“Bel-Air” fans looking for the show to end in a way similar to its predecessor may get a different sense of nostalgia.
Comparing the finale of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” ScreenRant notes the current day dramatic version of the 90s sitcom is a more authentic take on the lead character Will Smith’s experience in California after a years in Philadelphia. Although the shift from humor to drama could’ve backfired in a big way, “Bel-Air” was a certified success.
Yes, the names of the characters are the same. But the journey of Will and the Banks family was more serious with current day attitudes and issues providing the backbone for viewers to latch onto for a realistic slice of life that viewers identify with in some form.
“Bel-Air is much more authentic in the way it tells stories about the experiences of the character, Will Smith. Exploring the challenges of growing up in a rough neighborhood, getting involved with gang violence, and moving away in order to stay safe,” Screen Rant touched on. “It also delivers an authentic account of Will’s struggles with adjusting to a more lavish life that he is entirely unfamiliar with, but the show still managed to tie in with the original series in terms of how the plot played out in some ways.”
Bel-Air will end its stint on the small screen with season four. The last episodes of the Peacock series, which boasted 10 episodes per season, will conclude the story that started when it premiered in 2022.
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“Unlike Bel-Air,” “Fresh Prince” came to an end after 148 episodes over a six-season timespan. In its finale, which aired on May 20, 1996, the Banks family is shown embarking on a new chapter individually. Carlton went away to study at his dream school Princeton. His sisters, Ashley and Hilary moved to New York for work, followed by most of the remaining Banks family. As for the family’s butler Geoffrey, his next chapter finds him going back to London to be with his son.
The only Banks member to stay in California is Will, who remains on the West Coast to finish his studies, while continuing to grow from lessons learned from the Banks.
In its assessment, Screen Rant mentioned the ending of “Fresh Prince” wouldn’t fit with “Bel-Air” in the sense that the “’Bel-Air’ Will” hasn’t spent enough time with that show’s Banks family for it to work.
“At this point, it would just feel like Will is abandoned by the people he has opened his heart to,” according to the outlet.
Despite the contrast, the site does see a satisfying conclusion for “Bel-Air,” just not in the same sense of how it unfolded in “Fresh Prince.” The classic comedy had everyone separating for greener pasture. For “Bel-Air” the end could be a matter of unity with the characters coming together to move forward after “cliffhanger moments” from last season.
“Season 3 ended with some explosive cliffhanger moments. Will was kidnapped, and Lamarcus, Hilary’s new husband, had a potentially fatal heart problem that caused him to faint. With things so unsteady, and the family just finding their way back to each other after Will’s stint on his own, everyone needs to come together more than ever,” Screen Rant speculated.
“So Bel-Air season 4 is likely to focus on this at first. When it reaches the finale, depending on what has occurred up to that point, the show could see Will and Carlton become independent together, with their business thriving.”
“But in terms of the wider Banks family, it should keep everyone close together, supporting and uplifting each other,” continued the site.” Hilary will likely need a lot of support, Geoffrey continues to face the consequences of leaving his son for so long without a father, and Will has had some unpleasant run-ins with his biological father.”
“Will could also receive scholarships for basketball, though whether that is the dream he chooses to follow, or some hybrid which includes working alongside Carlton, remains to be seen in Bel-Air’s final season.”
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: ‘Bel-Air’ Renewed for Fourth and Final Season on Peacock
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