So I haven’t watched this show in at least 3-4 seasons, but there was a time when I lived and breathed Degrassi: The Next Generation. The show has pretty much jumped the shark at this point, so I thought I’d make a tribute to my favorite moments of yore.
1. The Manny Abortion Episode/Accidents Will Happen
Unlike that horrible cesspool (that I still occassionaly watch) Secret Like of the American Teen, Degrassi has balls of steel and actually wrote an episode about a central character getting an abortion! Manny, who was hooking up with cutie pie Craig while he was dating his “soul mate” Ashley, soon discovers that she is carrying his baby (after she breaks up with him, of course). In true Degrassi fashion, this is a two part episode with Manny not even realizing abortion is an option until the very last 10 minutes. For the most part this is a pretty tame episode (they only show her signing her name in at an abortion clinic), but as far as I’m concerned, this episode defines everything I love about Degrassi.
2. Rock n’ Roll High School/Craig Apologizes to Ashley
Also relating to the whole Craig/Ashley/Manny triangle is the Rock n’ Roll High School episode. A while after Manny’s “big A”, Ashley still feels seriously pissed with Craig for “like cheating on her and impregnating the other woman.” Since Ashley and Craig bonded over their mutual love of music it makes sense that they would resolve things during Degrassi’s battle of the bands contest. Ashley writes her feelings out and pens this amazing little diddy called, “Mr. Nice Guy” where she essentially talks about what an asshole Craig is and how she will destroy him. her band wins the prelim competition nats.
With Ashley kicking Craig’s ass all over the place, he has no choice but to do a little self reflection. Craig eventually over comes his writers block singing a ballad apologizing to Ashley for his treachery. He and his band, Downtown Sasquatch win the actual competition, nats. Oh, and he also earns Ashley’s respect back. Double Win!!!!!
3. Jimmy is Drake, Drake is Jimmy! What? A Rap Star in the Making.
I don’t care how big Drake is, he will always be Jimmy from the block. I never thought he had it in him!
4. When Liberty Got Hot…
Maybe it’s a bit arbitrary, but I loved that liberty went from being all awkward to being all geeky hot in season 5! Go Lib.
5. Jimmy Has No LEGS Son!!!!!!!!
Okay, on the real tip, school violence isn’t funny. However, there is just something so redic about Jimmy getting shot that it tops my list of memorable moments.
Background: School freak, Rick, who is teased mercilessly (before you get too sympathetic, he was an abusive bf who put his girlfriend in a coma, hence why everyone hated him) snaps and goes on a shooting rampage. Poor Jimmy gets targeted because Rick is mislead into believing that Jimmy planned a prank that humiliated him in front of the entire school. Rick ends up dead and Jimmy is in a wheelchair for the next 3-4 seasons until his character gets stem cell surgery and walks on off the show. Seriously!
Tags: Craig Manning, Degrassi, Drake, Jimmy, Liberty, Manny Santos
