Hey, hey, hey, hey...What is Going on Here?

Thanks to channel 143 on my time warner cable (I think it's called TheN), I've been reliving the days of my youth every night from 11-12. This station, which runs crap from all but one hour of the day, is now air your favorite show and mine, Saved by the Bell.

For years before and after school and sometimes as many as six episodes a day between TBS and WGN (in reruns) and Saturdays on NBC when it was running new episodes, Saved by the Bell gave us six lovable characters, a host of stereotypes that involved geeks, dweebs, nerds, dumb jocks, dumb blonds and the like. It was then and still is, a whole lot of cheese. The writing is low brow and for the most part uncreative but there was something about it that sucks us all in.

Rarely do you have an opportunity to be 12 years old all over again, but this show about high schoolers (although most of the characters were in their 20's) in a fictional town called Palisades allows me to do just that. There is literally no thinking involved while watching and it's so sublimely ridiculous with the mini-gymnasium that fits all of 20 people for basketball games and wrestling meets, Screech's talking robot Kevin, Slater's curly mullet and acid wash jeans, Zack and Kelly's unforgettable romance and the memorable extras and guest stars that prompted such episodes as a girl trying out for the wrestling team, a movie star shooting a say no to drugs commercial at Bayside and the school's hot new nurse.

Few people on earth no as much useless trivia about Saved by the Bell as I do. Just try me. But instead of boasting of my knowledge of the pointless, let me offer up my favorite Saved by the Bell moments.

Best Episode: Beauty and the Screech - Kelly has to pass science to go to the George Michael concert and Zack has Screech help her out. But the plan backfires on Zack when the unlikely pair fall for each other momentarily and hilarity ensues.

Best Moment: This is a tie between Zack taking Kelly to the "prom" by setting up a picnic outside the gymnasium and Screech winning Miss Bayside.

Best Line: Mr. Belding attempts to keep Screech and Kelly from eloping and says "Screen you can't elope!" to which Screech replies. "Who are you calling a cantaloupe you melon head?!"

Best Character: Zack Morris is undoubtedly the character that makes the show go 'round. Without him, Saved by the Bell isn't saved by the bell...it's, well, Saved by the Bell "The New Class." Nothing was as cool as his real time "timeout."

Most Touching Moment: After Mr. Belding's cooler, younger brother Rod ditches the senior class before the big class trip, Mr. Belding steps in and doesn't let the class down. Zack tells the principal that he's "the better Belding." One of the only times we see the two arch rivals in a warm and fuzzy moment.

Most Touching Moment Runner-Up: The gang has a funeral for A.C.'s pet chameleon, Artie. Also, Second Runner-Up is Screech coming to Lisa's aid and doing "the sprang" at the big dance contest.

Favorite Teacher: This is a close one between Mr. Tuttle and Mr. Dewey. Dewey was the original and Tuttle came on strong with several performances late in the run. Tuttle starred in the Driver's Ed episode and had the great line, "pushy, pushy, move your tushy." Mr. Dewey, though, wins this toss up for his dry sense of humor and quick wit.

Best Guest Character: Eliot Stingwell (Valley's principal) from the "Save That Tiger" episode.

Favorite Extra: In the early years there was this blond surfer kid that skateboarded between classes. To my knowledge his only speaking line was while presenting the "Surf-and-Fold" portable surf board in the infamous Buddy Bands episode. Also, Alan Fairbanks--the fat kid that wanted served cake at the prom--was a good side character.

Favorite Parent: Screech's mom was too over-the-top, Jessie's dad only appeared late in the series, Slater's dad was actually pretty good, but Zack's dad (there were two) wasn't much of a factor. His mom was funny in her one episode. Kelly's dad was a total jerk, accepting the money she would have used to go to the prom (what kind of father does that), so taking the prize for best parent goes Lisa's mom, the doctor. The two really could have been mother and daughter and she gets bonus credit for fixing Zack's knee.

Most Absurd Moment: I could list any number of these moments including Hot Sundae, The Buddy Bands commercial, the big ATV race at the beach and so on. But my vote goes for the wrestling match between Slater and Valley's Marvin Nedick. The mat takes place totally impromptu in the smallest gym imaginable and on mats that reminded me of the gray gym class mats at Sardis Elementary. And of course, Slater suplexes Marvin in WWE style to get the pin.

Best Zack and Kelly Moment: My favorite moment doesn't even involved the real Kelly, but a cardboard cut out. It's when Zack first reveals his love for Kelly, hits the remote and the Kelly poster comes down from the ceiling. Priceless. Another might be when Zack plays the sacred "A-12" on jukebox at The Max, which prompts Kelly to smack him in the face.

So those are some of the hundreds of memories that the gang provided for me. And thanks to TheN, the memories come to life every weeknight from 11-12.