morris, who is like the all-American blonde haired white dude in a Native American Indian headdress,” said Gosselaar, who was joined by Native American actor and comedian Tatanka Means.

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During the controversial episode, Morris de Gosselaar blows out his ancestry project and causes Samuel “Screech” Powers (Dustin Diamond) to mock Native American heritage with nasty grunts and misguided war paint. After his teacher threatened to put Morris out of a track and field competition, Morris consults with Chief Henry for a second presentation.

Much like the first, however, Morris de Gosselaar portrayed a “racist caricature” wearing war paint and a headdress, “Saved by the Bell” co-host and writer Dashiell Driscoll said on Wednesday’s podcast. .

Although Gosselaar said that this particular episode “caused me anxiety”, the actor said he had little recollection of filming the controversial scene.

“I don’t remember putting on the hairstyle,” Gosselaar recalls. “I don’t remember putting on face paint. I don’t remember standing in that awkward way where I stood where my arms are crossed and like in a very stereotypical way.

During the episode, Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) also offered to buy Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies) a soda to make up for the guilt she felt for her slave-owning ancestors. (Remember Kendall Jenner’s deaf Pepsi ad?)

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Gosselaar said that “this episode would never be made in this day and age, and rightly so,” as society becomes more educated about content that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

“There are protocols in place and filters which, you know, like a director, standards and practices,” Gosselaar said. “We’re a lot more sensitive now, for good reason, that these things wouldn’t be happening today.”

A cover of “Saved by the Bell” debuted on Peacock in late November, featuring Berkley (Jessie) and Mario Lopez (AC) as regular cast members, with appearances from Gosselaar (Zack), Tiffani Thiessen (Kelly) and Voorhies (Lisa).

Contributor: Erin Jensen

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mark-Paul Gosselaar: Episode “ Saved by the Bell ” Would Never Be Made