Freaks & Geeks

“Man, I hate High School”, was one of the first significant lines spoken by the lead character Lindsay Weir. With that one statement, followed by the show’s theme song, we were launched into instant nostalgia. Even though the show is set in 1980, the Pilot episode opened up a platform for almost anyone to identify with. The generation gap never existed and if it did, it was quickly bridged by great and simple story-telling, as well as brilliant and subtle performances by the leading and supporting cast.

Come along with me as I revisit McKinley High.

High School is a religious experience.

“Hey, I believe in god, man. I've seen him, I've felt his power! He plays drums for Led Zeppelin and his name is John Bonham, baby!” – Nick Andopolis

“Friday night, always a good night for some Sabbath.” – Neal Schweiber

“Jesus is just alright with me.” – Millie Kentner

Self-discovery.

Daniel Desario: Am I a loser?
Harris Trinsky: You're not a loser 'cause you have sex, but if you weren't having sex, we could definitely debate the issue.

“Sam. Did Mom and Dad tell you I was the only one with Grandma when she died? They went down to the cafeteria to get some coffee. And all of a sudden Grandma looked so terrified. I didn't know what to do. She grabbed my hand, told me she didn't want to go. She looked so scared, Sam. I said, well, you know, can you see God or Heaven or a light or anything? ‘No. There's nothing.’ She was a good person all her life and that's what she got.” – Lindsay Weir

“If I were Bionic Woman, what would I wear?” – Bill Haverchuck

“Well, everybody's got parents, Jean, even hookers.” – Harold Weir

 “You know, there was this girl in our school and she had premarital sex. You know what she did on graduation day, DIED!”

“High school is for learning but it's also where you should be learning to socialize. That's what high school dances are all about.” – Jean Weir

“My dream was to be an astronaut, but you just don’t see any moon rocks here, do you?” – Mr. Andopolis

“Teacher leave them kids alone.” – Pink Floyd

“I know you're struggling. That's what they made guidance counselors for. To help you. I understand—you've just been through puberty, you guys are tall— I'm surprised you fit through that door, quite frankly. Okay? A lot of times you might see, maybe you're taking a shower or something and you go, "what are these?" "what's that?". But you feel alone and confused. And you don't think anyone understands. Well. I do” – Jeff Rosso

“Last one to class first one on welfare. It's your choice.” Mr. Kowchevski

***

“I’m sorry, your butt was calling to me.” – Ken Miller

“Are you calling me irrational? Because I'll tear your head off, Daniel. I'll tear it off and throw it over that fence.” – Kim Kelly

“I don't need another friend. I already have two. I mean, how many more friends does a guy need?” – Sam Weir