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"Undeclared" (2001)

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30 out of 34 people found the following comment useful :-
Truly Great TV Shows of the New Millennium that never had a chance (aka Requiem for a Sitcom pt. 2), 27 November 2003
Author: JasonJayDelmonico

In the year 2000, a clueless network named NBC succeeded in preventing the promotion of, and ultimately cancelling the little seen one hour dramedy `Freaks and Geeks' despite the desperate pleas of loyal fans. Since then the show - about the not-so-glamorous side of high school in the 80s - has become a solid cult TV classic, making rounds at college campuses, among those who had the foresight to tape it, and regarded by many as nothing short of one of the very best TV shows of all time (what TV fan's Top Ten list is complete without it?). Then in an oddly innovative 2001 season (that included good shows that actually hit in 24 and Scrubs) creator Judd Apatow delivered his follow up on Fox. And Apatow delivered exactly what we wanted to see - `Freaks and Geeks go to College'.

With `Undeclared' (there couldn't be a more perfect title), Apatow manages to meet (and in a few little ways surpass) the lofty expectations for his sophomore series - although that may require a little bit of watching beyond first impressions by those hard-core 'Freaks' fans. The series opens on the first day of college with our admittedly dorky hero Steven Karp (perfectly captured by Jay Barucel). We meet his eclectic selection of suitemates – including British playboy roommate Lloyd (Charlie Hunnam) who will engage in a spot-on `Fight Club` homage before it‘s over, series writer and ‘Freaks' alumni Seth Rogen, Marshall (Timm Sharp) who has sheepishness nailed down to a science, and series babes: Lizzie (Carla Gallo) and beautiful Rachael Lindquist (Monica Keena). Before the end of the first episode Steven and Lizzie will `do it', breaking the heart of every ‘Freaks' fan who wants to see their characters break away from this kind of mainstream TV cliche. Yet, if we can overcome this seemingly commercial hurdle we will see that what Apatow has done here is cleverly eliminate the `Will they or won't they' storyline that certain other series' are based on entirely – right there in the first episode.

The show had its flaws, such as an over-reliance on celebrity guest stars (Adam Sandler, Will Farrell, Ben Stiller, etc.) in Apatow's circle. As well as a strange, pointedly unnecessary thread that runs through the series involving Steven's divorced dad horning in on his new life. However, as the series progressed in it's criminally short 16 episode run it only got better and better. The cast grew together to form a solid comedy team – all contributing to the laughs and, if I may say, all quite endearing. The writing got sharper, the characters grew richer and the show found its vision.

During the many adventures of 'Undeclared' we were graced with more `Freaks and Geeks' alumni. From Samm Levine in a Emmy caliber guest spot as a fraternity leader to Martin Starr as Steven's friend from back home who shows up babbling about `Freddy Got Fingered' and `The Matrix' to Busy Philipps as the object of Rogen's affection. But best of all was Jason Segel who ran away with entire episodes (and almost the series) as Lizzie's obsessive schmuck of a boyfriend Eric. Watching Segel and his print shop co-workers trading geek barbs adds a whole extra level to the show and is the stuff that spin-offs are made of.

In addition to transporting Apatow's actor's into the 21st century (and every piece ripe for satire that that implies), one thing that is different and arguably superior between `Undeclared' and `Freaks and Geeks' is that while `Freaks' mixed teen angst drama with laughs, `Undeclared' is without-a-doubt, balls-out, walking the tight rope of pure comedy. And often times it was hilarious. In one hilarious 2-part episode they skewed fraternities depicting them like cults, in another Steven dealt with the horror of his father dating and possibly marrying his RA, but much of ‘Undeclared' focused on the sheer dull minutia of college. Our characters followed stocks on the internet, sought part-time jobs, played Truth-or-Dare and did just about anything find something, anything, to do in the freedom and correlated boredom of college.

What is truly tragic about `Undeclared' is, not so much the show itself, but the infinite potential of it, as it's cancellation seemed to cut it off just as Apatow and his cast were really hitting their stride. What other show would spend an entire episode with most of its cast parked in front of a `Girls Gone Wild' tape? Well, there is one. In more ways than one, `Undeclared' overtly recalls a new millennial version of the sitcom king itself: `Seinfeld'. This hip, timely, purely funny gem could have very easily been the next `Seinfeld'.

Oh, well. Right?

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19 out of 21 people found the following comment useful :-
Your quintessential modern college series, "Undeclared" is a rich character comedy treat for those burned by the loss of "Freaks and Geeks", 16 October 2005
Author: howTVshouldbe from star range: 1 - 4, expanded to 5 for classics

Network: Fox; Genre: Comedy; Rating: TV-14 (language, adult content and suggested sex); Available: DVD; Perspective: Modern Classic (star range: 1 - 5);

Seasons Reviewed: Complete Series (1 season)

After NBC's cancellation of the soulful high school dramedy "Freaks and Geeks" (an act still devastating for that minority that actually puts thought into what they watch on TV), producer Judd Apatow lead a heartbroken cast and crew on his own personal mission to recreate the fun of "Freaks" under a new title, a new setting and a logically progressive premise. Out of Apatow's stress, bitterness, anger and undeniable raw talent, comes "Undeclared". Unfortunately, he took the idea to Gail Berman's Fox network in the middle of the gluttonous reality show fad. But before that inevitable cancellation befell the unluckiest guy in the business, "Undeclared" was a charming, intensely enjoyable little concoction.

"Undeclared" doesn't just take the kids from high school to college, Apatow advances it into a contemporary setting, cuts the length in half and this time goes for straight comedy instead of a dramatic mix. Also families who felt they could gather around "Freaks" should hed the warning that "Undeclared" is decidedly more adult, delving into all the sophomoric humor and sexual situations you'd expect from a group of guys on their own for the first time - but under Apatow's lense, you've rarely see it with this level of sophistication.

Mirroring Apatow's search for public acceptance, "Undeclared" stars Steven Karp (perfectly cast Jay Barucel, play quite possibly the most unabashedly geeky main character TV has given us) as our underdog college freshman who seeks to change his geeky high school image with his new found freedom at UNEC - the University of North Eastern California. With the help of his roommate, British ladies man Lloyd (Charlie Hunnan) and suite-mates Ron (Seth Rogen, "Freaks and Geeks", now blessed with a meatier roll and writing credit) and Marshall (Timm Sharp, "Six Feet Under") they seek any means to amuse themselves between the late-night cram sessions and all-day Girls Gone Wild binges. "Undeclared" captures the sheer boredom of the freedom that comes with college better than any show I've ever seen. Across the hall is Steven's new crush, Lizzie (Carla Gallo), and dorm hotty Rachael (Monica Keena, a star in the making). Most of the action takes place inside the dorm and like "Freaks" it is populated with a colorful group including suit-mate Susan Payano, "the new Harris" Jared Groddie, Amy Pohler and Steven's divorced dad, Hal (Loudan Wainwright III), who can't seem to stay away.

This time, now desperate for a hit, Apatow is trying to hard to please, lining up big name guest star friends like Adam Sandler, Fred Willard, Will Ferrell, Mary Kay Place and Ben Stiller. But the real fun, particularly for Apatow fans, comes when the "Freaks" alumni start showing up and "Undeclared" becomes a full-on class reunion. Jason Segal about steals the series once again in the obsessive boyfriend role. Samm Levine, Martin Starr, Busey Phillips, Nattasha Melnick and Steve Bannos all make return appearances in new characters. Levine, in particular, is an absolute hoot as a pickle-obsessed frat leader in the must-see 2-part satire of fraternity life "Rush and Pledge" and "Hell Week".

OK, I'll admit, neither "Freaks and Geeks" nor "Undeclared" may not sound like the most compelling thing in the world on paper. But Apatow's genius lies in his ability to create characters so real they could be your best friends and fosters a tightly cohesive chemistry among the cast. He makes us love each of them in some way. The show is made up of individual moments, a highlight being a dance-off between Keena and Payano that threatens to bring back OMC's "How Bizarre". The laughs live almost entirely on character bits. Like "Geeks", this is a show you lounge in. Its world is so lasting that, with only 13 episodes, "Undeclared" is one of those shows that grows in your mind the more you think about it and the further from it you get.

The saddest part of all this is that "Undeclared" was canceled right as it appeared to have hit it's stride. The first half of the series, while still fun, is clearly a work in progress before the show finds itself and we kick into classic material in the last half. "Freaks and Geeks" is a modern masterpiece and it says a lot that this semi-sequel is a worthy follow-up. Those stung by the short life of "Freaks" should find solace in this gem. "Undeclared" was not just another trip to the cliché-free teen series for Apatow, but it is the quintessential modern college series. Hip, insightful, compact, funny and lots of fun. Of all the recent shows that where cut down too soon, "Undeclared" ranks high on the list. It is one of those TV shows, like "Geeks" that will be appreciated by those who don't even like TV.

* * * * / 5

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14 out of 15 people found the following comment useful :-
A show that would have done what Friends did to its actors, 29 February 2004
Author: deftoners from Toronto, Canada

A shame this show was canceled from FOX. But I guess they needed to make more room for crappy Reality shows and more room for new Sitcoms and cartoon shows that they will yet again cancel so it becomes a full circle (Futurama, and the godly Family Guy).

The show itself was smart, hilarious, and all characters were different, unique and everyone could relate to one of them. From the party/girlgrabbing Brit to the meek lead character played by fellow Canadian Jay, the Virgin, the Skank and we can't leave out the Moron and the Perv/Geek. This show took all the college stereotypes and played it out well. The storylines on each episode were original, quirky, and just plain funny. FOX if it wasn't for the Simpsons and American Idol, you'd be in the gutter.

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11 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :-
Never got a decent chance, 7 October 2002
Author: matlock-6 from Chicago, IL

Watching this show helped me relive my college days (just a couple years ago). However, that's only part of the reason I enjoyed "Undeclared".

The characters were funny and realistic on certain levels. Steve Karp was the kind of lead character many guys, if not all, could relate to. The girls weren't too bad on the eyes either. Hopefully, most, if not all, will continue to find work as I felt all of them deserved more than this.

I'm surprised that FOX gave up on this so soon. I'm not sure what is going on over there, but they were once known for weird, irreverent, silly, sometimes low budget and clever tv shows. It seems lately that FOX can't do enough to make themselves seem "mainstream".

Sad to see it go.

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8 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
This has a lot of promise, 25 September 2001
Author: jondaris from Baltimore, MD

The ad campaign Fox ran made this show seem like a TV version of 'American Pie." The truth is much better; in fact, this has the potential to be a truly great show. Produced by Judd Apatow, creator of the much-missed "Freaks and Geeks," Undeclared has many of the same elements that made F&G so loved.

Funny, painful and sweet at the same time, Undeclared will bring back memories of what young adulthood truly is like. Jay Baruchel plays freshman Steven Karp with just the right mixture of burgeoning self-confidence and massive insecurity. The opening scene, where he celebrates his newfound adulthood by tearing his X-Files poster in half, then immediately becoming overwhelmed by remorse, is a classic.

A premiere does not a show make, but this has a lot of promise. Especially for those of who continue to mourn F&G, Undeclared show offers something we haven't seen since the former show's demise: an intelligent, emotionally true portrait of youth.

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5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
A great show from the producers of Freaks and Geeks, 16 October 2001
Author: Phil Reese from Maryland

I was surprised and delighted to find out that Undeclared is by the same guy who produced both Freaks and Geeks & The Critic. I guess I shouldn't have been that surprised, as all three are great shows. It makes me wonder how FOX stays on the air at all with such bungled marketing campaigns. They made Undeclared seem like a brainless teen sex show when it is in fact a smart and very funny half hour of tv. I dislike trendy crap that usually turns on the TRL generation, and the ads made this show seem like it would be in the same vein as other WB crapfests.... but it is a great show. Give it a chance, you will not be disappointed.

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5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
This has a lot of promise, 25 September 2001
Author: jondaris from Baltimore, MD

The ad campaign Fox ran made this show seem like a TV version of 'American Pie." The truth is much better; in fact, this has the potential to be a truly great show. Produced by Judd Apatow, creator of the much-missed "Freaks and Geeks," Undeclared has many of the same elements that made F&G so loved.

Funny, painful and sweet at the same time, Undeclared will bring back memories of what young adulthood truly is like. Jay Baruchel plays freshman Steven Karp with just the right mixture of burgeoning self-confidence and massive insecurity. The opening scene, where he celebrates his newfound adulthood by tearing his X-Files poster in half, then immediately becoming overwhelmed by remorse, is a classic.

A premiere does not a show make, but this has a lot of promise. Especially for those of who continue to mourn F&G, Undeclared show offers something we haven't seen since the former show's demise: an intelligent, emotionally true portrait of youth.

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7 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
"Undeclared" and it's perfect cast truly shine!, 26 September 2001

Author: Clay-Pigeon from United States

This is a rare television gem that relies on originality and cleverness to bring a diverse group of characters to life without using the usual sitcom gimmicks to drag it down. The series is fast-paced going quickly from one funny little scene to another all the while showing us the quirkiness of these University of North Eastern California students. One thing that makes this fun and smart show stand out even more is the fact that the show was cast first and then a pilot was written based on the personalities of the primary actors making their characters even more funny and human than any others on TV. Make time to see this wonderful show and I'm sure you won't regret it. The writing is excellent and the cast truly shines in what I'm sure will be star-making performances. I only hope people will see this great show for what it is, appreciate it and not let it suffer the same fate of producer Judd Apatow's previous effort the marvelous "Freaks and Geeks".

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1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
Fox couldn't be patient?, 6 October 2002
Author: frankjames from Long Island

The Fox network which usually is patient with their shows bailed out on this very funny series. It was a realistic view of college life from many perspectives. It was brought to you by the same people involved with Freaks and Geeks. A show I never got around to watching but was also critically acclaimed and lamented when cancelled. The cast was very likable and I am sure we will be seeing them elsewhere. If FX or some other outlet decides to start showing these episodes do yourself a favor and watch and enjoy. Will Ferrell's cameo is superb.

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1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
The funniest new show of the season!, 25 September 2001
Author: jellyneckr

Though it only just started, I have already laughed harder than I have ever laughed before. I don't know what it is that makes it so funny. I guess it is the characters, particulary Steven and Lloyd. This is one of the few shows on Fox that isn't completely dreadful.

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