PLOT A SUMMARYEli is stressed out because there’s one day left until opening night and the play isn’t fully ready.  He also has a brand new issue to deal with…Dallas, and the Bakers team up to protest the play.  A group of parents (led by Becky and Luke’s dad) have concerns about the play promoting homosexuality, so Eli must meet with them to discuss the play’s content.  During the meeting Dallas also brings up that the play glorifies suicide (since Romeo and Jules kill themselves in the end), so Eli re-writes a new ending that he must submit for approval.  He finds himself stressed out over that as well as the fact that Clare keeps asking him to come up with an idea to get revenge on Asher.  Simpson tells Eli the new ending has been approved and the play can go on as scheduled.  Realizing that any revenge scheme they’d come up with would be a bad idea, Eli tells Clare that he’s reported what happened to her to Ms. Oh. 

Clare’s mom and Ms. Oh want Clare to report it to the police, but she refuses because with no proof that Asher sexually harassed her she doesn’t want the shame of a trial.  Clare tells Eli the only way out is to plant evidence on Asher’s computer and she begs him to help her, but he refuses.  Katie consoles an upset Clare, who tells her everything about Asher. Clare reveals her plan to take topless photos and plant them on Asher’s computer at the Interpreter, and Katie agrees to help.  They arrive at the Interpreter, but Clare has second thoughts.  She realizes the photos will follow her for the rest of her life, and decides to not go through with her plan.  As she’s about to leave she spots Jennifer, the woman she tried to interrogate about Asher.  Clare tells Jennifer that Asher kissed her, and Jennifer eventually reveals that she was sexually harassed by Asher too.  They plan to file a report against Asher together.  Clare misses Eli’s play, but tells him what happened and he tells Clare that he loves her.

The structure of this plot is different in that the dramatic elements for Eli and Clare are clearly separated into Part 1 and Part 2.  There are Eclare moments for the most obvious of reasons, but this is not a storyline about Eclare.  Part 1 focuses on presenting a challenge for Eli as the season’s primary plot device (the play) reaches the home stretch.  Part 2 shows Clare taking things into her own hands as she plots her revenge on Asher.

Part 1 ends up being much stronger than Part 2.  Both Eli and Clare feel the pressure of their own situations (the play for Eli and Asher for Clare).  In both cases one person’s pressure finds a way to affect the other person, magnifying things to a point us viewers can’t help but feel it through the screen.  There’s been little conflict with the actual play since Eli took over, but Mike Dallas, who has been a phenomenal addition to the show, is a formidable opponent as his revenge and Eli‘s rebuttals play out like a chess make.  We get a great look at Eli handling the stress of the play and Clare far better than he ever would’ve been able to in previous seasons.  The situation with Clare was so tricky.  Outing Clare’s harassment to Ms. Oh before she was ready isn’t necessarily the right thing, but in a situation where the pressure emotions are overwhelming for both of them someone had to take charge.  Not even looking at it from the perspective of Eclare the couple, it’s a gut-wrenching situation to be in for any two people who are close.

While Part 1 is emotionally gripping, Part 2 loses steam, The plot simply coasts to its predictable conclusion.  The ending being predictable isn’t the issue because the summer block of episodes is an animal of its own, and things have to be wrapped up to a point.  I’m glad the play went as planned and that Clare realized reporting Asher to the police is a better option than her rogue scheme.  But with the threat to the play fully taken care of in Part 1 there’s no true conflict standing in the way of opening night, not even with Tristan being missing until show time.  Clare switches from emotion to action mode, sans her moment of clarity that allows us to breathe a sigh of relief.  The actual ending feels underwhelming, but that’s because the plot is top heavy.  It still makes for a solid story, which is an accomplishment for a Degrassi finale.

***************

PLOT B SUMMARYBecky and Adam go at it when Adam finds out Becky is protesting the play, and Becky criticizes Adam for “hiding the fact he’s a girl.”  She also refuses to work with Adam on a science project because they’re “too different,” (aka she’s afraid Adam will turn her gay) but their teacher makes them work together anyway.  Adam calls Becky a hypocrite for overlooking science that defies what’s in the bible, but choosing to focus on the sexuality of others.  He also points out that he’s been bullied by people who are intolerant of the LGBT community. 

Becky tries to apologize to Adam and starts having second doubts about wanting the play to be canceled.  Upon hearing that Tristan is missing she volunteers to take his place and play a the male role of Jules in the play.  Tristan arrives just in time for the play, but she gets to perform on stage during the final song.  She’s grateful to Adam for giving her the chance to be in the play, and thanks him with a hug.

If a studio audience had been present they would’ve given Adam a standing ovation for telling off Becky.  Beckadam is interesting beyond their contrasting beliefs.  There’s more value in Becky’s facial expressions than what she actually says.  It’s been that way the entire season…she doesn’t hide her emotions very well.  It’s obvious she likes Adam.  It’s even more obvious that it conflicts with the way she’s been raised because she felt liking Adam would make her a lesbian.  It was insinuated in Closer To Free that because Becky is so vocal about her values it makes it difficult for her to establish relationships with others.  However, Adam continues to disarm her with his intelligence and kindness.  Their plot is a solid setup for a compelling future involving Becky and Adam, when Becky’s family is sure to be thrown into the mix.

***************

PLOT C SUMMARY: Tristan hasn’t had his first kiss yet, and doesn’t want to waste it on Dave in the play.  He finds himself liking one of the stagehands, but is too awkward to approach the guy.  The day of the play Tristan finds a flower and a note from a secret admirer on his locker.  The admirer wants to meet, so Tristan decides to meet him despite risking missing the play.  Tori gets worried when she can’t find Tristan anywhere and gets Zig and Maya to help.  They call his cell phone, which they find in the possession of Luke.  Owen immediately confronts Luke and demands to know where Tristan is.  They find Tristan locked in a classroom, and when he says he still doesn’t want his first kiss to be on stage during the place Tori kisses him right there.  Tristan arrives just in time for the play.  Afterward, the stagehand he had a crush on congratulates him on a great performance.

Tristan’s plot is used as a plot device to create pseudo drama for opening night of the play in Part 2, but on its own it’s thoroughly underwhelming.  There were a couple of bright spots: the “lip virginity” line was humorous, and it was fantastic watching Owen threaten to give Luke an ass kicking he most definitely deserves.  However, Tristan being obsessed over getting his first kiss out of the way before the play feels out of place and falls to the waist side in an episode where everything else is moving at a different pace.  The niners have been absolutely fantastic since they joined the show…they were bound to have an off day eventually.

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How do YOU grade Scream?

You can grade the plots in Scream by voting below!

Posted by Kary

102 Comments

  1. Jake chokes on a tomato. LMAO :) Im loving the Imogeli friendship and how mature these two have grown. ( Im still miss these two very much & I want them to date again) Anywho.. I really hope Katie talks Clare out of getting her revenge on Asher. These two could end up getting arrested for hacking into Ashers computer or breaking & entering. That will not look good for Clare if she pressing charges against Asher. 2nd part I hope Becky does step up and help Eli. I know Becky has her beliefs but she not a monster she will help find Tristan.

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  2. I agree with you Kary, especially about the lip virginity thing hahahaha. Right after he said that I busted out laughing.

    Well teen nick honestly wouldn’t let me watch the last few minutes of the episode, it ended on him and imogen talking, then skipped to the credits, so I haven’t seen Eli tell Ms. Oh, or whatever else was at the end of the episode. Do you know where I could see it (US)?

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    1. on my tumbler I uploaded the latest episode. http://www.tumblr.com/blog/loganh1989

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      1. Thanks, I appreciate it.

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  3. So the beginning of part two starts with Clare talking to Ms. Oh? Ok first of all part two is about Tristan not showing up for opening night not Clare’s dumbass going after Asher! I can’t say that I’m surprised though since the writer for “Scream” wrote some abysmal episodes in Season 8. Please do not end Degrassi Showdown on a ho hum note.

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  4. I think we *might* be saying goodbye to Eli tonight. But I’m hoping for something big that doesn’t involve death. However, I’m preparing myself for a letdown.

    Hope the Brazilian Beauty doesn’t take too long to come into Tristan’s life, but I have another theory about him that I’m not even going to bother saying. Hope I’m onto something!

    Enjoy the finale!

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  5. Call me stupid, call me what you will, but can someone please explain to me the Adam and Becky scene with his artifact

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    1. Many Christians believe that the earth is only 6000 years old. Adam was trying to show that this artifact can be proven by science to be hundreds of thousands, if not millions, years old. Becky countered that she believes in the bible but accepts scientific truths as well. Adam’s point was how could Becky pick and choose what parts of the bible she wants to believe in literally, and still be consistent.

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      1. thank you!

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  6. Even allowing for dramatic license, the Clare storyline has been frustrating to watch.

    Clare’s feelings and mental state are understandable and well played by Aislynn Paul.

    But Clare goes to drink beer with Dallas and no one wonders why she isn’t in class? She’s been dragging around like a zombie for weeks, and her mother and teachers don’t notice? She walks down the hallway drunk and no one except Jake and Katie (and why are they out in the hall?) see her? She gets detention for a week, and her mother hasn’t wondered why?

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    1. No one wondered why she wasn’t in class because everyone thought she was still working for Asher. And her getting detention is just her staying late at school, which her mother can just assume she’s staying late working for Asher, since Simpson didn’t mention calling her.

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  7. Yeah i feel bad for Clare, but damn!!! Pushy much??? I’m all for revenge but tone it down and think about it. Rush to fast it’s going to fail and screw you over even more than it has. Drunk Clare was funny and Dallas wasn’t meaning to be a pig ha!

    On Dallas now, I like him. He has the perfect combination of being an ass, trying to be friendly, and caring. I don’t think he means to be an ass, but i don’t blame him for being pissed at Clare. He’s not as mean to Cam either, the promo’s made him look horrible. He just needs a good friend. Fiona forgive him. I felt so bad for him :( oh plus he didn’t tell everyone about what Clare went on and on to him about. He kept the secret. I think he just needs some time to grow. I like him.

    The Bakers can go jump off a cliff.

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  8. I think this fandom fails to see the whole message behind the Clare storyline – yes she is over the top at times, slightly (or more than slightly) dramatic, but I feel she has every right to feel the way she does about her situation. We saw in season 9 with what happened between her, Connor and Principal Shepard that she isn’t one to let something unjust go (and yes, a 40 old man kissing a 16 year old is UNJUST believe it or not). What if it was Simpson, or Armstrong, or any of the teachers at Degrassi doing that to a student? What she and had Asher had was a teacher-student relationship in which he totally crossed the line and took advantage of her. I don’t think it’s so much that she is traumatized by the kiss, but (like she said) it’s the fact that he got away with it, and gets to keep living his super awesome spectacular life while she’s suffering. I don’t agree with her being hellbent on sneaking into the office (and possibly planting nudes) to frame him, but she is out of options as to what to with the situation and having all this evidence against her when she did nothing wrong. There are definite parallels between this storyline and Fiona’s back in the beginning of season 10 – her boyfriend abused her, and her, being a ‘drama queen’, feels no one will believe her story, thus begins the self-blame and the drastic measures to get back at him (’embellished’ twitter pictures). But because it’s Clare and because Asher ‘didn’t rape or assault her’, we should treat it with less sympathy?

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  9. Clare was being WAY too selfish! i can understand that she wants to get revenge, but that doesnt mean Eli has to drop everything he’s doing just for her. When Eli told her that she shouldnt get revenge all i can think about is “the shoe is on the other foot now!”. If eclare break-up (which i have a feeling they will), i wouldnt be upset becasue she is being selfish and she is going to end up bringing eli’s problams back. As for becky, all i can say is that she is being a baby about the play and she shouldnt stick her nose in other people’s personal life! Christians are supposse to be accepting but she is just trying to change adam for herself not for adam’s sake. As for the parents not wanting the play to happen just because it has suicide in it is ridicolous! first of all, u could just not have your kid watch it and second of all, i doubt that just seeing suicide will make kids actually do it. I felt that the tristian plot was adorable! I also have a theroy that he goes missing because its a trick by the ice hounds as another way to take down the play

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    1. I know the parents getting mad over the suicide part is wrong, but some parents are like that believe it or not. They don’t care that it was a classic and how the story was supposed to be. All they care about (supposedly) is how their kids are going to react to this and what harm it’s going to bring to them. Most of the time, nothing bad happens to their kids at all, but that doesn’t stop some parents for reacting like this.

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  10. I understand why Clare feels the way she feels, but she’s being really selfish and childish about the situation. Eli did the right thing in telling Ms oh. one of my fears about Eclare getting back together was that it would send Eli back into his old ways somewhere down the line, but that dosen’t seem to be the case, unless he has some snap moment in the 11th hour.

    Dallas is probably my fave of the newest characters. dude is straight cunning.

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  11. I do think Clare is being out of line. But I understand it given what she’s gone through. She used to be the rock for Eli and he should be that for her right now.

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  12. Clare isn’t being selfish. Like Alli said, she’s so messed up right now. But the Eli fangirls need to lay off. It’s not like she WANTED any of this stuff with Asher to happen, and the whole reason she didn’t tell Eli sooner was because she didn’t want to burden him when he was just getting better, and when he had a lot on his plate. Eli forced her to tell him, which was a good thing to do, because she never would’ve done it on her own. This is the 4th finale episode that was focused on these two, and I’m really tired of it. Clare needs help like Darcy needed, Eli needs to focus on keeping his cast safe and his girlfriend out of trouble.
    As for the Beckdam storyline goes, it isn’t the end. Maybe Becky will apologize to him for trying to change him, and maybe she won’t.
    I don’t want anything bad to happen to Tris, but I’m sure something will. I’m also equally sure that Tris will lose his lip virginity to someone in this episode.
    As for Dallas, I still love the character despite the trouble he has supposedly caused.
    And Luke Baker is still an asshole, and I personally can’t wait for him to get what’s coming to him. With Dallas, too. I’ve been waiting for this storyline to come up since the “Bite Your Tongue” promo aired.

    If the finale is what they’re making it out to be, I feel as though this part of the season will go down as one of the best.

    -Maggie

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  13. They’ll kill off-screen Wesley. At least that would explain his departure from the canvas without nary a mention.

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    1. I didn’t even notice he was missing until you mentioned it lol…yeah, what ever did happen to that guy?

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  14. i just think that there a lot going on in there lifes but eli said they would get revenge on asher i know that he is bussy and he got other plans 4 himself
    i just DONT KNOW WHAT GOING TO HAPPEN

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  15. I don’t think eli’s told ms. oh because the play was his top priority. It IS (i think for the most part) but really i think he just realized that clare was acting crazy and needed help, kinda like how clare realized he need help and called his dad about the gun.

    I love how katie is going to help clare get revenge because if someone knows about revenges it’s katie.

    Is anyone else worried that clare saying no to clare after she says “one more time, are you still in?” is more than the “in” of sabotaging Asher? After all Eli did say that she had to be all “in”. Im worried!!! And i have this feeling Cam might be involved with tristen and losing his lip virginity maybe even dying… I think someone got to me.

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  16. Did that chick even watch the episode? He tried to lock her in a car that’s horrifying.

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  17. That Slide countdown is going to irritate the hell out of me. WHO CARES

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  18. I have the sudden urge to motorboat Clare..

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    1. Yeah is Aislinn Paul is… Hot damn. A reason to keep watching the show.

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  19. I like where this Adam and Becky thing is going. I can’t wait to see what they do with them next.

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  20. What a dud

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  21. probably the best degrassi finale, ever.

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  22. Loved this episode!! I loved the october preview.

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  23. Looks like Tristan’s disappearance really was just stage fright.lol. The “or else” part was just added for dramatic effect. So what does everyone think of the Fall promo?

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    1. It was good but a Zaya kiss? Really, degrassi? Hopefully, it’s a spur of the moment thing like when Alli Kissed K.C. and Jake.

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      1. alli kissed KC? man so many degrassi episodes, hard to keep track some times.. when did this happen? Geez alli and Jenna why you be all up in clare’s boyfriends lips?

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      2. It happened in season 8 before KC and Clare dated

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  24. meh about the episode (I thought clare’s plot had some powerful moments and loving Becky’s development although it does feel a bit too soon. Not a big fan of Eclare, and I’m sad Tristan’s plot was so anticlimactic(He so could’ve excaped :p ) , but the promo got me so excited! :)

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  25. I liked the episode, but I wouldn’t call it the best finale…

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  26. seriously am i the ONLY person who noticed that on the promo for the october season that dallas is in the car with alli…i’m thinking that’s a giveaway that dallas/alli IS gonna happen this season YESSSSS

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  27. I couldn’t feel my heart beat for the entire episode. I must say that i’m glad the summer season ended on a good note. No one was killed, no committed suicide, since the last two summer seasons ended with someone either getting almost stabbed or shot. It was a nice ending.

    The quick promo for the fall……OMG (spoiler alert!) Eli shirtless in Clare’s room?!?! Adam and Becky closeness :)))))) and a Zig and Maya kiss?!?!?!?!?!?! WTF?

    I cannot believe the summer season is already over. I remember watching the promo for it after the s11 finale. Well, on to bigger and better things for me….i.e. school. :( well, until Degrassi starts up again in the fall!

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  28. I like how the end of the episode tied in with the preview.
    Eli makes a comment about having to settle for Clare’s actual body instead of the pictures and the promo shows them basically getting walked in on.
    Then you have the big romantic kiss contrasted with Maya and Zig’s freak out moment.
    Hopefully these 2 months will fly by.

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    1. Haha, these past 5 weeks flew by soooo fast. I hope these next 2 months fly by just as fast!

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  29. Wow. There is only one word to summarize this finale. It was intense! One of the best finale’s from Degrassi that I have seen in a while. As a long time Degrassi watcher (and Degrassi blog lurker) this episode was a great ending to an amazing season (One of the best seasons in my opinion). During the whole episode I was on edge begging Clare to not put the photos on Asher’s computer while wondering what happened to Tristan. This finale definitely earned a A++ from me.This season also deserves a solid A for the format that they used for each episode. The format of making characters plot line span across more than two or one episodes prepared viewers for future plot lines while allowing characters to dive deeper into each storyline and issue. I really hope that they keep this same format for the fall and summer seasons! Also I loved the fact that they are truly making multifaucet characters. I truly love Dallas and Becky and have enjoyed watching them struggle with a variety of issues. I also enjoyed the character growth and maturation that we witnessed in many characters this season as they both conquered and failed their goals. All together I was both greatly surprised and pleased with this season and I applaud all of the actors and writers for their marvelous work!

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  30. OMG i feel like my brain is fried. This episode was misleading because we kept hearing about how s.stohn cried and everything building up for this finale and stuff, but it was really about clare and how she was suffering and going cray cray rather then the play… I know a lot of people are going to be mad that the episode was about clare so much and they are going to hate butit was so good.

    Omg someone needs to put the promo up and in slow motion all i caught was maya looking like she’s modeling and falling, ELI SHIRTLESS IN CLARES ROOM (im so glad that they waited for this because i did want to see it sooner, but im glad they waited), alli driving with dallas, maya and zig kissing and someone (tori) saying uhum…, then its like… blank can’t remember shit.

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  31. Can someone post the new promo? :)

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  32. I don’t really know how I feel about the episode yet. I guess I’ll watch it a few more times and assess how I feel then, but as usual, I go into the finale with anticipation through the roof, and usually come out of it underwhelmed. It seems that Degrassi writers choose one of two ways to do a finale (strictly speaking about the Part 2’s) : with mass drama or with mass resolution. (All Falls Down, Drop the World, Dead & Gone = mass drama. In the Cold, Cold Night, Scream = mass resolution.) They chose the resolution way in this one, which is why I am initially underwhelmed. That isn’t to say I didn’t like the episode because I did enjoy it, but it was more like I was waiting for something new to happen. We all knew they’d find Tristan so that wasn’t anything to worry about. I didn’t think Clare would go through with that plan, and there was the interesting twist with that understudy of Asher’s being there, but once Clare explained, I knew where it was going, and so nothing left to think about, and the play ran smoothly.

    In a way though, I did really like that nothing catastrophic happened. The play was successful, Eli got his wish, and Clare has re-stabilized lol, and they’re happy as can be.

    Surprisingly, the only thing I really loved about this episode was Becky. I love watching her struggle with herself, because growing up in the environment she did, she is very naive and very adamant about her beliefs, but she always is genuine about wanting to do the right thing, and she always finds her way. It’s a beautiful thing, and she’s just a beautiful person.

    Love the niners as usual. Tori being Tristan’s first kiss was cute. Really loved the way Owen didn’t hesitate to stick up for his brother and tell him he loved him lol. That’s all I can really remember after just one watch, but I guess it was an enjoyable half hour of television.

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  33. I’m in love with the Adam/Becky that looks like its going to happen! -squeals- I think they’re my newest favorite couple. Seriously, they do have a LOT of chemistry. I’ve been kinda sad that Adam hasn’t had a gf yet (I don’t count Fiona), but now I’m kinda glad because I think the potential storyline for Adam and *Becky* will be amazing. Becky already made a lot of progress in only two days and that’s all thanks to Adam.

    Becky obviously likes Adam. She did before she found out Adam was trans and those feelings won’t just disappear and from the looks they shared, its obviously just getting stronger, which I’m ecstatic about. This is going to give Becky a lot of emotional turmoil and confusion of course, and I’m looking forward to that.

    For me, Adam/Becky is an A+ Their chemistry is unbelievable and the potential story line is going to be golden! I can’t wait for October! -groans- Revenge, Dexter, and Degrassi… all have to wait for those. -sighs- Well, Oct is only a month and a half away!

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  34. I’m glad I prepared myself for a letdown. Nothing memorable to last me until October. Becky was touching, and Fab was touching…Tristan. Also loved Owen standing up for his bro.

    But Tristan’s “first kiss” is not a first kiss. He’s gay Tori, remember? She should have said to Zig, “Uh, a little help here…”

    As for EClare, things will only be heating up. Glad to see they let Clare’s mom free from the chamber they must have been keeping her in.

    Cam’s story, or lack there of, has been gone for a little too long now. I wonder if the Clarkson’s chain him to the bed? He’s never around!

    Anyway, I hope the NHL labor disputes don’t last too much longer. Go Bruins!

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    1. Cam’s probably not around much cause his arm is still broken. I’m looking forward to more of him once it comes back! Cam is my new favorite character (and his actor is amazing already). This season has got to be the best in a LONG time–and its only halfway over!!

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    2. me thinks ur more upset about being proven wrong (so far cuz its degrassi and it could change) about cam being gay….

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    3. I think if any one of the guys turns out to be bi, it’s Tristan. Did you see his reaction to Tori kissing him? Something clicked in there…

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  35. OH!! Also, best part of the episode? Luke’s (Lucas?) face when Owen pushed him into the locker. XD Somehow I think they didn’t know that Tristan was Owen’s little bro… I kinda doubt they’d do that if they knew! LOL!

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  36. Degrassi is known for building up something to be better than it actually is

    But this was just…boring

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  37. What happened to that Three Tenors episode where Dave couldn’t sing for beans?

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    1. the writers in their tumblr said it was puberty.

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  38. I understand were Clair is coming from and get that she’s really hurting right now. It’s sad to see her spiraling like this, but I also understand where the viewers are coming from. Regardless of how you feel about EClair it’s really really annoying to watch Clair be selfish, inconsiderate and thoughtless after she spent most of season 11 acting that way to the chagrin of the audience. It’s so frustrating that the reason she’s acting that way seems to be overshadowed because it is so reminiscent of the time when Clair was, for a short while, one of the most unlikeable Degrassi characters. It feel like the writers are having a hard time getting her character over that hurdle.

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    1. I maybe not be the most unbiased person but i really didn’t like or enjoy clare that much in season 11. i understood some of her actions because she’s young, her parents where going through a divorce just so her mom can get remarried and have her bf be her stepbrother, in short because she couldn’t adapt. But that doesnt mean i liked her very much, felt like slapping her and saying grow up.

      However this is a lot more serious. Clare being selfish here and intense and obsessive stems from a really serious problem. It’s not just that Asher sexually harassed her, he threaten her while trying to lock her in his car, and she lost the most important thing she had. She lost the intership which meant so much to her and then she finds out other journalist and ppl in the bussiness are talking about her. So here unlike in season 11 clare’s cray cray doesn’t make me pull out my hair.

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      1. I think the thing that bothers me is that people aren’t taking the sexual harassment seriously because her behavior is “classic Clair”, overly dramatic, self centered and whiny. When someone get mistreated in such a hideous way the last thing anyone should be thinking is “she’s such a selfish drama queen. Just get over it already.” And I feel like if it were any other character the reactions would be different, but because it’s Clair people just want her to shut up about it. I sucks that Clair has become so unlikeable when she started out so great, but all things must change.
        It’s unsettling to me

        That being said, the actress is doing an incredible job.

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  39. What was interesting about this season finale was the fact that everyone thought someone was going to die. People need to understand that a Degrassi episode does not always have to have knives being used, guns going off, or someone dying to be interesting. The writers learned their lesson with the Now or Never finale. As for this finale, I have to say that the promos gave away what it would be like: simplistic. Clare’s plot almost got borderline dull until the scene where she broke down to Katie at the Toronto Interpreter which showed how helpless she felt in this situation. Some superb acting by Aislinn Paul if I may add. I’m glad she finally got the evidence she needed to bring Asher down.

    If there was a Degrassi Character Change award it would go to Becky Baker. She basically showed how much she cared for the play by being appalled at Luke having something to do with Tristan disappearing. I’m glad she listened to Adam’s speech because it showed her the way. It is ironic how people have hated Becky’s guts and then she blindsides us with filling in for Tristan in the play. I’m glad the writers did a 180 on her character in Part Two. It is another fine example of how much better quality was put towards plots in Degrassi Showdown with the exception of a few.

    Now Tristan’s plot. Several people posted comments saying that they believed Tristan was going to commit suicide in the finale. I can’t tell you how much I shook my head at that prediction. With that being said, Tristan’s plot was equal in both parts. It kept us on the edge of our seat knowing what could have happened to him and I’m actually glad that he turned out alright. What was shown in Tristan’s disappearance was how much Owen cares about his brother when he almost beat the crap out of Luke. Also, Tori kissing Tristan to make him forget his lip virginity was a shocker but a necessary one because it added a dynamic to the plot. I honestly thought for a split second Zig was going to kiss him haha I loved the tender moment between Owen and Tristan when he told him that he loves him. Thank you writers for creating special moments in a Degrassi finale because it’s refreshing.

    As for the play. It was fantastic. I was in awe watching Romeo and Jules the same way Eli looked when the play was over. It showed how much energy, effort and time he put to making sure this play would happen given its nature. Kudos to him regaining his focus towards the play and not Clare’s issue.

    Overall, a perfect end to a perfect season. Hope the second half of season 12 is equally amazing.

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  40. The episode had a lot of steam at first but then the momentum just stopped.

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    1. i did feel slightly underwhelmed at the end but i think thats just because we’ve been told that it was going to be so intense (it really was) and stohn was crying, and we’ve been speculating that someone was going to die (seems like the showdown just got resolved) and all this crap so we were all for the most part thinking something HUGE mega dramatic the size of a death was going to happen. So when you see the episode and dont see one, it’s a bit like “huh totally pulled our hair the degrassi people with all their misleadings.”

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      1. I never once thought anyone would die. I mostly just thought the Tristan plot would take longer to resolve and would be more sinister than it was.

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  41. I enjoyed this episode, but at the same time I wanted it to be better. It kept me interested, but I was expecting something a little more dramatic. I guess I got used to that from Degrassi. I was honestly expecting Zig to kiss Tristan (don’t ask me why because besides an obvious reason I have no answer). I enjoyed Clare’s plot even I was screaming at her almost every second (why would Clare think sending those pics would solve her problem; it wasn’t like her). I’m glad to see Becky finally accepting the play and her chemistry with Adam is great. I’m sure their relationship might cause problems with Becky’s family in October’s episodes.

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  42. Becky and Adam’s plot had me almost in tears because Becky finally showed what being a Christian is all about. We love everyone just as Jesus loves us. Even though we may not agree with everything, we tolerate just the same!
    Clare’s plot was iffy in part 1, but came together beautifully in part 2! Asher will finally get his!
    Tristan’s plot was a little underwhelming, but Owen was so touching in that scene and I love Tori for kissing him!
    The promo to me was a little underwhelming too. But I’m glad to see Alli and Dallas together although I’m mad that Caya might be over!!! NOOOOOOOOOO!

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  43. Omfg they need to post the episode on teennick already!

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  44. OMG, What the heck Scream part 1 was fantastic but part 2 sucked eggs. I know the Eclare shippers are so freaking happy. Beck and Adam was blah,. The only delightful story was Tristan….. I really thought Eli would have the balls to finally leave Clare, but know they just wnat the Eclare shippers happy while everyone else has to suffer theri boerdom. I think Im done with Degrassi.

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    1. ok be done with degrassi for one (in your opinion) bad episode?
      Degrassi “fans” these days -.-

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    2. Good for you…why are you on this blog then?

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    3. I was very upset last night and I am sorry for taking out on Kari’s blog. Last night many Eclare fangirls called me so many nasty names because I don’t like Eclare that much. I did not say one negitive thing about them. The only think I tweeted was I am bored of Eclare being in every being in every final since season 10. I blocked over 40 followers. The said if you don’t ship Eclare you are not a true Degrassian. Im just mostly irritated by the immature Degrassi fans and thats it. As again Im very sorry.

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  45. This finale sucked. In the Cold, Cold Night was 1000x better. At least Becky and Adam are getting close . . .

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  46. I’m sure there were fangasms aplenty for the eclare shippers.

    It was a good episode, a little too sweetness and light at the end.

    Love the niners, but the Tristan story ended up being underwhelming. He was just locked in a room? His first kiss is Tori? But it was good to see Owen finally stand up for him.

    The best thing about it was, surprisingly, Becky and Adam. We’ve seen that Becky does have a conscience and genuinely wants to do what she believes to be right. If she gets romantically involved with Adam, she will catch a lot of grief from her family. Drama ahead.

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  47. Season 12 has been great so far. I’d honestly rank it as the third best since TNG started in 2001. The only two that top it for me are Seasons Two and Three.

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    1. What about four and 6! R.I.P JT YORKE…..and Rest in peace Jimmy’s walking

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      1. Great episodes don’t make a great season. It’s the overall quality of the episodes. Time Stand Still is a wonderful episode, but to be honest, I found the rest of season four to be kinda boring after the shooting. Although my rankings are a bit different from Bizzy’s. My favourite seasons would have to be S3, then S2, then S4 and now S12.

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      2. Yea I guess….Well they certainly have pretty memorable things happen and 12 is actually really good its finally getting its shit back together that it lost in the late season 8

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  48. For some reason when i try to watch the episode on the teennick website but it wont play, does anyone know any links to watch it

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    1. go to facebook.com/DegrassiTv you have to watch the embedded version on the page. it will look like it is only 8 min long but it keeps going

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  49. JustARandomName August 17, 2012 at 2:56 am

    I’m sorry guys… but I am a sucker for a good romance!
    This episode gave me chills! I felt like it was a bunch of episodes all into one, but in a good way. Everything felt relieved and I’m glad Degrassi didn’t have to do anything drastic with the ending. Okay now to my personal reviews (:

    Claire: During Part 1, Claire got on my nerves! Yes, I completely understood the fear, concern, and tension after not just Asher, but the fact that her reputation was ruined by someone she trusted and adored. However, she needed to be alot stronger for Eli because she knows he can’t save her from everything, even this. I felt Eli did his part as being Claire’s boyfriend (hint hint boyfriend, not husband) by giving her emotional support while handling something that would make or break his future. I wasn’t excited at the end of part 1 because I could just sense that there would be more whining, but I still wanted to watch it.
    Part 2, oh my gosh. Little miss school uniform wearing, jesus loving, all love no hate Claire went over the edge! I wasn’t annoyed by her necessarily because she reeked desperation and she knew she couldn’t get immediate help. That bathroom scene made me drop my jaw (and no, not for that obvious reason) because it was so pathetic to see! I actually felt bad for her and hope someone would smack some sense into her all at the same time. Gosh, stop hanging with Alli >..< Ahh!). [[A+]]

    Becky&Adam: BECKY GOT BACK TO HER SENSES! I could tell her unnecessary hate was driving her up the wall. I felt that at the end, she was able to finally be considerate and accepting, which also released a few demons of her own. Good for you! Now I don't know what the name for Adam and Becky is yet (Ideas: Badam, Beckam, Acky? idk) but I might ship them off. Unlike Fiona and Imogen, I can feel the spark between them, which is why Becky was even freaking out that she might turn "lesbian". However I will make no decisions about them until October. c: [[A]]

    Tristian: Okay hun, you're cute and adorable, but you're innocent and gullible as hell! lol. Since Tristian himself was barely in the picture in Part 2, I can't really grade him. However, the fact that he represented the fate of the play was pretty well thought out. Also side track, THANK GOD NOONE HURT HIM. Anyways, one moment that made my grin like a freak was when Big Brother Owen stepped up to protect his brother. Sadly that was the only amazing scene he's had all season, but I'll forgive. I'm actually glad they showed Tristian as the innocent niner gay boy who wants the romance everyone else has. I mean come on guys, haven't we all been there? However, it's a nice gesture to show that you're not always going to have a romance, but you will be loved, even by your close friends and family. Qué cute!^.^ [[B]]

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  50. OH Degrassi how i love you! all of the plots were good tonight i expected a little more from tristans plot but i wont complain. Iam a Eclare lover idc idc idc!! oh and Im too hype for October 12th!!

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  51. Kary, are you going to do a “Degrassi Showdown: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly”?

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  52. Despite despising Eclare with a passion of a thousand suns, I thought last night’s finale was actually really well done. I wasn’t as stabby as I usually am with Clare and thought Tristan’s story actually progressed nicely over the course of the season. I didn’t think his “first kiss” as out of the blue, as he’s been lamenting about finding a boyfriend (and his crush on Campbell) this entire block. He may be a little theatrical about it at times, but that’s what makes his personality so unique.

    My biggest complaint was that there didn’t seem to be a teacher adviser involved with the play. We get that Eli is the director, but there’s no way a student would have 100% free reign over a school production like this. Would have been nice if we saw some more teacher involvement, especially during a controversial play like Romeo & Jules.

    Looking forward to the rest of the season in October!

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    1. Lack of an adult present seems to be one of those “everybody does it” things in school-based shows (“Acceptable Breaks From Reality”, TV Tropes calls it – I’m surprised “There Are No Faculty Advisors” isn’t a trope of its’ own). It has about 60% to do with making sure there’s nobody to step in and prevent the drama that’s the whole point of the show, and 40% down to the fact that even if you have a non-speaking adult extra who’s getting scale wages to be living set dressing, it’s still an extra expense.

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  53. Wow Kary, you were harsh on this episode O_o! I quite liked it.

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    1. I have to agree, he was harsh. I think there was a slight bias because I saw some of the comments he’s made on Degrassi finales and so I think he was being extra analytical this time.

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      1. Nope. The finale was good, but not great. B’s were given to the two primary plots. How on earth is a B a harsh grade? You guys make it sound like I thought the episode sucked. The show has forever had issues with BOTH season premieres and finales, but no one’s pointed out the fact that even though I think that, I’ve given out a lot of A’s and/or B’s to every block premiere over the past 2 years.

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    2. I think the harsh part was more about the C plot which might be considered underwhelming but really, a D+? The same grade has Jake wanting to save the world? The thing is, this plot would have been fine and cute if we weren’t expecting something dramatic from all the promos…

      Personnally I found Scream to be better then Sabotage. I mean besides the epic fight I enjoyed Scream much more. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for musical ;) Don’t worry Kary, I still value your opinion it was just an observation, I may well be wrong.

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      1. There is no right or wrong! :) I don’t ever take the promos into consideration since we know how they can be, lol. There were individual moments that were great (lip virginity, Owen, the fist bump), but I felt like Tristan’s storyline was boring and abrupt. I still felt that way after watching the episode like 4 or 5 times Thursday night. The D+ though is still consistent with how I’ve been grading the niners since they arrived, their plots have either been really good or total duds. But them in general, their dynamic is one of the best things about the show and gives us no reason to be worried about the show’s fate after the current group of seniors finally leave.

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  54. Kary, I think your grading for this episode was very harsh!! I thought every storyline deserved an A especially the Adam and Becky storyline! Giving Tristans storyline a D+ is waaaaayyyyy to harsh of a grading. When you give a story a D+ that means it was terrible. I thought his storyline was humorous and heart warming at the same time. Even if you want to say that his story wasnt at the same pace as the others it at LEAST deserved a B. Sorry, but you are truly off on your grading for this episode which I think made for a great finale.

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    1. I don’t think he Kary was harsh at all! For what was supposed to be a finale, most of it was as dull as dishwater.

      I’m sure most of us were looking forward to a cliffhanger, and even though most don’t like the idea of them because they make us worry, it’s an essential tool a TV writer must use to keep viewers interested and wanting more.

      There are things that we are looking forward to, but because of the long gap in between episodes, a “to be continued…” should have been used.

      Just like a test, you earn the grade you get.

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      1. I’m trying to see how this isn’t a cliffhanger. And comparing with Vegas Night and the end of 11 Part 1 it has just as many open doors and unfinished plots to keep us happy.

        Vegas Night had one up in the air plot: The state of the school. The ominous warning from Simpson as every plot in the ep crashed around him, showing the school was in trouble. Leading into the uniforms and the new standard when 10.5 came along.

        11’s summer had the status of Cake in the air, along with Bianca’s future. It could have had another plot in the air but it was waving off the Seniors, and we needed a proper goodbye for them.

        12, meanwhile, leaves us with:
        – Clare’s upcoming legal fight with Asher, she gained a new ally but this HARDLY wins her battle. It just gets her on the card.
        – Does anyone really think Dallas is letting this go? He lost, to everyone, in every way. He has scores to settle with Eli and Clare, and Jake, and Katie. We still haven’t answered if he destroyed the garden. Plus, bonus, Owen’s just betrayed the team, that can’t just be left alone.
        – We set-up two new romances. Tristan’s romance with tattoo boy, and Becky with Adam. Neither is concluded, by any means.

        Yes, the play went on, Becky saw the error in her ways, and Clare didn’t plant naked photos of herself on her skeevy boss’s computer. Those aren’t the ends of wars, those are battles won.

        And if we look further, to other end of the block eps, we have even more unresolved plots. Imogen’s dad isn’t going to get better, Fiona’s still trying to learn to be a peasant, Drew and Bianca are engaged (…and he hasn’t moved home, he’s still out of school, and he’s still divided from his family), and Cam is still self-destructive.

        The whole season is full of roads still untraveled. You don’t need the words “To be continued” with that much open ended plot.

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    2. I disagree. I think his grading on THIS finale was actually being a little easy on it. I think he was WAY more harsh with the last finale.

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  55. all i can say is BEST FINALE EVER!!!! loved it! i cant wait until october!

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    1. EVER?? Seriously? There were so many better finales in my opinion. Even the finale of 11.5 was better in my opinion.

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      1. That really all depends on people’s taste. I for one loved this finale a LOT more than the last few seasons. My favorite final still has to probably be season 2 finale (and season 4’s–what can I say, Jake Epstein did a wonderful job as Craig)–although the WORST final had to be season 3’s. That one is probably one of my least favorite episodes ever, actually.

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  56. I loved how Eli said “We should stop thinking of ourselves as Romeo and Juliet…it didn’t end so well for those two,” because when they has their first kiss it was producing a “Romeo and Juliet” scene for class….funny how it all comes together :)

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  57. I guess the writers forgot that plot point that Dave couldn’t sing for you-know-what….

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  58. Here’s how I rank Degrassi Showdown from best to worst:
    Waterfalls
    Sabotage
    Rusty Cage
    Never Ever
    Got Your Money
    Walking on Broken Glass
    Come As You Are
    Say It Ain’t So
    Scream
    Closer to Free

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  59. I thought the plot in part 2 for elcare was rushed. But the resolutions for them both were entertaining. Becky and Adams plot was…..interesting I guess.Because I see the value in most of Becky’s beliefs, as a christian and the value in the lesson she learned from Adam I am on both of their sides. I was also hoping their plot would end in friendship. I hope in the future Becky learns to present her beliefs to others in a way that won’t portray her as a stereotypical “bible thumper”. Stupid title btw. As for Tristan’s plot, I thought it was pointless.

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  60. The finale was a bit of a letdown for me honestly. Part 1 was great, but it felt like everything lost steam in part 2. The Tristan plot was a huge missed opportunity, i felt like Becky came around way too fast, but on the other hand I’m glad she’s developing beyond a one-dimensonal Christian cariacature. I’m glad that Clare finally came to her senses, because that plan was a horrible idea. We know this plot is far from over though…then again they’ll probably skip over the legality like they did with Bianca/Drew and Vince.

    And is anyone irritated that every single finale since S10 has ended with some form of Eclare moment?

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  61. you know, even though im a huge eclare fan, i agree. Eclare is in WAY too many season finales. They been in the past 3 finales. I hope the next season finale isnt ending with eclare. It should have them end their story for the season in the middle of the season and have someone else have the season finale.

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