Freaks And Geeks Analysis

Freaks and Geeks Evaluation Essay

Adolescence is the marking point for independence -- a push of courage for the soul. In the American teen-comedy drama series “Freaks and Geeks” by Paul Feig, the pilot episode focuses on the life of two groups as mentioned, the freaks and the geeks as they conquer numerous problems as adolescents. The main protagonists, Lindsay Weir and her brother Sam Weir approach the hurdles that lie ahead, visibly portraying the accuracy of teenage life along the way. The introduction to the series immediately gives you a realistically raw perspective on the characters, and the scenes, albeit predictable, also embody a gust of nostalgia that one cannot simply get bored of. The characters are created
to be depictions of real teenagers, this enables the intended character development to take place in the series. Due to Lindsay feeling conflicted about Eli’s injury and being a mathlete, she cuts class with Nick, he shows her his drum collection and it somewhat turns into a serious discussion of finding oneself -- one’s life purpose. Although it put them in trouble, it causes Lindsay to move one step away from drowning deep into her existential crisis.The cliche soul-searching scene may be a little put off, but that is what makes it relatable as it plays a large role towards character enlightenment. Incorporating a relatable character is vital if there is a desire of engaging the audience into the series. When they were caught by Jeff, he again tries to convince Lindsay into being a mathlete and in turn, he’ll forget that the incident ever happened. Though the opportunity to escape trouble is presented to Lindsay on a silver plate, she refuses to take it, believing that she will rather go through the harsh consequences than become a mathlete. The director could have had her take up the offer, but the writers built a solid character, someone that had her priorities straight. We see juvenile independence at its finest. The characters own up to their decisions, and those decisions sometimes gives us an insight of the character’s personality and values. Thus, when we are given an idea about their initial traits, we become interested on which one of those attitudes should change or remain the same in the progress of the series. There are elements that could potentially trigger some to reminisce the memorable youthful days.
Sure enough, since it is a coming of age series, it mostly takes place in the blue-filtered McKinley High School where the inequitable social system seem to become a parallel to this generation. In the episode, students hang out with people who are similar to them, together they make the different groups/systems in Mckinley High School. Although they do interact in a stereotypical way (the geeks getting bullied), building these social groups in the episode further highlights their pursuit to a realistic high school experience. Even in the 21st century, we could still feel a profound connection to this 17 year old series. The geeks finding their way through freshman year, with the usual threatening bully on their tail was hilariously cringeworthy. Yes, this may cause the storyline to be predictable, but this also maintains the consistency of the work, sometimes the audience needs as much assurance and certainty as they can get in a teenage series. Therefore, how they integrate stereotypical elements in the work is methodically done so it does not change the way the episode appeals to the public. It is significant to engage the subscribers into the work, may it be bringing out their emotions, understanding the characters or just reminiscing an older memory. “Freaks and Geeks” does just that, engrossing with its own strategized character development and methodically written
script that resonates through youth and adults alike. They have a classic portrayal on high school and teenage life that leaves us hung up on nostalgia. A truly honest series that brilliantly depicts a familiar perspective that we all can empathize with-- adolescence.