First of all, I do enjoy watching this dvd...I have been a fan of SBTB since Miss Bliss, and really liked each character..its like Lark Vorhiees says on the SBTB 3 & 4 seasons commentary, they all had great chemistry. They were an ensemble that really worked!
To me, this dvd is what it would be like if Seinfeld did a show where only Jerry and Elaine moved somewhere, left George and Kramer behind, and met new friends. Then, change elements about Jerry and Elaine that people enjoyed, and that is what the College Years are to me...
As mentioned, Kelly is different-nothing like Kelly Kapowski from Bayside...I know people change, but I don't see any sort of similarity! Different hair, different style choices, different acting person...it is just weird!!
Slater's niche is also taken away-he was the jock, and now falls to low status at the school..I know he is a new freshman, but...that takes away part of who his character was! Also, as mentioned, he is paired with Alex, who seems odd, and she doesn't have near the amount of charm as Elizabeth Berkley!
There is more to say, but I don't want to bore (too much!) I am just pointing out that if you have not seen SBTB The College Years, and expect it to be just like Bayside and the kids there, you are in for a surprise! This doesn't make it a BAD show, but I was shocked to see the differences in these two shows...I thought that after not seeing the College Years since I was about 12, that these episodes would seem different to me now that I am older, but now I notice the differences all the more!
I would recommend this dvd if you saw and liked The College Years originally, or are a Saved By The Bell collector (like myself)...otherwise, if you haven't seen the show, I would rent it (if possible!)
