Square Pegs

Square Pegs, a gem from the early 1980s, aired on CBS from 1982 to 1983. This unique sitcom, now considered a cult classic, featured a young Sarah Jessica Parker and Amy Linker in the lead roles. The show also included a notable ensemble cast featuring names like Jami Gertz, Tracy Nelson, and Merritt Butrick. It reflected the youthful ambiance and teen angst that dominated the 80s pop culture landscape.

The heart of Square Pegs was its central characters, high-school rookies Patty Greene, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, and Lauren Hutchinson, played by Amy Linker. These characters served as an embodiment of 80s teen spirit; both quirky, awkward, and brimming with enthusiasm. This series narrated their quest to fit, showcasing their humorous attempts to climb the social ladder in their sophisticated suburban high school.

Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Patty Greene, was an intelligent, bespectacled young girl, not particularly comfortable in her own skin, but intent on moving up the social echelons. Her best friend, Lauren Hutchinson, played by Amy Linker, was equally awkward and socially clumsy, showcasing the characters’ trials and tribulations throughout their freshman year in high school.

The series was known for its absoluteness in keeping things 'real' and relatable. The school, Weemawee High School, its students, and their techniques to find a place in the world were shown with sensitivity and realism. In their journey, they faced the stereotypical high school ‘cool kids’, including Jennifer DiNuccio, a shopaholic cheerleader, played by Tracy Nelson; LaDonna Fredericks, the callous and self-centered gossip monger, portrayed by Jami Gertz; and Johnny Slash, the offbeat New Wave enthusiast, played by the late Merritt Butrick.

Square Pegs, unlike other teenage series of that period, portrayed the story of those who were more 'outside' than in. Its authenticity of teenaged dialogue, the fashion, the background score, and the feel, all composed to create a beautiful painting of teenage life in the early 80s. The show brilliantly balanced the laughs with instances of heart-touching empathy, showcasing the lead characters’ struggles in the face of adolescent dilemmas and their efforts to fit in, giving the term 'Square Pegs' a heartwarming connotation.

One of the most enchanting elements of Square Pegs was the inclusion of the 80s music culture. A catalogue of original new wave music served as the show's background score, providing a sense of time and place appropriate to the early 1980s setting. It was also a platform for several bands of the New Wave era, with guests including Devo and The Waitresses. The latter even performed the show's theme song, thereby embedding the series more firmly into the 80's pop culture landscape.

While the performances of the young Sarah Jessica Parker, Amy Linker, and their co-actors were poignant, the writing was equally commendable. Created by Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts, Square Pegs shared a nuanced and inviting humor with a genuinely heart-felt ethos. The quirky one-liners and the humorous exchanges were well-rooted in reality, which only added to the authentic portrayal of high school experiences.

Square Pegs unfortunately only lasted for one season, ending in 1983, but its impact lasted far longer. It remains hailed for its genuine depiction of adolescence and the authentic portrayal of the pursuit to “fit in.” Although set in the 80s, the theme remains relevant, making it a timeless classic. Besides, it offered an early glimpse into the talent of Sarah Jessica Parker, who would later achieve vast popularity for her role in Sex and the City.

Viewers who venture to watch Square Pegs will find a sincere, funny, and sometimes painfully realistic portrayal of high school life, delivered via unparalleled performances that stick with you long after the credits roll. Whether for nostalgia or a desire to understand the 80s better, Square Pegs is an intriguing watch with its charm and nostalgic portrayal of the quintessential teenage life.