Degrassi Episode Review: Danger Zone
July 30, 2009 at 11:07 pm | In Degrassi, TV | 4 CommentsTags: ctv, danger zone, Degrassi, degrassi episode review, degrassi season 8, degrassi the next generation, degrassi tng, episode review, the-n
WARNING: THIS BLOG POST CONTAINS EPISODE SPOILERS
Danger Zone Soundtrack
Chances, by Jill Barber
What Are You Going To Do With Me?, by Paper Moon
Takin’ Care Of Business, by Randy Bachman
Chemistry, by Morgan Mayer
My Ship, by Kellin Watson
Into The Mystery, by McGowan
MAIN PLOT
Holly J passes up a chance to go with Blue (aka Mr. Irrelevant) to the dance because she has a crush on……SPINNER!! You really can’t blame her, but now it’s become obvious that if people work together there ends up being some romantic element/making out/etc. (Palex anyone? Don’t forget Snake and Ms. Hot Sauce).
Robbing The Dot is absolute HERESY. Penalty? Death.
However, this plot isn’t about Holly J trying to steal Spinner from Jane, it’s about the danger the duo faces when some guy walks into The Dot and holds them up at gunpoint.
We know very well Spinner could’ve kicked the robber’s ass in a heartbeat, but this episode is about developing Holly J. She has always been a mean, vindictive b****, but she’s extremely smart and she displays that in “Danger Zone.”
Blue stops by The Dot as the robbery is happening, and she uses her mean nature to force him to go away quickly as to not alert the robber, but also slyly writes the word “Gun” on the glass to tip Blue off as to what’s going on inside. When the robber unintentionally shoots Spinner, the tension mounts as the cops arrive (as well as a crowd of bystanders) and the robber panics because he has nowhere to go.
With Spinner injured, Holly J must take control of the situation.
The fact that Spinner was shot in the shoulder (aka he’s going to bleed a lot for dramatic purposes, but he’ll survive) shows that it’s all about Holly J and how she manages the entire situation.
Holly J was able to talk the robber into give himself up in mere minutes, which is lame, but at least she admits that her life sucks…she uses her bitchy behavior to cover up her insecurities.
“You’re the only person who knows me…and still thinks I’m ok,” says Holly J to Spinner in the hospital. Then Spinner says, “Lot’s of people would if you just gave them the chance.”
Indeed.
Spinner encourages her to open up to other people, and let them see the real Holly J.
Hopefully she finally realizes that she can be happy if she’d just stop worrying so much about her social status, stop being a jerk and just live her life.
Though there have been times where we’ve seen a peek at the genuine Holly J, that conversation between her and Spinner is the one that most humanizes her.
She finally comes off as a normal person who has feelings, which is why her happily ever after (she receives a round of applause from everyone at the dance, and she finally connects with Blue) is warranted.
DANGER ZONE MAIN PLOT GRADE: B
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SUBPLOT “A”
When in doubt, make up....and makeout.
After doing a WONDERFUL job of dealing with KC’s past in “Touch of Grey,” the Degrassi writers muck it all up with a crappy followup plot.
This is more about KC’s inability to trust Clare after that ONE time she falsely accused him of hitting Connor.
Now KC just always assumes Clare is judging him because of his past, even though he’s the one that keeps bringing it up. KC’s behavior is childish and annoying, so the decision is made to stop teasing the audience and finally fling KC and Clare together as couple.
DANGER ZONE SUBPLOT “A” GRADE: C-
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SUBPLOT “B”
Pia is back together....yay. (end sarcasm)
This plot gets little, if any airtime, but Peter tries to get back with Mia.
It’s tied into the robber plot at The Dot when Sav and Peter hear about the robbery at the same time Anya and Mia were supposedly going to The Dot. Peter is frantic at the crime scene, until Mia and Anya walk up behind him.
Jamie Johnston’s acting is God awful as Peter spills his feelings to Mia. She eats it up, and Pia is reunited…and that one weirdo in the back of the theater claps.
DANGER ZONE SUBPLOT “B” GRADE: D
Degrassi Season 9 Storylines
July 29, 2009 at 3:32 am | In Degrassi, TV | 34 CommentsTags: ctv, Degrassi, degrassi season 9, degrassi the next generation, degrassi tng, stephen stohn, the-n
Instead of posting generic storyline info here, this is now the place to view the official season 9 episode descriptions!!
[UPDATED AS OF Friday 11/6/09]
DEGRASSI SEASON 9 EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS
901/902 - Just Can’t Get Enough: When Mia is offered a MAJOR modeling contract in Paris, Peter decides he’ll go with her. But he soon realizes he doesn’t fit into her sophisticated world. At a posh party, feeling frustrated and insecure, an unlikely guest offers an escape, snorting something. Soon enough, Peter’s ‘trip’ goes terribly wrong.
Back at Degrassi, Alli is concerned when new girl Jenna focuses on becoming Clare’s friend. There’s no way this is going to end well – and no way Alli’s going to let it… (via CTV)
903 – Shoot to Thrill: Alli discovers the joys of photography — and the consequences of taking naked pictures. (via TeenNick)
904 – Close to Me: Jane finds Declan arrogant, egotistical, and irresistibly attractive. But she’d never cheat on Spinner, right? (via TeenNick)
905 – You Be Illin’: Alli insists she’s over Johnny, but when he wants to talk, she gets her hopes up. Is it love or is it a lost cause? (via TeenNick)
906 – Wanna Be Startin’ Something: Holly’s friendship with Jane is put to the test when she finds out that Jane is cheating on Spinner. (via MSNtv)
907/908 – Beat It: (Part 1) Riley is still desperate to prove he isn’t gay and searches for a “de-programmer.” (Part 2) Riley is determined to sleep with Fiona to prove to everyone that he’s not gay. (via MSNtv)
Beat It Pt. 1: After an embarrassing incident in lifeguard class, Riley is determined to prove to the world — and himself — that he’s straight. Meanwhile, Anya lies to Sav about taking self-defense classes after school. (via TeenNick)
Beat It Pt. 2: When Riley is accused of gay-bashing, he’s ostracized. Would he rather be a “homophobic jock” or gay… or is there a third solution? And when Sav finds out about Anya’s secret life, he feels betrayed — and a little weirded out. (via TeenNick)
909 – Waiting For A Girl Like You: Declan sets his sights on Holly J. (via MSNtv)
910 – Somebody: Holly J falls for Declan. (via MSNtv)
911/912 – Heart Like Mine: (Part 1) KC questions his relationship with his coach. (Part 2) KC and Clare grow apart. (via MSNtv)
913 – Holiday Road: Emma and Kelly stop at Degrassi while on their cross-country bike adventure. (via MSNtv)
914 – Start Me Up: Peter opens a club above the Dot. (via MSNtv)
915/916 – Why Can’t This Be Love: (part 1) Sav is pressured to take his future “arranged” wife to the formal. (part 2) Sav makes plans for the spring formal but his parents have different plans for him. (via MSNtv)
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9/11/09
Episode 915/916 revolve around Anya.
-Just saw a rough cut of 915/916. Holy crap it’s good. Samantha Monroe made me cry like a little girl. Good going Anya! [@stefanbrogren]
8/28/09
Thank GOODNESS! They’re going to revive Riley’s sexuality storyline…and will there be a newer version of the student/mentor drama from Season 4? Also, someone picks up a drug addiction…my initial guess is Peter.
-Upcoming storylines include the football jock Riley, who will continue to question his sexuality, a dangerous meth addiction that takes over another character, and an unhealthy relationship that develops between a student and their older mentor. (from this CTV article)
8/24/09
Lots and LOTS of drama!
- S9=drama, betrayal, romance, bromance, lust, longing, sadness, awesomness, sexiness [if not a word then it is now! 
] lol [@ScayP - Scott Paterson's twitter]
8/22/09
Jane may end up getting involved with someone other than Spinner.
- love Paula! She’s amazing. Will be back for sure. And in a way you would never expect from Jane! [@stefanbrogren]
- Jane’s Season 9 promo from The-N
7/28/09
Johnny DiMarco has an expanded role in Season 9.
- there’s a lot of Johnny thus season. You’re not gonna be happy with what he does though. [@stefanbrogren]
7/22/09
Sav/Anya have an intense storyline in the second half of season 9.
- Just read scripts for an up coming Sav/Anya storyline. Beyond intense. Got shivers. Sorry, won’t tell.. Like to tease you guys. [@stefanbrogren]
6/25/09
*The episode “Hearts Like Mine 1 and 2″ (911/912) will be about KC and Clare.
- 911 and 912 deal with KC. and Clare. And Alli. And Jenna. And Holly J. And Declan. And Fiona. And others! [@stephenstohn]
6/13/09
KC has a BIG storyline about his past in Season 9
- yes, Kelly will be in Season 9, and KC has a big storyline in Season 9 [@stephenstohn]
6/7/09
The episode “Just Cant Get Enough 1 and 2″ (901/902) will deal with Mia and Peter, and it will be Mia’s final appearance on the show.
- the “A Plot” in 901/902 features Peter and Mia.. [@stephenstohn]
- Shooting a scene with Nina Dobrev. Last couple of days with her before she becomes a vampire lover on the CW:( [@stefanbrogren]
5/22/09
Jenna, Clare and Alli end up in a backstabbing plot.
- Watching Claire, Alli and our new character Jenna shoot a scene for episode 1. I would never want to be 15 again. Or a girl. [@stefanbrogren]
- I think you’re going to like the new characters, they aren’t always what they seem (can you say “backstabber”?) [@stephenstohn]
CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT (AND PAST) UPDATES ABOUT DEGRASSI SEASON 9!
Degrassi Season 8 Soundtrack
July 28, 2009 at 3:02 pm | In Degrassi, TV | 43 CommentsTags: ctv, Degrassi, degrassi goes hollywood, degrassi season 8, degrassi soundtrack, degrassi the next generation, degrassi tng, paradise city, stephen stohn, the-n
[updated as of 7/28/09]
The Degrassi Season 8 Soundtrack is now available on iTunes! If you wanna buy it, click here to access the Degrassi Soundtrack iTunes page.
Below is a list of the tracks…notice that some of them are only available by downloading the entire album. There’s also 2 bonus tracks, remixes of Cassie’s “Life is a Show” and “Crash My Party.” If you read this blog post before I updated it, I talked about how pointless it is to have Degrassi bands like Downtown Sasquatch, Studz, etc. on the show, and never put their music on a soundtrack. At least they put a Studz song on there (even if it is only :34 seconds), and most of the songs are by degrassi talent (Cassie and Jake).
And of course below is the link to the Soundtrack List page, where you can find out what songs played in a specific episode of Degrassi.
Degrassi Goes Hollywood Screening August 26th
July 27, 2009 at 3:55 pm | In Degrassi, TV | 1 CommentTags: ctv, Degrassi, degrassi goes hollywood, degrassi season 8, degrassi tng, paradise city, stefan brogren, stephen stohn, the-n
ATTENTION CANADIAN FANS!!!
Stefan Brogren has confirmed there will be a screening of Degrassi Goes Hollywood on Wednesday August 26, in Toronto. You’ll get a chance to meet the cast because they’ll be there as well. I’m assuming there’s going to be a contest for the screening, but there’s no details about it yet. Degrassi Goes Hollywood airs in Canada on August 30th.
Don’t worry American fans…other than the chance to meet the cast you aren’t missing much…the movie will have already aired here by then.
Degrassi Episode Review: Up Where We Belong
July 24, 2009 at 5:52 am | In Degrassi, TV | 6 CommentsTags: ctv, Degrassi, degrassi episode review, degrassi season 8, degrassi the next generation, degrassi tng, episode review, the-n, up where we belong
WARNING: THIS BLOG POST CONTAINS EPISODE SPOILERS
Up Where We Belong Soundtrack
Google My Own Name, by Stüdz
Baby What’s Your Sound?, by Beats For Beginners
Waltz Of The Flowers, by Jim Mcgrath
Re: Model, by Dances With Voices
60 Seconds, by Tamara Miller
MAIN PLOT
I initially didn’t like this episode the first time I saw it a few months ago. However, watching it again made me realize how important this episode is. It’s near the end of the semester and everyone is making plans for the future: senior year, university and beyond…everyone except Mia that is.
She’s getting crappy grades in school because she’s doing that and modeling. She can’t even complete her final English assignment, a speech that answers the question “Where do I see myself in 5 years?”, and she eventually drops out of school.
The fact that almost all of her friends are confident in their futures makes Mia look like even more of an under achiever.
What annoys me about Mia is that her actions over the past season and a half have been pretty selfish. She has more interest in having a normal teen life than she does in actually being a mother to her child.
But in this episode the annoyance is the fact she’s only thinking about the short-term, and by dropping out she’s just willing to give up and rely on the unstable future of modeling.
Thank God Mia’s mom snaps her back into reality and makes her realize the moral of the episode: Mia doesn’t need to have the future all figured out right now…she just needs to keep her butt in school and graduate.
UP WHERE WE BELONG MAIN PLOT C+
SUBPLOT “A”
Holly J can't draw for *bleep*
Perfectionist Holly J gets a C on an art project, and refuses to accept it. Apparently she’s an extremely studious girl, so think of her as an a-hole version of Liberty.
Holly J learns that art is the one thing you can’t tackle in a technical manner…it’s all about emotion. Oh…and they find a reason to use Blue in this episode.
UP WHERE WE BELONG SUBPLOT “A” GRADE: C-
SUBPLOT “B”
Sav can tune a guitar, but he'll never be a Craig Manning.
Sav has to choose between following the plan (engineering) or following his dream (music). His dad encourages him to go down the secure path of engineering.
However, once Sav shows him all of the various jobs he could have in music outside of being in a band (music engineer, etc.), I like how Sav’s dad was open to the idea of him pursuing a career in the music industry.
I really wish this had been the official main plot of this episode. I thought it did a much better job of delivering the theme that when you’re in high school you don’t need to know EXACTLY what you want to do with your life. Don’t be afraid to do what you love, and if it doesn’t work out you can always choose something else.
…oh yeah, and make sure to have a backup plan.
UP WHERE WE BELONG SUBPLOT “B” GRADE: B+
Degrassi Episode Review: Heart of Glass
July 24, 2009 at 4:33 am | In Degrassi, TV | 3 CommentsTags: ctv, Degrassi, degrassi episode review, degrassi season 8, degrassi the next generation, degrassi tng, episode review, heart of glass, the-n
I was on vacation last week, so I’m just catching up…
WARNING: THIS BLOG POST CONTAINS EPISODE SPOILERS.
MAIN PLOT
“You think we’re in some sort of epic romance.” – Johnny DiMarco
“Heart of Glass” is hands down the best episode of Season 8. It represents a genuine look at teen life and relationships without turning it into a big, overly-dramatic plot.
Alli realizes her first time wasn't the fairytale she was looking for, and regrets losing her virginity.
Alli and Johnny are back together, but for some reason Alli seems to think he’s not all that interested.
Combine that with her desire to have that “epic romance” every girl desires, she and Johnny end up having sex. She loses her virginity (so does he), but it doesn’t turn out to be the wonderful, romantic experience she thought it would be.
The look on her face after they had sex summed it all up…it was a mixture of awkwardness and fear. I loved how the episode dealt with her fear that she COULD’VE gotten pregnant or caught an STD, but never took it that far. It’s all about the emotional rollercoaster following her first time, and the fact that she regrets it all. It truly is Degrassi at its best.
HEART OF GLASS MAIN PLOT GRADE: A+
SUBPLOT
Pia was D.O.A. from the S-T-A-R-T.
Let the Pia drama begin! Peter joins the Mock U.N. at school, and it turns out he chose to represent Kenya because he wants to volunteer there with Darcy next year.
Of course that doesn’t sit well with Mia…the best part of this subplot is the fact that they broke up. Pia may be one of the most contrived couples in Degrassi history.
P.S.
Even though the subplot was ok, it’s not bad enough to bring down the episode overall.
HEART OF GLASS SUBPLOT GRADE: C+
Season 9 Promo Day for Degrassi and The-N
July 23, 2009 at 1:22 pm | In Degrassi, TV | 1 CommentTags: ctv, Degrassi, degrassi season 9, degrassi spoilers, degrassi the next generation, degrassi tng, the-n
Today the cast of Degrassi is shooting Season 9 promos/elements for The-N. I know I have a lot of disdain for The-N in general, but I’ll give them credit where it’s due in a heartbeat; they put together AMAZING Degrassi promos. Even if the promos severely overhype an episode (which they usually do) they realize that’s the entire point of a promo…it’s supposed to suck you in…and it works.
If you have The-N I’m sure you’ll see the promos start probably sometime in September. If not, ACESonline will grab copies of the promos and post them on youtube when they start running. Below is probably my favorite Degrassi promo ever created by The-N, the Spinner vs. Johnny DiMarco promo. I absolutely loved their promo campaign they used to hype up Season 7.
New Opening Theme in Degrassi Season 9
July 23, 2009 at 12:41 am | In Degrassi, TV | 3 CommentsTags: ctv, Degrassi, degrassi goes hollywood, degrassi season 8, degrassi season 9, degrassi the next generation, degrassi tng, stephen stohn, the-n
They’re at it again…The Exec took several tweets to talk about Degrassi’s new theme song in Season 9:
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Looks like we will update the theme song, using a male lead vocal this time..
whenever we update the theme song there’s been a huge reaction that people don’t like it… till the next time we updat it lol!
But this time I actually think most people will like it! Think Elvis Costello meets Jonas Bros with a hint of retro Beach Boys-ish BG vocals
Oh, and some cast members singing…
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This will be the first time Degrassi has used a male lead vocal for the opening theme. The theme song has been updated (even if slightly) in Seasons 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8. Personally, Season 3’s theme is my favorite.
CLICK HERE TO SEE CURRENT (AND PAST) UPDATES ABOUT DEGRASSI SEASON 9!
DEGRASSI SEASON 8 DVD COVER ART
July 22, 2009 at 12:50 pm | In Degrassi, TV | 7 CommentsTags: ctv, Degrassi, degrassi season 8, degrassi season 9, degrassi the next generation, degrassi tng, stephen stohn, the-n
Even though Season 8 has been completely forgettable, seeing this cover art makes me excited for the DVD. For me, the DVD is kinda like the “second chance.” I didn’t like Seasons 5 and 6 all that much until I went back and re-watched them on DVD. Season 7’s DVD confirmed that the season was a borefest after the sixth episode (Death or Glory).
But even then, outside of the episodes themselves the Season 7 DVD is the best dvd since Season 2 in the “extras” department. That’s mainly because they FINALLY included the Degrassi Minis. Season 8’s extras look to be great as well…hopefully they will include more than one episode with commentary.
This also makes it official that the Season 8 DVD will indeed be released on September 1st. The only thing I dislike about this poster is it’s somewhat misleading. The “Starring” section names Miriam and Cassie, but they’re barely in this season compared to other stars. Lauren, Stacey and Jake, as well as all of the “Guest Stars” only appear in the Degrassi Goes Hollywood movie…WHICH IS AT THE END OF THE SEASON. I also find if funny that they’re treating the Degrassi movie as a BONUS…it would be added to the DVD regardless because it’s technically part of the season’s episode count (819-822). Oh well…I’m still stoked!
Question: Who Plays “Reese” on Degrassi?
July 20, 2009 at 12:56 am | In Degrassi, TV | 6 CommentsTags: ctv, Degrassi, degrassi season 8, degrassi season 9, degrassi the next generation, degrassi tng, stephen stohn, the-n
Answer: His name is Matthew Del Bel Belluz. There isn’t much info about him online except for he’s been in a couple of theatre shows. There was also something about him winning a musical theatre scholarship, so he’s obviously got some talent.
So far he’s only appeared in three Degrassi episodes as Reese: he flirted with Clare in “Jane Says Pt 2,” he was KC’s rival on the basketball team in “Touch of Grey” and he was hanging out at the ravine in “Heart of Glass.” Whether or not we’ll see him return in Season 9 is TBD…
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