The List: #12 Freaks and Geeks

#12
Number of Seasons: 1
Years Active: 1999 - 2000
Network: NBC

The truth hurts, which is exactly why Freaks and Geeks is such an incredible show. Taking place in 1980, the series follows the lives of two social groups in a Michigan high school. And the high school life presented isn't watered down with melodrama, superhot kids and implausibly happy endings. There are certainly some happy times for the freaks and the geeks, but for most people, high school was a time of awkwardness. Said awkwardness is responsible for some of the show's biggest laughs and biggest heartbreaks.

The very first scene sets up the theme of the entire series: we see a pretty-boy football player sweet-talking a hot cheerleader with a sappy song playing in the background. But before anything can happen between them, the camera pans below the bleachers and we are introduced to the freaks; they are a group of rock-and-roll loving (the music changes to a guitar riff) burnouts who care very little about schoolwork. After that, the music changes to Kenny Loggins' "I'm Alright" from Caddyshack and we meet the geeks. The geeks are a trio of freshmen guys who are obsessed with SNL, movies and science fiction. Despite their better efforts, they cannot seem to talk to girls or make any friends outside of their little circle (though this is pretty much true for all the cliques we meet, at least in the early episodes).

The focal point of the series is the Weir family. Lindsay Weir is a young genius who used to be a model student, until a traumatic event in her life changed her world view. She lost her idealism and started hanging out with the freaks. Sam Weir, Lindsay's little brother, is a freshman geek who pines after a pretty cheerleader. Unfortunately, he is a tiny little guy who is waiting to fill out.

Freaks and Geeks is heavily character-driven. The trials and tribulations of the various characters is what makes the F&G universe tick. Outside events occur that influence the characters' lives, but it is ultimately the choices of the characters that make us laugh and cry. And believe me, there are plenty of laughs (and tears) to be had.

Sadly, this series was underpromoted and placed in a death slot (pretty sure it was put on Saturdays). Since the series favored realism over escapism, it stands to reason that many people would be put off by it. Sadly, the fact that people missed out then has led to us who may have been too young to appreciate it while it aired missing out now. I guess all we can do is enjoy the episodes we got.

Up next: #11...