Bel-Air’s 9 Best Callbacks to Will Smith’s Original Fresh Prince Show

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Bel-Air’s 9 Best Callbacks to Will Smith’s Original Fresh Prince Show

While Bel Air without a doubt it has a different tone to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airthere are still plenty of compelling callbacks to the original show. Bel Air season three, the final installment of the modern dramatization of the iconic sitcom, has just concluded. Throughout the show, there are several references, Easter eggs and several references to the famous Will Smith TV series. It can be assumed that Bel Air season 4 will continue this trend if that happens.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is one of the best comedies of all time, and even though Bel Air it is much more serious, it references as many funny cases as it does darker events. While some of these callbacks are more noticeable than others, Bel Air did a great job celebrating The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airthe best moments of until here.

9

Will’s taxi has data on the mirror

Season 1, Episode 1 – ‘Dreams and Nightmares’


Jazz takes Will to the Banks' house in Bel-Air.

In the first episode of Bel AirWill is sent to live with his aunt. Of course, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air viewers are very familiar with this, especially her journey from the airport to the Banks house. Many know The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airthe iconic color theme song, and “Dreams and Nightmares” quickly references the original show when Will leaves LAX. In The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirWill’s taxi driver isn’t interesting at all, but in Bel AirJazz befriends him on the way to his new home.

It’s a brief moment, but upon closer inspection, a pair of dice can be seen hanging from Jazz’s rearview mirror. This is, of course, a reference to the lyrics, “The sign said fresh and had data on the mirror.” However, Jazz’s car does not appear to have custom registration. This homage to the original show and its legendary opening number is subtle yet powerfulas it represents the beginning of Will’s journey to becoming a better man.

8

“I fought and my mother was scared”

Season 1, Episode 1 – ‘Dreams and Nightmares’


Viv looking at Will smiling in the Bel-Air season 1 episode Dreams and Nightmares.

Another reference to The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe introduction of occurs later in “Dreams and Nightmares”. When Will reunites with his Aunt Viv, she asks if he is okay and is told: “I fought a little, my mother was scared.The Fresh Prince It’s much more relaxed than Bel Airand while Will Smith’s original fight may have been a silly brawl, the most recent iteration of the character’s altercation is much more serious.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirAunt Viv is always understanding with Will. In season 1, Viv makes references to her troubled adolescence, which allows her to bond with Will. and their struggles in a way that the other characters simply cannot. Although this moment is quite joyful on the surface, on a deeper level, it is also a way of Bel Air to establish the dynamic between Will and Viv at the beginning of the season.

7

Will wears his blazer inside out

Season 1, Episode 3 – “Yamacraw”


Will, wearing his blazer inside out, and Carlton standing in the school library in Bel-Air.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-AirThe totally ’90s outfits make sense for the show, but in Bel Airthey are considered vintage. While Will’s inside-out blazer isn’t necessarily connected to the 1990s, it’s a notable look for the character. Will’s early days at Bel-Air Academy in The Fresh Prince The Season 1 episode “Day Damn One” is a huge culture shock for him, especially because he has to wear a uniform. It’s no secret he hates the set, but In typical Will fashion, he makes his own and wears the jacket with the lining facing out.

This moment has parallel Bel Air season 1, episode 3, “Yamacraw.” However, the main difference between these scenes is that Bel AirWill only changes into his blazer because Lisa accidentally spilled mustard on himand he’s trying to hide the stain. Regardless of the intentions, this is a great link between the two shows — and even serves as a representation of Will trying to fit in at his new school.

6

The original Viv & Vy makes an appearance

Season 1, Episode 9 – “Can’t Knock The Hustle”


Daphne Maxwell Reid as Janice talking to Cassandra Freeman as Aunt Viv in the Bel-Air episode Can't Knock the Hustle.

Although there are some original Fresh Prince returning actors Bel Air, two of the most moving cameos are from Vernee Watson-Johnson and Daphne Maxwell Reid. Vernee Watson-Johnson notably plays Will’s mother Vy, while Daphne Maxwell Reid plays the famous Aunt Viv recast in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air after Janet Hubert leaves the show. The duo appears on Bel Air season 1 episode “Can’t Knock The Hustle”, but not as their original characters.

Watson-Johnson and Reid star as Helen and Janice, respectively, two of the members of the Art Council’s Board of Trustees. Interestingly, these character names are also references, such as in The Fresh PrinceViv and Vy’s sisters are called Helen and Janice. While it’s strange to see Reid interacting with another version of his popular character, Viv’s conversation with Helen and Janice about the bag is a brilliant way to tie in Bel Air to its source material.

5

Will breaks down on his father

Season 1, Episode 10 – “Where To?”


Will crying to Jazz about his father in the season 1 finale of Bel-Air.

Bel AirThe season one finale recreates one of the most memorable television moments of all time. Will’s breakdown with Uncle Phil over his father’s abandonment and poor parenting is harrowing and heartbreaking, but it’s so notable because it’s one of the rare occurrences that The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air just a few steps away from your typical light-hearted comedy. Bel Air mixes things up by having Will complain to Jazz instead of Phil, but the central meaning of the conversation still greatly motivates the scene.

Will doesn’t get his profound moment with Phil in “Where To?” because he is furious with his uncle and the rest of his family for lying to him about his father. The iconic line, “Why doesn’t he want me, man? was also changed, but the feeling that no one cares about him still fuels Will’s general anger. That Fresh Prince scene is why Bel Air existsand while the reboot doesn’t quite achieve the same atmosphere as the original, it’s an absolutely essential moment. It would have been strange if the show hadn’t included it.

4

Actress Tatyana Ali as teacher Mrs. Hughes and her relationship with Ashley

Season 2


Tatyana Ali as Mrs. Hughes talking to Ashley off-screen in Bel-Air.

Fresh PrinceTatyana Ali joins Bel Air Season 2 cast as Mrs. Hughes, one of Bel-Air Middle’s English teachers. Ali is famous for playing Ashley in the original series and, interestingly, Mrs. Hughes forms a great connection with Ashley in Bel Air. Although Ashley is initially naive and innocent in The Fresh PrinceLater she becomes quite rebellious and does not hesitate to denounce life’s injustices. In many ways, this parallels Ashley’s relationship with Mrs. Hughes in Bel Air.

Hughes encourages Ashley to think on a deeper level introducing her to non-curricular books and suggesting that she write her own stories. Even when Hughes is fired, she tells Ashley not to let anyone change her. Ashley also participates in the protest rally against Hughes’ firing, and her advocacy and passions are an integral part of her character. Although there are changes in Ashley in Bel Airhis interactions with Mrs. Hughes are an incredible way to remind the audience who the character is.

3

Ashley’s birthday party

Season 2, Episode 1 – “A New Beginning”


Saweetie performing at Ashley's birthday in the Bel-Air season 2 episode A Fresh Start.

Ashley’s 13th Birthday Bel Air The Season 2 episode “A Fresh Start” makes an indirect reference to the same event in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and it’s easy to lose. Bel Air 2nd season Fresh Prince the reference involves the musical artist who performs at Ashley’s party, Saweetie. In The Fresh Prince season 1 episode, “Just Infatuation,” Hilary arranges for popular teen singer Little T to appear. Real-life R&B star Tevin Campbell plays Little T, which adds some authenticity to his portrayal.

But in Bel AirHilary invites Saweetie, who plays herself rather than a fictional figure. Although this is not a great reference to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airis a brilliantly clever callback. Showrunner Carla Banks Waddles calls it “small tribute” to The Fresh Prince, and it’s great that the production saw this as an opportunity to remind viewers of the original plot or spoil them with a pop star cameo.

2

Geoffrey’s strained relationship with his son

Season 2, Episode 7 – “Under Pressure”


Frederick standing near a door and looking back at Bel-Air and Geoffrey introducing Frederick to Carlton in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

One of the biggest changes Bel Air compared to The Fresh Prince is the backstory of Geoffrey and his son, Frederick. Unlike him Fresh Prince counterpart, Frederick has no relationship with his father until they meet for the first time in the season 2 episode, “Under Pressure”. Bel AirGeoffrey abandons Frederick as a child, who is later adopted, although their later connection is very different from that of The Fresh Prince.

While Geoffrey’s saddest Fresh Prince the story is far from being the same in Bel AirIt’s still important for the reboot program to revisit this. Geoffrey’s past is essential to his character development. However, the fact that Frederick has a good life without the input of his biological father is a fascinating parallel to Will’s attitude towards Lou as well. The knowledge a parent takes from their life is difficult, but they also use it to motivate themselves to be better.

1

Hillary’s relationship hangs in the balance after her partner is injured

Season 3, Episode 3 – “True Colors”


Hilary and Lamarcus taking a selfie in a hospital bed in Bel-Air.

An intriguing correlation between The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Bel AirThe show’s Hilary takes place in the reboot’s third season episode, “True Colors.” After dealing with her guilt, Hilary decides to face the consequences and admit her kiss with Jazz to Lamarcus. However, before she can do so, Lamarcus collapses on the football field, which is later revealed to be due to an underlying heart condition. This moment produces a strange sense of déjà vu, especially regarding Hilary’s relationship with Trevor in The Fresh Prince.

Just as he proposes in the Season 4 episode “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way (Part 2),” Trevor hits his head and dies abruptly. Although the audience knows that Hilary is already involved at this point in the series and that Lamarcus does not die in “True Colors,” Bel Airthe third season finale created the possibility that this could still happen. It is not clear whether Bel Air you will be inspired The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airplot or not, but the similarities between the two characters are definitely intriguing.

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