now watching: Freaks & Geeks

• Favorite Character: Almost all of them truly

• Least Favorite Character: Almost none of them truly

• Best Character Development: Lindsay, Kim, and Ken

• Worst Character Development: Daniel or Nick

If you’ve seen the show, then you know that one season was an injustice. This show was so so good, I’m going episode by episode, character by character, to discuss.

Pilot

“God, I hate high school.” Hear, hear Lindsay! High school sucks. High schoolers suck. The whole thing is a ripoff, but in the end, there will be some really good times that you’re glad you had. Some really cool people that you’re glad you met…and some you wish never existed.
There will always be an asshole who makes fun of someone like Eli. There is always an Alan or Kim who tries to give their pain to those who seem to have nothing to cry about. There’s always the kids like Daniel, who are “too cool for school” because they simply don’t feel smart enough.
”Everyone has a bit of geek and a bit of freak in them. What you do with it is what counts.” I think this is all Lindsay needed to hear when she explains what happened with her and Sam’s grandmother when she passed. We all wanna believe we’re gonna be rewarded in an after life for being a good person here on Earth, but that’s not guaranteed. So should our morals just go out the window? Can they not be interlaced with having fun? I love to see the way Lindsay struggles with this throughout the season.

Beers and Weirs

I’ve never thrown a house party (my parents never left town to even let me try); that doesn’t mean I didn’t go when people I knew threw one. But never have I ever tried “No Beer”, and the fact that the only person who actually drank at that party was Bill is HILARIOUS. I love Sam so much as a little brother, and Neal as the bonus little brother with his odd crush on Lindsay.
I firmly believe Kim and Daniel should’ve had their asses handed to them for fooling around in Lindsay’s bed. That right there should’ve been the end of Lindsay’s crush, but I get it. We gotta learn the hard way. And honestly, I’m glad Lindsay didn’t when Nick was reaching for that bra strap.
Millie took it a bit far. Jesus can be just alright with her, but ultimately, it’s not her job to stop other people’s fun and put them on the path to righteousness. One can see how that would easily turn someone else off, and Mr. Rosso does not help the situation despite his good intentions.

Tricks and Treats

Please name me something more tragic than egging your little brother while trying (and failing) to impress a bunch of people that don’t give a f*ck about you because they hardly give one for themselves…oh yeah, being the little brother who also just got candy mugged by a group of bullies and belittled by your own friend for trick-or-treating in the first place. Like you planned all this misfortune!
A close follow-up is being the mom of these two kids: the one who abandoned you to go hang with some strange kids at the last second, and the one who got egged and doesn’t want you to show concern because you’re babying him. Because on top of their misfortune, everyone threw your hard-baked cookies on your lawn because the world we live in is sus and no one can trust homemade love.
Growing up is overrated. Maybe so is Halloween. This is a tough episode, despite the “happy” ending. I think it should’ve ended with Sam calling Lindsay out saying “No one thinks you’re cool, you know”. I’m glad she does.

Kim Kelly is my Friend

I think Busy Phillips was the only person to play this role, let’s just start there. It’s crazy to see Rashida Jones being a bitch, but someone tell me - wasn’t she Karen on The Office too? Because that’s hilarious. Anyway, back to Kim and her broken home. I love that we didn’t have to wait the whole season to figure out what the hell her problem is - her biggest, positive influence is her Aunt Kathy who overdosed on coke and left her a car, and her parents are rough around the edges people who blame their entire existence on the one they created. Literally these people are the reason you’ve heard the phrase “The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree”.
I can’t imagine the panic, embarrassment, rage, fear, just all the emotions I’d feel having to hurry up and run away from the place I’m supposed to be able to call my home. And on top of that, finding my friend sucking my man’s thumb? Errrbody in this bitch can go!!!
I know my boy Sam is fed the f*ck up too. The rage and sadness in this episode, oh my gosh.
I’m so glad Lindsay tried to comfort Kim instead of turning against her. I’m so glad Kim came in crying and got some good food in her belly. I’m glad Lindsay’s parents aren’t the type to be pissed at unannounced guests coming up and through the house, and instead concerned about a child in distress (even if it’s only for Lindsay’s sake). I love that her mother was patient and gave Lindsay a chance to explain herself and defend her…friend. And I love that Sam and Neal came back together so easily, and Kim kept her word for Sam.
The last thing though…Nick and that massage was just…and the Fruit Roll-Ups…as much as I adore his crush on Lindsay, this is where he lost me. He is just SO awkward, like baby it’s not that hard.

Tests and Breasts

I know this is really irrelevant, but I loved Alan’s short curly hair in the Halloween episode, so seeing it all cut off really hurt. And I noticed in that episode too that Bill was really fairing just fine through puberty with those muscles under the Bionic Woman. Back on track - the teachers are really showing their asses here! Just another reason why high school ends up sucking so much - too many people with roles they don’t deserve.
Nick starts to lose his marbles, and this is where I really start to hate Daniel but I know it’s nowhere near how much he hates himself. I love that not “every man in America” is actually a pervert (my love for Sam and Bill has increased literally every episode). Mr. Kowchevski is totally wrong, but also…he kinda gagged Lindsay a bit because she really wouldn’t care to help him without the “bedroom dreamy eyes and the stringy hair”. Someone should’ve been smart enough to get a few wrong on the test, don’t you think?
I love that Lindsay was able to tell that Daniel was manipulating her, but then she fell right into his trap again. (I’m not gonna lie, the 3-track story hurt my heart too, because it’s unfortunately too real that so many kids are being told they belong in 2 or 3 instead of being supported to make it as close to the first as possible). And speaking of support, thank goodness Mr. Fredericks was able to give some clarity and comfort to Sam, because it was so sad to see him feeling so uncomfortable.
This might’ve been the funniest ending to an episode ever. Hahahahaha.

I’m With The Band

I’m sorry…Nick looked hot asf on those drums. But I definitely understand his dad’s reaction lmao.
Creation is kinda cool. Mission Control was a lame name, but Anarchy’s Child isn’t too bad; I feel bad they didn’t wait for Nick. I see why he fell for Lindsay. His dad isn’t really the villian like…a C+ average isn’t that hard to maintain with the proper effort and influences. But his dad could’ve given a more supportive and motivating pep talk. I’m beginning to ship Nindsay/Lick again!!!
”I don’t wanna be naked in front of other guys!” “…Well, goodness, who does?” “Lindsay, tell your brother he has a beautiful body.” ”Sam, you have a beautiful body. You’re an Adonis, a slab of beef, if I wasn’t your sister, oh my god-” LMAO, thank Feig & Apatow and everyone involved for this episode. But really Sam, stop being such a baby. If you wouldn’t have ran away so bad, maybe Alan woulld’ve just smacked you with his towel rather than stealing yours. Bill and Neal pissed me off here, though. Because what the actual hell took you so long to say or do something?? Sam, you deserved that “Well, what the hell are you looking at?” LMAO. Love it, love it, love it.
Lindsay and I learned the same lesson: you can’t make someone “good”, no matter how good your intentions or how strong their passion. BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN YOU TAKE PITY ON THEM AND KISS THEM. THAT LEADS TO MIXED SIGNALS AND FEELINGS, AS WE SHALL SOON SEE.

Carded and Discarded

Jason Schwartzman always plays a power-hungry loser creep, yet always does it so well. Not Sam pushing Cindy out his way because Maureen is on the scene!!! Lol I’m glad all the boys get a chance to truly interact with a girl though. I love how defensive they get over her. But how embarrassing for Lindsay, not only getting ripped off by some shady guy for raggedy ass fake I.D.’s, but also getting caught by the guidance counselor trying to have a good old grown folks time…!

Boyfriends and Girlfriends

Oh my gosh…Nindsay. I think this could’ve gone really well if Lindsay was just as honest as Nick is earnest. I love that Sam is finally making progress with Cindy but…that’s why they’re called crushes honey bun. I’m glad Sam and Lindsay are coming back together again. And yes, for all those wondering…girls do cut the cheese.

We’ve Got Spirit

Nindsay could really freaking work! They both could relate so much if Lindsay was more of a freak, like she actually wanted to be. [Side note, Lindsay is the type of person who likes to be doing stuff, not just sitting around talking about stuff. Some days I relate, other days it’s too much.] But also, she saw the red flags when she was supposed to…especially the missing face of Heidi Henderson.
Unfortunately, parents do a lot more talking than they need to do sometimes (okay, we all do). No one wants to feel like Nick in this episode, or Sam even. Breaking up and moving on is hard to do, but it’s a necessary evil sometimes.
On a separate but related note, this could’ve been where they ended the season and started a second one to be honest…I digress though.

The Diary

I’m not sure if it’s a 90s thing or what, but hitchhiking does not seem cool, obvious dangers aside. I’ve never read On The Road, but the examples Lindsay lists are not the type of crowd I wanna get caught by. And I understand why her parents freaked out! Meeting Kim’s mom was interesting too because she’s not as bad as she first seemed…reading Kim’s diary is so wrong but she’s concerned as much as any parent at the end of the day. But take this as a lesson - stay out of other people’s business before you get your feelings hurt!!!
I’m glad Lindsay decided to still hang with Kim and stood up for her in English class. The tough cookies still soften if you dip them in some milk!! You may just have to leave it in there for a while…like as much time as the parents spent in the room LOL. (Love that for them also.)

Looks and Books

This is my favorite episode! Lindsay finally digs herself into the deepest hole, and finally tells her friends what’s up. And you know what? IT SET EVERYONE STRAIGHT. If this would’ve happened earlier, who knows how much progress they all could’ve made as friends. I love that Lindsay came back with all the fire for the mathletes, even if she dropped them like her bad habit all over again, and showed Shelly what was what. But I especially love that she realized she had actually changed, did actually want to be with the other group, and did what was right for her.

The Garage Door

KEN HAS A CRUSH!!! Thank goodness she likes him back and thank goodness all this happened in this episode, because it was solely about Neal and the clicker, my heart would be absolutely crushed. I semi-sympathized with Dr. Schweiber when he had his dental chat with Sam, but when you see the repercussions and you think about being the wife, AND you think about how he swiftly lied and lied to Sam, it just makes me mad. “I can’t even get one girl. How does anyone get two?!” LOL. Anyway, I think I would kinda dig the Astraldome every now and then. But not with Nick (who should’ve enjoyed tf outta Devil Went Down to Georgia!). Daniel is CRACKING me UP though with his tortoise/hare analogy; this is the most I’ve ever loved Kaniel/Dim. Gosh, the ending!!! Sam bawling and Neal finding the garage… with his Dad’s parked car. And Nick Andopolis never catches a break.

Chokin and Tokin

I…Nick? Do we have a serious problem here? Is this the first time Leslie Mann gets put in her hubby’s project?! (GOALS AF BTW!) These episodes are getting really sad…we haven’t seen Alan in a while, and when we do see him, he almost kills Bill!! Some kids just don’t know when to quit, such as him and even Nick. I should’ve said this in the spirit episode probably, but Vicki needs someone to get in her face real quick and check her because I don’t like her tone at all (but I was a little shook she came to the hospital?!). Lindsay should’ve asked for assistance before playing with substances lolol because so much went to waste oh my GOSH. And how did no one smell it? And how did she manage to do it right before she needed to babysit?? Like a whole ass mess. But Alan!!! This is why I will never hate him.

Dead Dogs and Gym Teachers

I like that they included The Who music throughout the whole episode, but I can’t say it made me a fan of theirs. I like the Magic Bus references, but the bus looked like garbage. I think Millie looked good in that denim for sure! I kinda liked that she was letting loose, and I think that she did too. But ultimately, good on Lindsay AND Kim for stopping her before it went too far.
Bill, my baby…it’s really not that bad. I like Fredricks honestly, and appreciate him shutting Alan up for once.

Noshing and Moshing

Damn…I finally feel for Daniel Desario. This was a really important episode to have. I love Dim/Kaniel so bad wow, The Lonely Broken Hearts Club fr. That other girl was never gonna go for him, just like in all honesty, Barry wouldn’t go for Lindsay had he not grown up with her and seen that she’d loosened up a bit. But I feel the worst for Neal. That feeling really sucks.

Smooching and Mooching

Nick…please get your entire life together!! Expeditiously!!! LIKE MY BOY SAM, FINALLY ON THE COME UP (even though it’s definitely a rebound). While I looove Harold & Jean in this episode, there is almost too much cringe to bear, which is why I listed Nick as one of the worst developments. (And I know he seemed promising but honestly, no, and we’ll see why soon.)
But the real highlight of the show is, of course, Bill & Vicki. Neal has no sympathy from me. Sam does, even though I did slightly want him to be more excited about his kiss with Cindy. Like if you’re not gonna talk to her, and you do want to kiss her, then what’s the hold up?

The Little Things

Sammy my guy, you see, the grass is not always greener on the other side. I’m proud of you; you are too good for her. Ken, thank you for getting your head out of your ass. Lindsay, thank you for being a part of the Weir party and also a real American.
Btw, Ben Stiller aggravates me in almost every role he plays. This was no exception.

Discos and Dragons

Nick is absolutely full of shit and a sellout. Putting Daniel in A.V. as a punishment is rude as hell but it turned out to be the best thing possible for him honestly. I’m not sure if Lindsay’s little dance scene was supposed to be her Hot Grateful Dead Girl moment, but it wasn’t really giving for me. I dislike this teacher way more than Kowchevski. Why did they send Daniel in there with no help for his first time?! School ran by assholes everywhere. Drugs have to be involved with these Dead people, because why drive down to Texas to go over to Colorado, instead of just going from Michigan? Though Kim isn’t really being supportive like she should, she’s totally right to be over Daniel’s shit because she’s faithfully been trying since On The Road. And because of that, Daniel joins a D&D campaign!
I’m glad that Lindsay was truly just proud to see Nick’s growth, which reminds me to come back to when I said his positive development was bullshit - you absolutely see his longing as Lindsay walks away, and Lindsay does too. That is not mutual yearning. Groove Line is an absolute banger though, so I’m glad he went in there and did his thing. And he does deserve someone who loves him! Because I was not loving his dancing.
”Is he turning into a geek or are we turning into cool guys?” Definitely been the cool guys, just finally proving it.
And my final note. I do think Lindsay jumped too high for this Dead feeling she got. And I think she wanted to motivate Kim more than she wanted to think about her future. But I hope the girls had the time of their life. A happy ending for almost everyone.