Best in TV

[falafel]

I hadn't seen an episode of Freaks and Geeks since the year it aired until IFC started showing the episodes. Really hard to believe that it got canceled before the first season even ended. The time frame for the show is around 1980 according to the pilot. I have to say that they absolutely nail that era as far as dress and grooming. I sometimes feel like I actually knew these kids in school it's so familiar. Another thing they really nail is P.E. from that era. It's like they actually came to my junior high (I was still a youngster in the early 80's) to do their research. The forced showers, the rope climbs and public humiliation that accompanied them for the kids who couldn't do it, and especially dodgeball with the jocks laying waste to the weak and the PE teacher laughing. I can't think of another show that nails that time period so well. Fast Times at Ridgemont High to some extent I suppose.


Side note: Is one of the geeks now Courtney Cox's son on Cougartown? I'm trying to figure out where else I've seen him. Also please don't think that I watch cougartown with any regularity.

I'm not sure about the geeks, but one of the Freaks is a regular on Cougartown.

[Green Lantern]

Side note: Is one of the geeks now Courtney Cox's son on Cougartown? I'm trying to figure out where else I've seen him. Also please don't think that I watch cougartown with any regularity.

No, the son on Cougar Town wasn't on Freaks and Geeks. The Geeks are all still pretty active though. Bill was on the recently cancelled (and awesome) series Party Down. Sam is currently on the series Bones. And Neal was one of the Inglourious Basterds.

[dabrockster]

Veronica Mars: I mourned the loss of this show. I was soo disappointed when it got cut. One of the more clever shows I had seen in a while. And Kristen Bell plays a great smart, sarcastic chick in it.. Logan was cool, Weevil (My Fav.), etc..

I have all seasons on DVD (The last season has Kristen bell as a FBI agent etc in a Pilot episode. I hated it because it cut all the people I loved in it and changed the show completely..).


I think it is time to pull out Season 1 again. It's funny. I watch it ever year or so and get hooked back once again.. An enjoyable show..

[dabrockster]

Great show. And once you're done it's fun to watch creator Rob Thomas' later show PARTY DOWN where he squeezes in appearances from just about everyone who was on VERONICA MARS.

Funny you mention that. I started watching Heroes because Kristen Bell was going to be on it. Weevil was also on it as well (Both of them for short period of times...).. But I was disappointed with their cameo..

[Donuthole]

Bump. We're through Episode 15 of F&G (watching them as they air on IFC) and they just keep getting better. The character development in the show is amazing and seemingly effortless and natural, particularly when compared with the forced character development in so many network shows today (see: any version of CSI, or Law and Order).

We're totally bummed about having only 3 more episodes to enjoy.

[MarkGrace]

Bump. We're through Episode 15 of F&G (watching them as they air on IFC) and they just keep getting better. The character development in the show is amazing and seemingly effortless and natural, particularly when compared with the forced character development in so many network shows today (see: any version of CSI, or Law and Order).

We're totally bummed about having only 3 more episodes to enjoy.

Damn that show is brilliant. I always found it incredibly moving and sweet but not in an overly contrived and cheesy way like Modern Family.

[Donuthole]

Damn that show is brilliant. I always found it incredibly moving and sweet but not in an overly contrived and cheesy way like Modern Family.

Exactly. I absolutely love Mr. Weir's character, mostly because he's such an out-of-touch square (and hilariously so). But in a single episode, they humanized him in a way I would have never thought possible. And not once did I question it while it was happening.

In the same episode, Bill (my absolute favorite character, hands down) stands up for himself (and geeks everywhere, really) in the laundry room, by letting the pretty girl know how it feels to be abnormal looking. And for his bravery, his worst nightmare--being alone with a girl--results in a moment of triumph.

[MarkGrace]

Bill absolutely rules. Do you watch Party Down? Bill (Martin Starr) is on it, and while he plays a pretty different character, he's still pretty awesome.

[Donuthole]

Bill absolutely rules. Do you watch Party Down? Bill (Martin Starr) is on it, and while he plays a pretty different character, he's still pretty awesome.

I haven't yet, but it's on my list. I enjoyed him in Adventureland, though (an underrated film from last year, IMO).

[falafel]

Bill was my fav from the get go (I liked him before you guys did!). My two favorite moments on that show come from Bill.

1. The Gary Shandling/grilled cheese/brownie scene. I laughed just as hard as Bill did, I think. Such a big juxtaposition when Biff walks through the door next.

2. The Bill scene at the hospital when he lets the bully (can't remember his name) know that he heard his apology although it looked like he was out.

[MartyFunkhouser]

Bill was my fav from the get go (I liked him before you guys did!). My two favorite moments on that show come from Bill.

1. The Gary Shandling/grilled cheese/brownie scene. I laughed just as hard as Bill did, I think. Such a big juxtaposition when Biff walks through the door next.

2. The Bill scene at the hospital when he lets the bully (can't remember his name) know that he heard his apology although it looked like he was out.

The Gary Shandling/grilled cheese/brownie scene is a great scene. It really shows the affection that the creators have for the characters and the genuine desire to create characters and not just stereotypes. Yes, Bill is a geek but they want to make him more than just a easy joke. The show is great.