THEME: backward spellings of fish noted for swimming upstream
GOOD ONES:
{two words} phenomenon that's graphically demonstrated five times in the puzzle SWIMMING UPSTREAM
Old ring leader? ALI
One who has class? PUPIL
Zombie leader? ZEE [the question mark gave this to me right off: wonder if it's needed]
BTW: Nonspecific journal opening DAY ONE [I'd say that's specific; it's not Day Two]
I had almost completed the puzzle before I realized I needed to spell the fish backwards; and not being a fisherman, only SALMON was easy.
RATING:

Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun