SPOILER WARNING.

Experience From Gabby

I had the privilege of attending Thursday’s taping of Girl Meets World. It was my first taping…ever! And like thousand of 90’s kids in America, I grew up watching Boy Meets World.
I was 6 when Boy Meets World first aired, and now 20 years later…I got the chance to support Ben and Danielle, and the newer generation of the show. I was so excited and pumped when I first got the tickets.

I was a little skeptical when I heard they were gonna do a spin-off of the show, but I was sold entirely as I left the studio Thursday night.
The episode was called “Girl Meets Flaws,” and before they started the taping, we were shown the pilot. As I watched it, I got teary eyed because it brought back so many memories of BMW. Riley is definitely Cory’s daughter. I remember whispering to my friend as we watched the pilot, how much she took after her father. It was eerie. And the pilot had the same feel as the first season of Boy Meets World. It was incredible.

When Michael Jacobs introduced the cast, I was far too excited and when Danielle and Ben were introduced, our section stood up and cheered widly for them. I almost cried right at that moment. I was 6 all over again.

So many things passed through my mind as I watched them film the episode. Cory Matthews hasn’t changed much since we last saw him. Much to my delight. And I can definitely see him being inspired by Mr. Feeny. He is one of those teachers you want to have in school. And although the show is very much about Riley and Maya…incredibly enough, Cory is right there along the way to try to guide his daughter and her best friend along the way.

Seeing Cory and Topanga’s relationship blossom into marriage was such a delight. It’s almost as if they never left my TV screen. Watching them film, I forgot they were Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel. All I saw was: Cory and Topanga. And I love how much they love, encourage and support their children. Yes, Maya is very much like Shawn…but Cory and Topanga are very much like Alan and Amy Matthews, in the sense that they support Maya. They know and understand her lifestyle. And in turn, they encourage Riley to help out her friend. And really be there for her. One very important lesson: one that rarely gets talked about in today’s sitcoms. And that’s unfortunate.

One of the hightlights of this episode was the return of Harley Keinner. The way he was portrayed: he was the school janitor, was just perfect. It fit perfectly with the theme of the episode: bullying and jealousy. And we all know how much everyone can relate to that one. Harley called Cory “Johnny Baboon” and the audience went crazy!!! A fan favorite moment for sure. The ending was such a special and heart warming moment for me. Harley hands back Farkle’s beloved turtle neck shirts, the ones he had given up because he was being made fun of: and as he was leaving the classroom, he turns to the students, grabs Cory by his shoulders and says, “This is Mr. Matthews.” Tears streamed down my face at that very instant. It all came full circle for me.
At the end, the cast greeted the audience, and they talked to us, signed autographs and took pictures with us. It was amazing to interact with them. I felt so honored to have met them all. Everyone except Ben. I don’t think he signed for anyone that night. Which was a bummer because I adore him to pieces and I wanted to talk to him for a bit. But there will be a next time, I am certain of it.

For those of you who have never attended a taping of Girl Meets World and are skeptical or concerned: don’t be. I was the same way. But I can assure all of you, that if you give this show a chance: you won’t be disappointed. The new cast are incredibly talented and like Ben said of Rowan, “She’s the perfect ambassador to represent this generation of kids.” She is very much like Ben was when he was her age. You all will fall in love with her and the rest of them.
Boy Meets World was the one show that I could always depend on to cheer me up and educate me as a kid. I learned so much from that show. From the characters. It’s a show that I will always carry with me and that it will stay engraved in my heart, soul and mind. It’s about time that we bring back something like that for this new generation, who don’t have a show that they can truly connect with, guide them and learn from. After coming back from the taping I am convinced that this show will be a success and it will be a show that my nieces and nephews can relate to. That they can watch and learn from.

I can’t wait to go back to a taping to show Ben, Danielle and the cast some love!

-Gabby