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An Interview with Matthew Kurland, "Undeclared" Fan
It is my understanding that your favorite television program is "Undeclared," the sitcom about college freshmen. Is this correct?
Not exactly. David Letterman and "The Simpsons" are the best shows right now, but everybody already knows that. "Undeclared" is the best one to come along in a very long time.
What makes you say this?
For one thing, "Undeclared" is the first show to accurately capture the spirit of modern college life. The characters are thoroughly contemporary, genuine creations: They are sex-starved yet not necessarily sex-hungry. They are very selfish and often quite nasty to one another, but only because they do not know any other way to behave. The producers have also resisted the temptation of boxing the kids into strict categories. In real life, the division between jocks and geeks, or smart people and dumb people, doesn't really extend past the 8th grade. It's nice to see a television show that understands the gray zones that most people fall into.
But didn't the people behind "Undeclared" already tackle similar issues with their last show, "Freaks and Geeks"?
Well, to me that show seemed exploitative, particularly of high school angst and "popularity" issues, both of which get perpetually exaggerated. I should probably mention that I've never actually seen that show, "Freaks and Geeks."
Fair enough -- "Freaks and Geeks" was cancelled pretty early on. Do you worry that "Undeclared" will meet a similar fate?
Very much so. In fact, I get nervous every time I even think about the show, because I just know it doesn't stand a chance.
You have a history of being stung by TV shows getting cancelled. In fact, you have written fiery letters protesting the cancellation of at least two programs: "Get a Life" and "The Ben Stiller Show." Did you cry when those were discontinued?
There were some tears for "Get a Life," but that was some time ago. I worry more for "Undeclared" because it's so character-based. It seems unfair to kill them off, like burning a novel at its hundredth page. Especially the four guys on the show. They're ace.
Do you care to elaborate?
"Undeclared" focuses most acutely on an extremely skinny, pre-pubescent-looking character named Steven Karp, played by that kid who did the Led Zeppelin fanatic in "Almost Famous." He's a very Jewish character -- in one episode he even mentions going on one of those "Jews Across America" teen tours, where I swear I met him. Oddly, his father is played by Loudon Wainwright III, the folk singer who I've always associated with extreme Waspishness. It's weird casting, but Loudon is really funny on the show. I saw him sing recently at the Bottom Line cabaret in Greenwich Village, and during the concert somebody yelled out "Undeclared!" And Loudon yelled back, "Security!" It seemed like a snotty thing for him to do, particularly when you consider that his acting on the show is better than most of the songs he's been writing --
You're getting off track. You mentioned there were four guys. What about the other three?
There's a chunky, nervous guy with glasses, who reminds me of a young Albert Brooks. The character is a complete wreck, but secretly he seems to think of himself as being superior to the others. A friend of mine who's into Hollywood industry stuff tells me that the chunky actor actually writes most of the episodes. Then there's a weirdish guy who wants to be a musician and seems to model himself after Beck. And then there's a dreamy blonde guy who's either British or Australian -- I always get the two mixed up. If that actor plays his cards right, I can see him becoming very famous someday.
Do you have a favorite episode?
I knew that question was coming, cause of the Lowbrow's whole Adam Sandler thing. The best episode so far has been one in which Sandler and some of his lackeys guest star. Sandler comes to the college to do a stand-up show, and consents to "hang out" with the kids in their dorm's lounge. The kids are all really nervous and take lame stabs at cozying up to the comedian -- one compares "Billy Madison" to punk rock before telling Sandler that all of his other movies suck. Brilliant, right?
That does sound funny.
Anyways, Sandler turns out to be an absolute jerk, and invites the dorm's hottie back to his hotel for a one-night stand. Later, when she confesses to her boyfriend about the night's events, the boyfriend says something like "That's so cool!" Then he asks, "So was his hotel room big?" in a muttered tone that makes it sound like he's asking "So was he big?" And the girlfriend says "Huge." I'm telling you, the people behind this show really know what they're doing.
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