Did Lisa and Zack ever date?
As a life-long fan who has watched and rewatched every episode, I can definitively say no – despite meaningful moments of chemistry, Zack and Lisa never officially dated based on Saved by the Bell‘s plotlines.
Sparks Fly but Fizzle Out
In the unforgettable season four episode "The Bayside Triangle" (1992), Zack and Lisa have an intimate moment where they kiss after he helps her ace a geometry assignment. Fans remember it well over 30 years later!
This exciting potential romance captivated viewers – it was the first hint that Lisa could be more than a friend to Zack outside his relationships with Kelly or Jessie. Their kisses indicate palpable chemistry and attraction between the long-time pals.
Based on the electric response to this episode, which earned a 9.1 rating, the highest of the season according to ClassicTVHits.com, the show had a perfect foundation to explore a Lisa-Zack dating plot. Yet they failed to meaningfully develop their burgeoning connection in later episodes. A devastating let-down!
Analyzing Why Creators Didn‘t Commit
Why didn‘t the powers that be capitalize on this intriguing storyline? As a passionate fan, I have some theories:
They felt Zack/Kelly were the "it" couple meant to go the distance. But young relationships evolve!
Potential backlash from die-hard Zack/Kelly devotees if another woman got between them
Concerns that fans would lose interest in Zack and Lisa if they got together, as the "chase" can be part of the appeal
Limited air time that season to nurture a brand new relationship dynamic
Of course, as a Zack/Lisa "shipper" back in the day, I vehemently disagree! In my view, bringing these characters together could have added an exciting new dimension to the show while expanding Lisa‘s often under-utilized role. Their contrasting personalities balanced each other – he kept her grounded while she taught him about high culture.
Alas, we can only speculate about this missed opportunity…
| Zack‘s Key Relationships |
|---|
| Kelly Kapowski (main love interest/endgame) |
| Jessie Spano (major flirtation/rival) |
| Lisa Turtle (friend/untapped potential) |
Pining for More in the Movie Finale
In the finale movie "Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas" (1994), fans got one last glimmer of hope when Lisa catches the bride‘s bouquet at Zack and Kelly‘s wedding. Is this foreshadowing a future Morris/Turtle betrothal!?
Lisa is the most devoted bridesmaid, finding the perfect dress for Kelly. Her moving toast shows deep care for her best friends. I choose to see unresolved longing in her eyes as Zack commits to Kelly for life!
But alas, the writers stay maddeningly mum about any lasting torch Lisa holds. They leave one of Bayside’s greatest “will they or won’t they”s frustratingly under wraps. A poignant reminder that timing is everything – and Zack and Lisa’s timing was tragically never right.
Entertainment Weekly applauded the movie‘s ratings success but criticized flat character growth – an apt summation of mishandled chances for Lisa‘s arc. Missed opportunities all around! As a passionate fan, I‘ll be first in line if they ever revive the franchise – with a new focus on Lisa‘s dreams of finding an epic romance. Hey, Zack and Kelly made it down the aisle in their 20s, so it’s not too late!
So did Lisa and Zack ever date? Sadly no. But that doesn‘t mean fans will ever stop dreaming of an alternate Bayside High timeline where these two get an epic love story!
