a debate for the ages
2/04/2008
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After many years of people saying "you have to see this show," we have finally gotten around to watching Freaks and Geeks. And it is awkward and hilarious and heartfelt all at the same time. It captures everything I hated about junior high and high school a little too perfectly. It was a critical success when it aired in 1999 but didn't catch on to a wide audience, and was unceremoniously canceled without ever airing all of the shows they completed.
On the one hand, I wish the show had continued on for a few more years. But would it have outstayed its welcome? Could it have kept up the same stellar level of writing and acting? Could it have avoided reaching the point where none of the actors look remotely young enough to play high school kids (90210, I'm looking at you)?
But the real question is this: Suppose that it went on for three more years, all the way through Sam's high school graduation. Would you be willing to trade three more seasons of Freaks and Geeks for the following Judd Apatow films:
Anchorman
40-year-old Virgin
Talladega Nights
Knocked Up
Superbad
Discuss in the comments. I think I have to take the movies, but it's a tough one.
On the one hand, I wish the show had continued on for a few more years. But would it have outstayed its welcome? Could it have kept up the same stellar level of writing and acting? Could it have avoided reaching the point where none of the actors look remotely young enough to play high school kids (90210, I'm looking at you)?
But the real question is this: Suppose that it went on for three more years, all the way through Sam's high school graduation. Would you be willing to trade three more seasons of Freaks and Geeks for the following Judd Apatow films:
Anchorman
40-year-old Virgin
Talladega Nights
Knocked Up
Superbad
Discuss in the comments. I think I have to take the movies, but it's a tough one.
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