What a switch up Bel-Air is from its predecessor! I can honestly confess that the character’s names is the only thing the show has in common with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Four episodes in, this stark change is perhaps for the better, especially given how a lot of reboots/remakes are being bashed for their lack of originality.
The show is tackling much of the Black experience in America, and my favorite bits is the compelling contrast between Carlton and Will and their struggling brotherhood.
Another thing that Carlton and Will have in common are their feelings for Lisa (yes, I used that segue way!) One key difference is that in Fresh Prince, Lisa did not date Carlton but in Bel-Air, she’s introduced as his ex.
Despite this, you must be wondering if there’s a chance that Will and Lisa will get together?
Lisa and Will’s chemistry and budding friendship leaves the scope for romance open. Bel-Air might pair the two together to redeem their storyline from the original series, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Let me explain myself further:
Why Lisa and Will May Have a Romantic Connection
My speculations are partly based on Will and Lisa’s relationship in Fresh Prince, alongside the fresh depictions we’re now seeing in Bel-Air.
In Fresh Prince, Will is a known womanizer for several seasons. Besides Tyra Banks’ Jackie, Will’s biggest love story is with Lisa who is introduced quite later, in season 5. Lisa is the one who refuses to put up with Will’s whims and really teaches him the ABCs of commitment.
The two had quite a lot of back-and-forth banter, through which they fall in love and almost get married, twice.
The horrifying bit is that not only do they break up, but they also become step-siblings in one finale, only for it to never be acknowledged again. Fresh Air loses the plot so often (intentionally or otherwise) that sometimes it’s best not to make sense out of it.
Bel-Air is a more serious, somber remake and it also dialed up Lisa’s importance by introducing her right at the beginning.
Bel-Air’s Lisa has a lot of standing — She’s independent, diligent, athletic and just the right amount of hot-headed. Being Carlton’s ex, we see how maturely she handles the relationship, especially helping Carlton deal with academics and his drug problem.
She’s also a great solace to Will in a school that is predominantly white. Another way that the two find common ground is that like Will, Lisa too moved to Bel-Air to get away from violent gangs.
While they’ve kept romance on hold for now, they might not be able to resist it as their friendship grows.
I’m sure the show will play a little bit more into the Carlton-Lisa-Will love triangle, but I have a feeling that since Lisa and Will did not get their happy ending in the original series, they might get one in Bel-Air.
Why Lisa and Will May Not End Up Together:
Just to play the devil’s advocate, it is possible that the show won’t put Lisa and Will together simply to avoid any expectations original fans may have.
Plus, you can’t ignore the stewing love triangle that may make things messy for Will and Carlton, who are expected to patch up despite their differences and strengthen their brotherly ties.
It would make sense then to set someone else up as Will’s romantic interest — perhaps, even a new character! Afterall, a remake doesn’t really mean a carbon-copy of the original.
About Bel-Air
Bel-Air is an American drama television series developed by Morgan Cooper, Malcolm Spellman, TJ Brady, and Rasheed Newson. It is a reimagined version of the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air . In March 2023, it was renewed for a third season.
The series stars Jabari Banks as Will Smith, with Adrian Holmes, Cassandra Freeman, Coco Jones, Olly Sholotan, Jimmy Akingbola, Akira Akbar, Jordan L Jones, and Simone Joy Jones.
The story follows Will Smith’s complicated journey from the streets of West Philadelphia to the gated mansions of Bel-Air. It dives deep into racial tension, culture shock, and black excellence.
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