Freaks & Geekswould have been worse if it had followed through on the original romantic plans for Linda Cardelini’s Lindsay.Freaks & Geekshas endured over two decades since it was released, thanks largely to the universal approach it took to the high school experience. While it was firmly set in a time and place, the subversions of typical genre archetypes brought fresh layers to the “high school coming of age” tropes that its peers likeThat 70’s Showflaunted more openly.
One of the best examples is Lindsay, whose induction into the “Freaks” was central to the show’s narrative and would have continued in a hypotheticalseason 2 ofFreaks & Geeks. Initially presented as a former go-getter who develops a relatable cynicism, Lindsay’s development throughout the series made her a memorable and realistic approach to the high school burnout archetype. One important element of her story was a great example of teen romance, and I’m still gladtwenty-five years later thatFreaks & Geeksdidn’t follow through on the original plans for that arc.
Freaks And Geeks Cast: Where They Are Now
From Linda Cardellini to Jason Segel to Seth Rogen, many actors in the sadly short-lived Freaks and Geeks cast went on to become huge stars.
Daniel Is Initially Set Up As Lindsay’s Romantic Interest In Freaks & Geeks, Not Nick
Freaks & GeeksSubverted High School Romances With Lindsay’s Biggest Relationships
Freaks & Geeksinitially set up Daniel as Lindsay’s primary romantic interest, instead of Nick — and the show would have been worse off if it had gone that route. Although the show largely worked as an ensemble series, Lindsay is functionally the show’s primary protagonist. Part of her growth in the season stems from her romantic interests, which began with Daniel. Early episodes like “Beers and Weirs” reinforced her feelings for Daniel, but she instead entered a short-lived romance with Nick that ended with her breaking his heart and him dealing with it in a realistically poor fashion.
This highlights one of my favorite elements ofFreaks & Geeks.The series committed to subverting typical high school archetypesand dynamics. In most high school shows, “Bad Boy with a Heart” Daniel would have been Lindsay’s eventual romantic partner. This was even seemingly series creator Paul Feig’s long-term intention, according to an interview he gave toVanity Fairabout what season 2 would have looked like. However,Freaks & Geekswent for a more realistic approach. They lacked a compatibility that could have fostered a natural romance, which would have made a long-running romantic story less believable.
Lindsay’s Romance With Nick Makes Way More Sense Than Daniel
Nick makes far more sense as a love interest for Lindsay, especially based on their personalities. However, I love that the show doesn’t treat that like the romantic endgame of the series either. Nick’s soft side and musical ambitions make him a better fit for the well-meaning and genuinely good Lindsay. His sensitive side made sense to appeal to Lindsay. However, it’s just as important thattheir teen relationship dramatically imploded, leading him to spiral until he found a new girlfriend to obsess over. Nick and Lindsay’s short-lived romance felt far more authentic than most TV high school romances.
Harold Weir
Joe Flaherty
Most high school flings are short-lived, and Lindsay’s love life inFreaks & Geeksis reflective of that in the best kind of way. It follows a similar subversion the show took with Sam’s infatuation (and eventual disappointment) with Cindy, highlighting how expectations in youth can be undercut by reality. The series never pulls punches with its approach to the experience of being a teenager in high school, including the highs and lows of romance. Nick feels like a more realistic love interest for Lindsay, andtheir subsequent break-up is one of the show’s best reflections of genuine teenage emotion.
Would Lindsay & Daniel Have Gotten Together If Freaks & Geeks Wasn’t Canceled?
Freaks & GeeksCould Have Flipped Lindsay And Daniel’s Inital Connection
It’s interesting to consider if Lindsay and Daniel would have gotten together in a hypothetical season 2 ofFreaks & Geeks. Although Lindsay was initially drawn to Daniel, I loved how she eventually saw through his facade to expose a more vulnerable and problematic person. This was why it was so compelling to see their romantic potential blunted, especially as it allowed Lindsay to develop a more natural bond with Daniel’s love interest Kim instead of a one-note rivalry. Notably,their respective development at the end of the series would have made them more compatible.
Daniel joining the Geeks while Lindsay went on tour following the Grateful Dead could have flipped their initial dynamic. I would have loved it if Daniel became friends with Lindsay’s brother Sam while she developed her own cool confidence, making Daniel pine after the now much cooler Lindsay. However,I think it’s important that the show never paired the two together. Sometimes, attractions as teenagers remain just that. Keeping Lindsay and Daniel apart inFreaks & Geeksspoke to the more grounded and believable approach to teenagers at the heart of the series.
Freaks and Geeks
Cast
Judd Apatow’s Freaks and Geeks is a comedy-drama series centered around several now-popular stars in their first-ever appearances as outcast teenagers dealing with the “hilarious unfairness of teen life.” The friend groups are split into “freaks” and “geeks,” each with their own quirks that resonate with teens today as they try to find their place in the socially complex world of high school.
