Bill Haverchuck (Martin Starr) on NBC's short-lived series "Freaks and Geeks."
He was one of the most underrated characters on arguably the most underrated television show of the past decade. Bill Haverchuck (played by Adventureland’s Martin Starr) was one of the characters labeled as a geek on NBC’s fictional drama Freaks and Geeks which originally aired over one decade ago with only twelve episodes (eventually airing the final six episodes of the first and only season). As yet another production in the Judd Apatow arsenal of short-lived television shows, Freaks and Geeks presented a fictional drama surrounding several high school kids in 1980. With several of the main characters moving on to bigger and better things (Seth Rogan, Jason Segel, James Franco, Shia LaBeouf), it was easy to forget the easygoing nerd that was Bill Haverchuck. His wittiness outweighed his stance as a serious character for the majority of the show, but when his true emotions kick in, it’s hard to imagine how some of the other characters were more prominent.
One of the things that surrounds the greatness that is the character Bill Haverchuck is how his entire character can be centered around one main idea; the ability to laugh. In an episode titled, “Dead Dogs and Gym Teachers,” there is an entire sequence where Bill sits on his couch and simply laughs aloud to whatever television program he is watching. He is all alone, and the only sound heard is that of the music overlaying the scene. It is obvious that this is his escape of all the things that might get in the way of his ideal life situation. The ability to put it all to the side and to just sit back and laugh is something to be cherished.
In another episode titled, “Smooching and Mooching,” we find Bill in a situation that is brand new to him. He is at a ‘make out’ party, and he has been locked in a closet with one of the popular girls for ‘seven minutes in heaven.’ While most people would automatically write Bill off in this kind of situation, he takes the high road and finds himself in an interesting situation. I’ve transcribed my favorite part to set up what I’d like to explain:
Bill: You know what? You’re a jerk. I was just trying to make small talk. I couldn’t be less happy to be in here with you, so quit acting like I’m hoping I can kiss you. It’s actually the last thing that I wanna do right now.
Girl: You know what Bill, I’m sorry.
Bill: Don’t worry. (pause) You only have 3 minutes and 26 seconds (pause) left in heaven.
–cut scene–
Bill: What’s it like being pretty?
Girl: I don’t know. Like… this is the only way I’ve ever looked.
Bill: I think people treat you nicer when you’re pretty.
Girl: What makes you say that?
Bill: ’Cause you’re never nice to me.
Girl: That is not true, Bill. Every time I look at you you look like you’re having a pretty good time. You’re always laughing or something… so what are you laughing about?
Bill: (pauses) I watch movies in my head.
–laughter–
…well the scene continues on, but to follow this up Bill explains the movie he’s watching in his head (Steve Martin’s The Jerk to be exact), when the girl decides that Bill is worthy of being kissed.
Why is this my favorite scene? Not because of the fact that the nerd gets the girl (though that’s awesome!), but rather that Bill is judged by just about everyone he encounters, and is left to his own devices with the exception of his two best friends. What is really there is a collected individual that knows exactly what he wants, and doesn’t really care what other people think. He knows exactly why he’s hear, and he’s happy to be who he is. The fact that someone takes the time to understand that, and that Bill is willing to stand up for that is what makes this scene one of my favorite demonstrations of his character.
There’s a little bit of Bill Haverchuck in all of us, it just depends on how often you feel like standing up for what you truly believe in.
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