Elizabeth Berkley Lauren recently revealed a sentimental scene from Saved By The Bell’s second season that payed respect to Lauren’s other well-known film, Showgirls. It appears that what happens in Vegas does not, after all, stay in Vegas. Jessie (Berkley Lauren) was shown reflecting on a little vacation to Las Vegas in order to gain the confidence to ask a handsome firefighter out, who had been eyeing her during Bayside High School’s career fair.This is, of course, an allusion to the 1995 sexual thriller Showgirls, in which a 21-year-old Berkley Lauren played Nomi, an aspiring Vegas dancer. The film, directed by Paul Verhoeven, was critically panned when it was released in theaters, leaving Berkley Lauren feeling like a “pariah” in Hollywood. However, in recent years, the film has been reassessed and evolved into a cult classic. Despite the controversial legacy of Showgirls, Berkley Lauren had no reservations about revisiting it on Saved by the Bell.

In an interview with EW, Elizabeth Berkley discussed the origins of the gag and her feelings about its inclusion in the series. The joke was a suggestion from the showrunner, who hadn’t previously spoken with Berkley about her emotions regarding Showgirls and wanted to make sure the concept was a good match for her. Berkley noted that her sentiments had softened significantly as a result of the film’s critical reassessment, and she wanted to demonstrate that “I’m aware of that and love how it’s been embraced and that’s a beautiful thing.” She also liked how the joke was incorporated into an essential character moment, establishing Nomi Malone as “Jessie’s Sasha Fierce” a persona through whom she may express her confidence. The full quote:

“And the way that [Showgirls] exists today in pop culture is different, of course, than when it came out. I just wanted to acknowledge that, I’m aware of that and love how it’s been embraced and that’s a beautiful thing. That’s why right now is a really great time to have some fun with it.”

Along with that reference, Jessie’s makeover is similar to Nomi’s in the film, and she does a couple of Nomi’s dance moves when she approaches the fireman. She tries to woo him with a pole dance, only to kick him in the face, reminding viewers that this isn’t the same character from Showgirls.

“I shot this on my birthday, July 28,” says Berkley Lauren. “What a way to have a birthday — to do something this comedic and amazing and a real moment for two roles that I’m primarily known for, coming together in one meta way.”

One of Saved by the Bell’s numerous Easter eggs is its Showgirls tribute, which included one of the film’s memorable lines (“Where are you from?” “Different places.”). The series is very conscious of its history and heritage, and uses its reboot status as a portal to the past, reinterpreting and updating it. It testifies to the writers’ skill that they manage to do it in such an organic way that it serves the character’s growth and isn’t just a winking humor that takes viewers out of the show’s universe.

Saved by the Bell Season 2 is now available to watch on Peacock.