Carlos the Dwarf

“Freaks and Geeks” (Season 1, Episode 18 “Discos and Dragons,” 2000)

Judd Apatow’s creation set in 1980s Michigan, “Freaks and Geeks,” blurred the lines between typical high school cliques, no more so than in the short-lived series final episode, “Discos and Dragons.” Mathlete Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardellini) becomes a Deadhead, pot-head Nick Andopolis (Jason Segel) becomes the king of the disco, leather jacket-wearing rebel Daniel Desario (James Franco) becomes Carlos the Dwarf in a game of Dungeons and Dragons and a group of geeks, by association, become cool. The finale’s clever writing and genuine transformation of characters maintain the entertaining, witty and heartfelt spirit of the entire series that made it so beloved even after its cancellation.

Right off the bat the episode brings its characters out of their comfort zone at a disco where they’ve gathered to harass the regulars—Seth Rogan’s Ken eloquently shouts, “Disco sucks!”—only to discover one of their own, Nick, in the mix. He’s there for a girl, a situation all too relatable to the plights of high school boys. This sets off the “drama” of the episode, which maintains a foot in reality unlike the high school drama series to follow (i.e. The OC, Gossip Girl, etc.), and allows for a genuine connection to the characters.

Another asset to the characters of this show as compared to lesser teen series is the casting; instead of 30-year-old models playing high-schoolers we see awkward teenagers playing awkward teenagers. These kids suffer the same problems the average adolescent goes through, they’re unsure of themselves and in the end, are just trying to be cool and fit in even though they really don’t. Even the coolest of the “freaks,” Daniel, doesn’t feel like he’s found a place in the world until he connects with the show’s “geeks,” the ultimate blurring of the cool line. As Bill Haverchuck (Martin Starr) asks, “Does his wanting to play with us again mean he’s turning into a geek or we’re turning into cool guys?”

While the performance of the cast’s inexperienced actors is a bit stiff at times, the dialogue and story carry them effortlessly. At the turning point of the episode, Lindsay puts on the Grateful Dead’s “Amercan Beauty,” an album that a Deadhead in the lunch room (Samaire Armstrong) says is so good she wishes she’d never heard it so she could listen to it for the first time again. It strikes Lindsay similarly and while listening and dancing around to “Box of Rain” she experiences a change reflected in characters across the board.

The end of the episode leaves all the characters in an uncertain place, a tribute to the writers for not wrapping things up nicely knowing this would be their last episode. A group of sixteen year olds don’t typically resolve their year-long struggles in the week before summer so it’s fitting that the freaks and geeks end up where they do. As was true throughout the entire series, we’re left with characters who are witty and awkward, making for an entertaining and relatable show.