tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post2072669144224137360..comments2024-03-28T18:01:28.997-04:00Comments on What's Alan Watching?: Freaks and Geeks Rewind: Noshing and MoshingAlan Sepinwallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-55223547169069885292012-11-08T17:42:25.339-05:002012-11-08T17:42:25.339-05:00This is my favorite episode of all. Of the entire...This is my favorite episode of all. Of the entire season, this one hits home with me and really brings me back high school when the college guys would be back "home" for Winter Break and guiltily ogle the 14 year-old girls who hadn't yet figured out they were beautiful. Samm Levine hits it out of the park and the entire Schwiebber family were cast with brilliant actors that I've enjoyed in so many roles.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-55226517814986362072012-05-06T06:58:12.463-04:002012-05-06T06:58:12.463-04:00Once again, with feeling: stupid NBC/Universal. ...<i>Once again, with feeling: stupid NBC/Universal. </i> Actually it wasn't NBC (although I can understand the sentiment). Paul Feig said more recently on 2012 lookback at the series (Google it) that it was a Neil Young/record company decision, they initially gave permission then changed their minds at the last minute. The substitution works brilliantly IMO.Rizzonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-66504135143296380522011-10-14T12:18:34.917-04:002011-10-14T12:18:34.917-04:00One very subtle part of this episode that I person...One very subtle part of this episode that I personally dig is the way Gary openly admits that he's not interested in joining a fraternity. A lot of college movies (particularly comedies) and shows make it seem like every college kid's dream is to be in a fraternity. Even though, statistically, only about eight or nine percent of college students ever join one (and the ones who do soon realize there's more to being in a fraternity/sorority than just nightly keg parties and rival frat house TP'ing). It's good to see F&G sidestepping that stereotype, among the many others it sidesteps.Martynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-127566865922311492009-11-02T00:56:31.494-05:002009-11-02T00:56:31.494-05:00OK, I'm over two years late in posting this, a...OK, I'm over two years late in posting this, and it may well be the geekiest thing I have ever written on the internet, BUT...<br /><br />Re: the fact that the final sequence was supposed to be backed by "Only Love Can Break Your Heart." I literally jumped out of my seat when I read that, because it seemed so absolutely perfect. So I actually replayed the final sequence, muted, with OLCBYH playing in the background and, well, damn. It's a real shame they weren't able to keep it, because the scenes have so much more emotional resonance this way. Instead of seeming sort of ironic and bitter, there's real heartache and heft. They also clearly sequenced the scenes to fit with the song: the chorus repeats at the scene where Neal's mom is looking at her husband and then at the moment where Kim pulls Daniel in for a hug. It's just so damn perfect. <br /><br />Once again, with feeling: stupid NBC/Universal.Razhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07392174626612431500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-31587175574139768902008-06-04T04:08:00.000-04:002008-06-04T04:08:00.000-04:00I am going to have to vote for the gym teacher hav...I am going to have to vote for the gym teacher having the boys read the transcript of the prank call as the funniest scene from the show.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-19800810850707158122007-12-13T09:52:00.000-05:002007-12-13T09:52:00.000-05:00Thanks for these, Alan... as I catch up with the s...Thanks for these, Alan... as I catch up with the series, it's nice to have episodes' lives extended into the next day.<BR/><BR/>On the Neal laughing at the dummy bit... didn't bother me. Seems Apatow and Feig are making some statements over the last two episodes (the brilliant Bill-Shandling scene) locating the roots of comedy in adolescent angst, in the tension between the real world kids' developing consciousnesses are crashing them up against and the fantasy lands where they play. This, for me, gets at the core of Apatow's brilliance... I don't know of anyone who's shown the utility of comedy in deep-feeling, soulful, and painful introspection quite like this. He takes comedy, which 99% of the time is used to cover up or redirect vulnerability, and turns it inside out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-73510366469357525222007-12-07T10:23:00.000-05:002007-12-07T10:23:00.000-05:00I think Daniel's hair was white because he'd mixed...I think Daniel's hair was white because he'd mixed glue with the egg... or did I completely make that up?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-1417350680223163692007-09-09T00:53:00.000-04:002007-09-09T00:53:00.000-04:00i think it was in this episode that I spotted a Tu...i think it was in this episode that I spotted a Tunnelvision poster on Neil's bedroom wall. nice shout out to an obscure, but not entirely age-appropriate for the geeks, sketch comedy movie from the 70's. although I was their same age, and I went to see it at the local theater too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-45831672764006421872007-08-23T22:11:00.000-04:002007-08-23T22:11:00.000-04:00Best moment in the episode: the look on Busy Phill...Best moment in the episode: the look on Busy Phillips' face when she sees Daniel at the door. A fleeting moment of amusement at his appearance that turns instantly to empathy with his pain. A beautiful performance. The scene really sheds light on the depth of Kim and Daniel's relationship. It's not just about sex, fighting and fun. They do understand each other, and, at least for now, need each other.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-10430564432116973042007-08-16T07:33:00.000-04:002007-08-16T07:33:00.000-04:00Alan -Thanks for the play by play buddy! It's awe...Alan -<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the play by play buddy! It's awesome.<BR/><BR/>I gave you a shout out today.<BR/><BR/>Keep up the great work!<BR/><BR/>MitchAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-7734287811584354432007-08-15T15:26:00.000-04:002007-08-15T15:26:00.000-04:00The yearbook edition has two additional discs pack...The yearbook edition has two additional discs packed with more special features. I'm not entirely sure what all it includes, as I think finding out would make me even more annoyed that I don't own it. <BR/><BR/>The worst part: the friend of mine who does own the thing has only ever seen, like, five or six episodes of the series. He just loves getting extra-special editions of things on DVD.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-73783550367074336022007-08-15T15:24:00.000-04:002007-08-15T15:24:00.000-04:00Alan,You mention you are on the last disc, but ref...Alan,<BR/>You mention you are on the last disc, but refer to the Yearbook editon as having more...I don't have that one...what is the difference between that and the full series discs?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-6502565025390445292007-08-15T13:45:00.000-04:002007-08-15T13:45:00.000-04:00AFAIK, the eggs only make your hair stiff enough t...AFAIK, the eggs only make your hair stiff enough to make spikes & such.<BR/><BR/>And real punks don't mosh--they slam. Moshing is for metalheads :-DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-49128021701909762292007-08-14T05:42:00.000-04:002007-08-14T05:42:00.000-04:00My interpretation of Why Neal Laughed: I think Nea...My interpretation of Why Neal Laughed: I think Neal was just relieved to have the burden of his father's cheating off his shoulders - which is something that he had previously believed was his secret alone. He had obviously wanted to tell someone about it (acting out, Rosso, his brother, etc.) and he's laughing from relief now that the burden is finally lifted.<BR/><BR/>Of course that doesn't mean that the the problem magically disappears. But with kids, a parent's assurance that things will be okay is sometimes all they need to pick themselves up - and Neal is young enough to want to just leave it all up to his mommy. And I've got to say that the acting in that scene was terrific, and Neal's mother was wonderful. She really is a great mom.pandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08908875843909677745noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-66874069039010114272007-08-14T00:51:00.000-04:002007-08-14T00:51:00.000-04:00I've been following your blog for awhile during th...I've been following your blog for awhile during the time I was away from Jersey at school and I love the <I>F&G</I> recaps. <I>Noshing and Moshing</I> is probably my favorite episode of the series.<BR/><BR/>I think that Neal's mom had to know, as it had been going on for years, and not that discreetly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-22751982230970817952007-08-13T23:06:00.001-04:002007-08-13T23:06:00.001-04:00Oh, "N & M": one of my top 3 favorite episodes. It...Oh, "N & M": one of my top 3 favorite episodes. It was this episode that got my mother hooked on the show, and turned it into something that we enjoyed together--I showed her Neal's Senor Wences imitation, and she wanted to see more. <BR/><BR/>The whole sequence with Barry's entrance is just fantastic, and makes me squee a little every time I watch it. Other notes: I thought Krumholtz and Cardellini had some nice chemistry, I learned the word "farkakte" (or however it's spelled), and Lindsay got to see that there is hope after high school. <BR/><BR/>Originally, the ending montage was supposed to be scored to Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," but I prefer Dean Martin, especially because it's such an ironic song to hear over nearly everyone's depressing moments. <BR/><BR/>For the record, I definitely think Mrs. Schweiber knew that Vic was cheating on her, but I never thought about Barry being aware of Neal's crush on Lindsay.AChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12366537635054656441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-47919405833530343122007-08-13T23:06:00.000-04:002007-08-13T23:06:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.AChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12366537635054656441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-20954260576809438362007-08-13T17:02:00.000-04:002007-08-13T17:02:00.000-04:00Thanks for all the geography updates, guys. The tw...Thanks for all the geography updates, guys. The two and a half-hour drive thing didn't seem right to me.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-63628063459963397222007-08-13T16:46:00.000-04:002007-08-13T16:46:00.000-04:00Brian is absolutely correct on the location. Clint...Brian is absolutely correct on the location. Clinton Township is a much more reasonable place for a family whose dad operates a sporting goods store on 16 Mile Road (not Metro Parkway, not Big Beaver, not Quarton, just 16 Mile Rd). Definitely Macomb County.<BR/><BR/>bad dadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-17469466013724526102007-08-13T16:35:00.000-04:002007-08-13T16:35:00.000-04:00I think the whole "Neal, you've got to get over to...I think the whole "Neal, you've got to get over to their house more often" - "Believe me, I'm trying" dialogue revealed that Neal's thing for Lindsay was open knowledge between the two brothers. Barry comes across very well in this episode, but it always seemed to me that he had at least a little Vic in him.rhamiltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02697134869139534503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-62072550153897150492007-08-13T16:24:00.000-04:002007-08-13T16:24:00.000-04:00I can't recall for sure, but don't Sam and Bill me...<I>I can't recall for sure, but don't Sam and Bill mention [Magic] when Neal starts taking Morty to school?</I><BR/><BR/>Yup. That's why Bill's scared of it.<BR/><BR/><I>I know there was a lot to get to in this episode, but I'm surprised there was no mention of the drunken Weirs. </I><BR/><BR/>Hey, I included the picture. But, yeah, I intended to write something. It was just getting really long, even by F&G Rewind standards. <BR/><BR/>Then again, I imagine my finale recap is going to take me, like, three weeks to finish.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-51651726989487212862007-08-13T16:10:00.001-04:002007-08-13T16:10:00.001-04:00I know there was a lot to get to in this episode, ...I know there was a lot to get to in this episode, but I'm surprised there was no mention of the drunken Weirs. I love how much Flaherty loves Neil's act; and Becky Ann Baker trying to find the car key to give to Lindsay, then giving up and handing her the whole ring never fails to crack me up. Three recaps in five days. You're spoiling us.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05498229045397191604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-60299356136593069252007-08-13T16:10:00.000-04:002007-08-13T16:10:00.000-04:00On the era-appropriateness of Neal's dummy, don't ...On the era-appropriateness of Neal's dummy, don't forget <I>Magic</I>, one of those cultural touchstones that's usually overlooked when the era is recreated but whose classic trailer was as universal a reference as <I>CHiPs</I> or Pet Rocks. I can't recall for sure, but don't Sam and Bill mention the movie when Neal starts taking Morty to school?<BR/><BR/>Daniel's punk phase was a terrific move on the show's part--you were right in the earlier discussion, it fits right in with his constantly emphasized yearning to change, and explains why his later bonding with the Geeks doesn't come from left field. Though I find it a bit pat that it's played as so wrapped up in his attraction for a girl. Yeah, it fits Daniel's look-for-the-easy-out style, but I thought his abandonment of the culture was a bit abrupt. Nice that however blase his demeanor Ken manages to enjoy himself pretty much anywhere beer is available.<BR/><BR/>Have to agree that Rerun Dance is slightly funnier than Bionic Woman Dressup.<BR/><BR/>And I agree that the closing scenes are perfectly scored, but wasn't this one of the instances where the original musical cue had to be scrapped due to rights? I didn't catch the episode till it came on DVD (watched the series on NBC but not ABC Family), but I believe the commentary mentions having to replace a Neil Young song originally used.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-65882592054419573952007-08-13T16:05:00.000-04:002007-08-13T16:05:00.000-04:00Sorority girls don't write their phone numbers on ...<I>Sorority girls don't write their phone numbers on forearms, they don't write the number down at all. You just input the number into your cell phone.</I><BR/><BR/>I'm an old suburban dad. Forgive me being behind the times.Alan Sepinwallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-8573258560233332742007-08-13T16:03:00.000-04:002007-08-13T16:03:00.000-04:00I always thought that Mrs. Schweiber was on to her...I always thought that Mrs. Schweiber was on to her husband, mostly because of the way Amy Aquino plays the scene. When Neal tells her what's bothering him, her face falls a bit, but she looks more resigned than anything else -- disappointed that Vic let his affairs affect his relationship with Neal but definitely not surprised.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com