It’s a Wonderful Fresh Prince of Bel-Air??

I always think it’s cool when older media gets referenced in newer media. A few minutes ago, I was watching an episode of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” one of my favorite shows. Carlton had just gotten rejected by Princeton for threatening the life of an admissions counselor and was feeling depressed. He turned on the TV, and what came on the screen? “It’s a Wonderful Life” of course! It was the scene where George Bailey turned to Clarence, his guardian angel, and wished he had never been born. As Carlton watched the scene, a flash of lightning crackled above the house and Tom Jones entered the room. He was Carlton’s guardian angel and, just like with George Bailey and Clarence, Tom showed Carlton what life would be like had he never existed.

While the “Fresh Prince” version was obviously much different and more exaggerated, it paid respect to the timeless work of Frank Capra. Comedy can be outrageous and still be a tribute to classic media. I really enjoy watching a modern production that parodies something of old. While a lot of people can find it to be disrespectful, I think it is simply an act of tribute with a new and creative twist.

~ by oncewaslost257 on September 14, 2008.