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Square Pegs to DVD — a totally different head. Totally.

I was pretty much of a square peg in high school. I wasn't cool enough to be in the popular clique, but I didn't really fit in with the geeks, either. So, I was a die-hard fan of Square Pegs before the first opening credits were over.



The show was a gem, even though it lasted only one season. But if you missed it, take heart. On May 20 — finally — Square Pegs will be released on DVD.

The show had a simple enough premise. Two freshmen girls, Lauren and Patty, wanted to be popular. Desperately.

Oh, did I mention that Sarah Jessica Parker played Patty? That's why Sony is releasing Square Pegs now — to coincide with Sex and the City: the Movie. This is one case in which crass commercialism makes the world a better place.

I think Square Pegs died young because it was ahead of its time. Anne Beatts, one of the original Saturday Night Live writers, created the show and gave it an edge via topical humor and alternative music. (The Waitresses, of "I Know What Boys Like" fame, did the theme song.)

My favorite character was Muffy Tepperman (I didn't even have to look up the name), played by Jami Gertz. Muffy was captain of the pep squad, science fair organizer, head of the Morals Club, member of Future Nurses of America and the official fundraiser for Weemawee High School's Guatemalan child. Devo played at her bat mitzvah. Don't you miss Devo?

The Square Pegs DVD will be a 3-disc set with a new interview with Parker, behind-the-scenes footage and other "extras" like French subtitles. I don't know why, either. I hope the show is as good as I remember. Because sometimes I still feel like a square peg.

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  • Ace14's picture

    Purple and Orange

    It's been stuck in my head for more than 20 years that those are the Weemawee High School colors. (From the episode where LaDonna (I think) rewrote the school song.) I saw a few episodes of Square Pegs a few years ago, and they quickly got a little tiresome. But still, this is fun, good news.

    That Dynamite magazine cover made my day, btw.

    finalgirl's picture

    Effing tubular.

    I'm almost afraid to watch for fear that the show won't hold up. My love for Jami Gertz, Tracy Nelson, and The Waitresses still abides, though, so at least there's that.

    I'd love to get my greasy paws on a copy of Dynamite, that's for sure. Excuse me...I mean, that's fer shurrrr.

    ________________________________

    All the cool kids are reading Final Girl. You do want to be cool, don't you?

    cosmiccowgirl's picture

    I'm like totally like psyched!

    I loved this show when I was a kid. It was like totally tubular. I still sometimes catch myself singing the theme song (especially "I'd like it if they liked us, but I don't think they like us" and "I don't want to wear my glasses, I have to wear my glasses.")

    So that was Sarah Jessica Parker, eh? I had no idea. I'm not sure that this is one that will stand the test of time, but I might Netflix it just for nostalgia's sake.

    MsWoo's picture

    It has been ON DEMAND for a while now.

    But I preferred Facts of Life. Still, it was fun to listen to Tracy Nelson (Ricky's daughter) with her Valley Girl accent.
    thelinster's picture

    Really?

    What channel is showing it ON DEMAND? Thanks!
    whitelabcoat's picture

    Hmm ...

    Back in the early days of Channel 4 in the UK they showed "Square Pegs" and I was a huge fan. For years after I lamented its passing. Then, much later, on a trip to the US, I caught an episode at around three o'clock in the morning (I forget what channel) - and didn't laugh once. Boy, was that a disappointment (although part of me likes to believe/hope it was maybe just a poor episode). Still love the Waitresses though.

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