You know when people say that things are ahead of their time? Well, that's true in Freaks and Geeks' case. Can you believe that one of the greatest shows of all time only lasted one season? Sure it's not the only greatest show the lasted one season (My So-Called Life, Cop Rock, even the Freaks and Geeks spin-off, Undeclared), but it was probably the only show that almost left me in tears when it ended. I think the reason why people loved this show so much was that they could relate to it. Whether you grew up during that time or not, you understood the characters and the storylines. People were getting tired of watching shows like Beverly Hills 90210 and Sweet Valley High, that focused more on the rich, popular kids. They wanted to see the kids who were not very popular on TV for once and that's what they got with Freaks and Geeks. It was able to be funny, but still be real at the same time. To celebrate the show that made weird nerds like myself feel very proud of who we are, I have picked my ten favorite moments.
10. Kim Kelly Goes Psycho (Kim Kelly is My Best Friend)
If I could give awards to crazy bitches in television, I would so give one to Kim Kelly. It always seemed like she was always on her period. Sure, I wasn't a fan of hers when she was being mean to Lindsay, because what did Lindsay ever do to her? But I must admit after the end of Kim Kelly is My Best Friend, I felt bad for her. Not only did she come from a dysfunctional family, but the only person she felt she could really turn to was hitting on her friend. I would try to run my boyfriend over too if he was shoving his thumb in some girl's mouth. The only thing that sets me back from admiring Kim Kelly even more is that she took Daniel back. I guess that's how love works sometimes. Whatever.
(Scene begins at 4:00)
9. Nick Turns to Disco (Discos and Dragons)
I didn't think I would see this moment coming. If you were a fan of classic rock back in the day, the last thing you would want to hear was a disco song. That's how Nick was and then all of the sudden he was the total opposite. He was all about silky shirts, bell-bottoms, and doing the Hustle. Nick was needing a change though when you think about it. He had recently had his heart broken and his father wanted him to join the military rather than pursuing a career in music. Can't blame him for wanting to try something new to make him happy.
8. Daniel Hangs with the Geeks (Discos and Dragons)
After getting caught trying pull the fire alarm at school, Daniel is forced to join Audio/Visual club with the geeks. Both sides are not happy at first, but the geeks invite Daniel to play Dungeons and Dragons to be nice. What I love about this scene is that it shows that we really are the same whether we think we are different or not. Carlos the Dwarf forever!
7. Sam and the Disco Jumpsuit (Looks and Books)
I hated those days when you would wear an outfit or style your hair a certain way to school only to learn that everyone thinks you look lame. I really didn't care about what other people thought of my style in my junior high and high school days, but I sure did back in elementary school. I knew exactly what Sam was going through when he wore that baby blue jumpsuit to school and feathered his hair to try to impress Cindy Sanders. I felt his pain, but I don't think I ever went that far in order to impress someone. Besides, it's what's inside that is more important.
6. Ken Questions His Sexuality (The Little Things)
After Ken learns that his girlfriend Amy was born an intersex woman, he begins to question himself on whether he is gay or straight. This soon leads to him having to make the decision on whether he should break up with Amy or not. My only question is, who knew that music played a huge role in discovering your sexuality?5. Daniel is a Punk (Noshing and Moshing)
Having problems with both his family and Kim, Daniel decides to change his appearance for a girl he's attracted to. The thing is, she's a dropout who is into the punk scene. That means here come the liberty spikes, pinned shirt, and leather jacket for Daniel. Like I said before, it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside, it what's on the inside that counts. And to be punk doesn't mean you have to look punk.(Scene begins at 3:08)
4. Nick Sings "Lady" to Lindsay (Girlfriends and Boyfriends)
Nothing is more adorable than a guy trying to sing, especially in this scene when Nick sings Styx's "Lady" to Lindsay to let her know that she is the one for him. It's funny and sort of creepy, but really sweet at the same time.
3. Bill Dresses Up as the Bionic Woman (Tricks and Treats)
There is nothing I love more than seeing a Halloween episode from a television series. In the episode Tricks and Treats, my favorite moment was watching the geeks get ready to go trick or treating. Sometimes people just get too into the character they are dressing up as like Bill does with the Bionic Woman. I couldn't tell you how many times I had to tell people that my boobs were not bionic and that they were all me. Bill felt my pain.
2. Sam Goes "Streaking" (I'm with the Band)
Sam finally has the courage to take a shower in the boys' locker room after being teased about his body. As he makes his way towards the showers, Alan and his friends start whipping everyone with towels and stop Sam so they can make fun of him. The teasing gets worse whenever Alan locks Sam outside of the locker room leaving Sam naked in the hallway. This leaves Sam running through the school naked until he can make it to his locker to get some clothes. And what makes this moment so special in heart is that Sam streaks to Madness' "One Step Beyond". One of my favorite songs.
I wish Thomas F. Wilson was my gym coach.
1. The Geeks Fight Alan (Pilot)
If there is one thing that really frightens a geek it's fighting a bully. Getting tired of Alan's bullying, Sam, Bill, and Neal beg him to stop, but Alan thinks otherwise. He then challenges them to a fight in which the geeks gradually accept. Bill, Neal, and another geek (I always forget his name) who is there to watch end up fighting Alan, because Sam is too busy trying to ask his crush Cindy Sanders to the dance. The winners are of course the geeks, because Alan can't face the fact that he is a geek too. Never has Styx's "Renegade" sound so badass.
(Scene starts at 6:25)
