Fans remember characters like Bill Haverchuck and Daniel Desario in Freaks and Geeks. They come together to present a coming-of-age story that has grown a cult fan base following the release of the series. Some personalities in Freaks and Geeks are more likable than others. Furthermore, the main characters present varying degrees of smarts.
Teenagers have been known to do some less-than-brilliant things during their high school years. This is the case with the main group of personalities in Freaks and Geeks. However, the way they handle their mistakes and other conflicts reveals their intelligence.
Daniel Desario
It is hard to argue that Daniel isn't presented as a dimwit. He's an underachiever and is shown struggling with academics several times. Lindsay tries to help Daniel by tutoring him, but he appears to be unable to process her teachings. He doesn't seem to try to learn, underscoring his lack of intellectual curiosity.
He tells viewers he has terrible grades and has been left back in school. Furthermore, his tumultuous relationship with Kim highlights Daniel's lack of emotional intelligence. He shows some smart behavior in his "bad boy" activities, like when he preps Lindsay for interrogation after they cheat on a test. However, he doesn't present bright behavior as often as the other main characters.
Nick Andopolis
Nick is one of the main "freaks," and he develops a romance with Lindsay. He is goofy and presents several silly moments in the series, like when he plays on his gaudy drumset. However, he isn't presented as the smartest character in the series.
Nick shows airheaded qualities in Freaks and Geeks. She shows his emotional intelligence in his relationship with Lindsay. Some fans say their awkward relationship is one of Freaks and Geeks' timeless plotlines. However, he is rarely shown thinking critically, and jokes surrounding his character often underscore his foolishness.
Kim Kelly
Kim is Daniel's on-and-off girlfriend. She isn't the nicest character in Freaks and Geeks and her lack of emotional intelligence is showcased in her tumultuous relationship with her boyfriend. However, Kim's smarts come out in her unaffable behavior.
For example, she uses critical thinking to come up with the plan to bring Lindsay to her house for dinner, to prove to her mom she has good friends. She knows if she can convince her mom, she will stop nagging her about forming better relationships. Little does she know she would end up becoming close with her after all.
Neal Schweiber
Neal is one of Sam Weir's best friends. As a member of the geeks, his bookish qualities are implicit in his grouping. Neal is young and is naive about certain things. However, he shows his critical thinking in his boyish schemes.
For example, he uses logic to help the geeks come up with their plan to replace a keg with non-alcoholic beer at Lindsay's house party. He proves to be quick-thinking when he stages a phone call to the police to shut it down when Linsday fears it is getting out of control.
Sam Weir
Some fans consider Sam the best character in Freaks and Geeks. He is Lindsay's younger brother, and the person tieing the geek group together. He has several interests requiring smarts, like Dungeons and Dragons, which highlights his active imagination.
Sam has an interest in school which underscores his intellectual curiosity. Furthermore, he shows his emotional intelligence in his relationships, like confronting Cindy after their relationship is deemed unfun.
Ken Miller
Ken is Daniel's friend and is developed in plotlines like his relationship with Amy Andrews. He appears to be an underachiever like his friends and often makes sarcastic remarks toward them and others. However, he shows he is one of the smartest members of his circle in his actions.
He is one of the first and only people to notice the beer at Lindsay's party is non-alcoholic. Furthermore, he thinks quickly upon this discovery and uses critical thinking to come up with the idea to profit from the situation rather than reveal the truth to his peers.
Bill Haverchuck
Bill is a funny character, and personalities like Bill make some fans say Freaks and Geeks deserves a second season. He is one of the more reserved geeks, but his wits come out in his actions and the times he does make his voice heard. He shows his emotional intelligence when his mom starts dating his gym teacher.
When Bill makes a bet with his pals to eat something gross from the blender, he shows his foresight. He lays down details to their deal, listing several items that are barred from the concoction, making sure he won't be consuming something too bad for his winnings.
Lindsay Weir
Lindsay is one of the main characters in Freaks and Geeks, and perhaps the most developed personality. Furthermore, she is one of the smartest main characters. She shows her smarts in several ways. She is a good student, as shown in her tutoring Daniel. Her interest in education underscores her intellectual curiosity.
Lindsay shows her emotional intelligence in her relationships. She apologizes after hurting people like Millie Kentner and is rarely shown flying off the handle. Growing up, Lindsay was a member of Mathletes. Lindsay is one of the brightest characters in Freaks and Geeks, and she shows her smarts in her relationships and actions.