‘Freaks and Geeks’ ahead of its time

If a television show is satisfying or critically acclaimed, more than likely it will be given multiple seasons.

“Seinfeld” had nine, “Breaking Bad” had five and “The Simpsons” is still on air after 25 years.

In some rare cases, terrible shows can last a long time too.

Unfortunately for NBC’s “Freaks and Geeks,” the monument was a few short years ahead of its time and inevitably canceled after its first season.

Set in 1980, the high school comedy/drama series revolves around two groups of teenagers, the “freaks” and the “geeks,” who all face numerous conflicts in their day-to-day lives.

Mainly focused on Lindsay Weir and her younger brother Sam, the pilot opens when Lindsay decides to start hanging out with burnouts and Sam becoming infatuated with a cute girl.

As the series continued, the diverse characters united with one another and overcame wild obstacles, which still reside in the lives of most teenagers today.

The embarrassment of family members, peer pressure and the confusion of identity are just some of the hardships these characters face in every episode.

Created by Paul Feig and Judd Apatow, their story combines humor with drama so well it hasn’t been replicated since.

From Lindsay and Nick’s awkward first relationship and Bill discovering his mom dating his cruel gym coach, every relationship in this show is bundled with conflict and bound tightly with refined laughs.

Most of the cast went on to perform in several more projects after the series ended.

Actors Jason Segel, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, Busy Phillips and many other talented performers started out on “Freaks and Geeks.”

Overall, the feeling this series leaves viewers with is disappointment.

Not disappointment in the characters or stories but disappointment of there being only 18 episodes and no satisfying conclusion.

“Freaks and Geeks” is an appetizer while it could have been a Thanksgiving feast.

However, that appetizer was better than most meals I’ll ever have.

Rating: A

Leave comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *.