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#40 - Inside the Fleeting Yet Inherently Political World of ‘Freaks and Geeks’
Maria is joined by fellow union comrade and FREAKS AND GEEKS (1999-2000) superfan Margaret McLaughlin to break down the political themes of the show’s one and only season, which is firmly set in the 1980-1981 school year. We discuss Lindsay Weir’s journey walking the tightrope between “freak” and “geek,” and the way she tests the waters of finding her political voice; the controversial yet revealing episode “Kim Kelly Is My Friend”; and Bill Haverchuck as a solid representation of the latchkey kid. We also analyze all the political themes of Season 1, Episode 17, which features groundbreaking intersex representation in the character of Amy, as well as a vice presidential visit to McKinley High that has all the characters talking politics and gives Lindsay the chance to speak truth to power.
For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with the entirety of FREAKS AND GEEKS Season 1, but especially Season 1, Episode 3, “Tricks and Treats,” Season 1, Episode 4, “Kim Kelly Is My Friend,” Season 1, Episode 17, “The Little Things,” and Season 1, Episode 18, “Discos and Dragons.”
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter, letterboxd: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com
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ABOUT US:
MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions.
MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN (she/her; guest) is a Philly-born, LA-based labor organizer and aficionado of both high cinema and trash tv. Her favorite movie of the last five years is LA CHIMERA (watch it!) and most disgusting, trainwreck watch of a tv show is Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (please don’t do mental harm to yourself by watching). She’s offline but sometimes you can find her on Twitter at @mags_mclaugh
JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV.
CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/he; art) is a designer + writer based in Richmond, VA. They're currently getting their MFA in Graphic Design at Virginia Commonwealth University, and spend most of their time unsuccessfully scheming how to get off Instagram (@c.s.0.l).
Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned.
intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats
All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with.
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SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE:
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By Leftist Teen Drama
5
1212 ratings
Maria is joined by fellow union comrade and FREAKS AND GEEKS (1999-2000) superfan Margaret McLaughlin to break down the political themes of the show’s one and only season, which is firmly set in the 1980-1981 school year. We discuss Lindsay Weir’s journey walking the tightrope between “freak” and “geek,” and the way she tests the waters of finding her political voice; the controversial yet revealing episode “Kim Kelly Is My Friend”; and Bill Haverchuck as a solid representation of the latchkey kid. We also analyze all the political themes of Season 1, Episode 17, which features groundbreaking intersex representation in the character of Amy, as well as a vice presidential visit to McKinley High that has all the characters talking politics and gives Lindsay the chance to speak truth to power.
For this episode, we recommend you first watch or have familiarity with the entirety of FREAKS AND GEEKS Season 1, but especially Season 1, Episode 3, “Tricks and Treats,” Season 1, Episode 4, “Kim Kelly Is My Friend,” Season 1, Episode 17, “The Little Things,” and Season 1, Episode 18, “Discos and Dragons.”
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL | instagram, tumblr, tiktok, bluesky: @leftistteendrama | twitter, letterboxd: @leftyteendrama | website: leftistteendrama.com
_
ABOUT US:
MARIA DIPASQUALE (she/her; host/editor) is a Brooklyn-based union communicator, organizer, and writer who watches too much TV. She splits her free time between devouring teen dramas, creating this podcast, tenant organizing, and writing and reading (fan)fiction. Follow Maria on Twitter @Maria_DiP26, IG @mdzip, and tiktok @marialovesunions.
MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN (she/her; guest) is a Philly-born, LA-based labor organizer and aficionado of both high cinema and trash tv. Her favorite movie of the last five years is LA CHIMERA (watch it!) and most disgusting, trainwreck watch of a tv show is Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (please don’t do mental harm to yourself by watching). She’s offline but sometimes you can find her on Twitter at @mags_mclaugh
JEFF MCHALE (he/him; producer) is an extremely online guy who plays games, works in the cannabis industry, and loves talking old TV.
CHARLES S. O’LEARY (they/he; art) is a designer + writer based in Richmond, VA. They're currently getting their MFA in Graphic Design at Virginia Commonwealth University, and spend most of their time unsuccessfully scheming how to get off Instagram (@c.s.0.l).
Maria and Jeff’s good union cats CLARENCE and VINNY may make an appearance and/or be mentioned.
intro song: Stomping the Room by Delicate Beats
All opinions shared on this show are that of individuals and do not represent the views of any organization we may be affiliated with.
_
SOURCES DISCUSSED IN THE EPISODE: