One of the greatest television moments of my life occurred this summer.It took place while some friends and I happened to flip to NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (really, NBC? That’s the best you’ve got?).And then it happened — June 9, 2009 — Zack Morris, famed star of the hit 1990s sitcom Saved by the Bell, popped out of my teenage fantasies and into TV reality.By now many Saved by the Bell fans have seen the clip online, where real life actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played the fictional character Zack Morris, took the stage as a real life Zack Morris playing the fictional character of Mark-Paul Gosselaar.During the course of the interview Gosselaar went into detail about the fictional life of his characters post-Bayside High days and also joined the musical ensemble to play some songs from the show. The most exciting news, however, came when Gosselaar acknowledged that a Saved by the Bell reunion episode was in the works.The prospects of another Saved by the Bell reunion show sparked a conversation amongst my friends regarding some of the greatest sitcom characters of our time. Eventually the conversation morphed into a discussion about which 10 characters we’d choose to create the ultimate super-sitcom of our generation.My edited list — after hours of heavy consideration and biological testing — eventually turned out like this:1. Tobias Funke (Arrested Development): In one of the greatest ensemble casts in TV history, it was a coin toss between Funke, portrayed by David Cross, and Gob, played by Will Arnett. But eventually the acclaimed analrapist was able to come from behind and forcibly insert himself into the crack of the lineup. (On a side note, AD fans, the movie is allegedly going to premiere sometime next year.)2. Janitor (Scrubs): Again, in such a great show with such an outstanding cast, including the likes of Dr. Perry Cox and “The Todd,” this was a tough call. But no other character could overcome the comedic genius and incredible consistency of the enigmatic and often absurd Janitor.3. Charlie (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia): In the show that can best be described as “Seinfeld on acid,” there’s no more lovable or endearing character than the iconic green man, himself — the lovable loser that everyone can relate to, at least to some degree. Charlie has also made a significant contribution to music with his artistically brilliant ballad, “Day Man.”4. Carlton Banks (Fresh Prince of Bel-Air): No offense, Mr. Smith, but let’s face it, the Fresh Prince never would’ve etched himself as a television icon without the one and only Carlton, Mr. Cool Incarnate.5. Eric Cartman (South Park): With the potential exceptions  of Randy Marsh and Butters Scotch, Cartman is perhaps the only South Park character who can carry an entire episode on his stretch-marked back. Whether it’s by trying to eliminate the Jewish race or by cooking his rival’s parents into chili and tricking him into eating it, Cartman is always able to put a smile on viewers’ faces.6. Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother): In a word, the epic philanderer can only be described as pure, unadulterated “awesome” in a freshly ironed suit of seductive brilliance. Not to mention the fact that he’s played by the iconic Neil Patrick Harris, aka Doogie Howser, M.D.7. George Costanza (Seinfeld): In another show that featured a dazzling cast of Jewish comedians (with the exception of Jerry Seinfeld), no character captured the star of David spotlight quite as well as Georgie.8. Stewie Griffin (Family Guy): Sure there’s a ton of great characters on the show. But, for goodness’ sake, he’s a malevolent, homoerotic baby hellbent on destroying the entire planet. Need I say more?9. Eric Matthews (Boy Meets World): No one has ever pulled off the transformation from “good-looking guy” to “half-retarded older brother” quite as well as Eric “Plays with Squirrels” Matthews. Sure, he may not be Feeny’s favorite, but he was certainly a fan favorite.10. Zack Morris (Saved by the Bell): And now we’re back to Zack. The kid had his own cell phone, the coolest bedroom in the planet and the ability to freeze time and break down the fourth wall to communicate with the audience directly. What else could a teenager want?Certainly there were a lot of great choices I left off this list, including all women (Don’t blame me, blame Sarah Silverman), but it goes to show that our generation has been lucky to have such inspirational role models.Let’s hope there are many more to come.Scott Burns is a 20-year-old political science and business junior from Baton Rouge.
 
 
 
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