{A: Just love all those curls.
C: You like my curls?
A: Yeah.
C: No, I like your hair better.
A: Yours is better.
C: No, I like yours better.
A: Yours is better.
C: I like you.
A: I like you}
+Father Figure

When did you first start shipping CrAsh?

{I knew from the minute Ash was sitting on Craig's lap in Father Figure that they were going to be my new favorite couple. Previously I had always prefered Jimmy/Ashley, so in season 2 I was kind of biased against them, but how could you not ship them after seeing how cute they were? - Ria}

{After I started liking Crellie over Cranny in season five, I found that I lot of reasons I used in Crellie's defense could also apply to CrAsh. And I just started to respect them more. And then when I compared the Cranny reunion in season five to the CrAsh reunion in season four, it really showed just what girl Craig really loves and appreciates the most. Another thing I realized about CrAsh is that while Craig kept both Ellie and Manny in his life because that way he could have the friendship aspect and the romance aspect, he had both of those in Ashley. And as I started to compare them to Cranny's status more and more, it really showed just how strong CrAsh's relationship really was.

But even before all this, while I was still filled with hatred over the couple and convinced I would never like them, I had made two CrAsh videos. One very positive and another semi-positive. As I made them, I couldn't help but have several positive thoughts about the couple. - Melanie}

{I first started shipping Crash during season 3. I thought they were pretty cute before SISOSIG, but once the dreaded triangle began, I realized how much I was pushing for Crash to stay together. Once RRHS aired, I was completely hooked and I’ve been smitten ever since. - Jen}

{I've always liked the characters Craig and Ashley and I'm fairly certain that while watching Season 2 I had the realization that these are two teens that probably would interact and date in real life. I supported them enough while watching Season 3 to be slightly upset at the triangle. When the-n started airing commercials that hinted a Crash reunion, I felt myself getting excited. I'm not normally a shipper, but I think you could call me one once I finished watching GITM. Season 4 was the season of the Crash and that has been the only time I've ever looked forward to episodes so much. - Nicole}

{The first time I started shipping them was when I saw SISOSIG. I really enjoyed seeing how important it was for Craig to be with Ashley. The second time I started to shipping them was when I saw the looks they shared in High Fidelty, instead of giving Ashley a dirty look for staying in England and hooking up with Ali Craig just smiled and waved at her. - Leigh}

{I believe it was Dressed in Black. Which was one of my first episodes - Callie}

{I started shipping CrAsh the first time I saw RRHS on the-N. I always liked them before, in DIB, and especially in TANE, but RRHS just confirmed to me that I cared whether or not they got back together. Of course, I was pulling for them. - Nikki}

{I first started shipping CrAsh when i saw DIB, I really thought they would be so cute together then TANE came and seeing ash being there for him even when he freaked out on her was so sweet and I really started liking them, then season three came and they had some really cute moments but then RRHS came and it sealed the deal for me, I was officially obsessed seeing craig finally apologize and so sweetly was amazing and their chemistry just blew me away, the looks they gave each other, everything was awesome, season four they were perfect too, from the first time seeing each other after "the incident" to him proposing to them both wanting to spend their lives together to ash being there for craig when he was diagnosed bipolar, they had amazing chemistry through everything and I am hooked forever. - Katie}

{TMBA made me think of the possibility of these two, but DIB is what really did it for me. - Teeka}

{Well, the first time I saw Degrassi it was a season one rerun and there was a commercial for the next new episode which was RRHS. I was intrigued and practically started shipping them from the promo. After I saw the episode, I definitely started shipping them. My love for them grew after I saw the older season two episodes, and even more once season four came along. - Lindsey}

{A: I, I can’t marry you yet. But I want to. I do.
C: So that’s a someday?
A: That’s a yes}
+Voices Carry

Why do you think they will get back together again?

{I feel it's the Craig ship that has gotten the most romantic development. The writers haven't made the effort to have Craig speak badly of Ash, or vice versa. GDTR was more of a cliffhanger ep than final closure imo. - Nikki}

{I suppose I'm fairly optimistic that they have a chance. I think/hope that Crash package will influence the writers to at least have them interact next season. I think Cranny is pretty much done for good and though Crellie will probably be dealt with first if Jake came back, since Crash has so much more history and a bigger fan base, I would think/hope that they would eventually move back to Crash. - Lindsey}

{Their story is not over. Things ended so abruptly because of Melissa’s absence during season 5 and now that she’s come back, it seems the writers have a severe case of amnesia. Ashley’s absence has not been addressed whatsoever and there is still so much unsaid about the dissolving of their relationship. The relationships that they have been in since do not even compare to the love that Crash had. Ashley and Jimmy are completely void of any substance and have lost any charm that they may have had during the first couple seasons. Craig and Manny are still the fluffy, predictable and immature couple they’ve always been. Craig and Ellie lack the passion, intensity and romantic feelings that Crash have for each other. It’s unfortunate that Craig and Ashley have been paired with other characters that ultimately hinder their character development. If Melissa and Jake’s schedules allow, and if the writers are willing to carefully plan a well thought-out reunion, there is no doubt in my mind that Craig and Ashley could have a believable reunion and return to the former power couple status that they once had. - Jen}

{Because they never got proper closure, and things were left in the air, where so much can happen. The writers also know the fans want it, and can't ignore CrAsh for much longer. - Callie}

{Well I have no idea how long that would take. But if they do, it would definitely be after holding onto a strong significant friendship. Ashley was once like Craig's bestfriend, and I can see that being the case again. And then after a while, they'll finally admit their true feelings, and that'll be it. They have an undeniable bond that goes beyond both friendship and romance, if that makes any sense. Anyways, I'm confident that's how it would happen. It's very realistic. - Melanie}

{If Crash was reunited, it would benefit both Craig and Ashley's character development. Craig has abandonment issues and to have someone come back into his life that he feels left him and was deeply affected by, it help him. His father cannot come back so the next best person is Ashley. Ashley has had a long history of avoiding things, bringing Craig back into her life might force her to deal with that. It would be a way to bring the show back around to individuals and not just couples drama. - Nicole}

{I think they will get back together again because they were the only people to ever really get each other, the complement each other, they have amazing chemistry. I think that they both love each other more then anyone else, I think that the feelings will always be there no matter who their with and that the feelings will always come back. They just fit and go well together, they balance each other out and I think they definitly have that stating power, they are each others true loves. - Katie}

{Because Crash, along with the fans, got the one of the worst "closure" of any Degrassi couple. An email break up will not do it for me or anyone else. And when you have non-fans/haters saying their closure sucked and that they deserve something, you know something is wrong. Plus they keep giving them very sutble you'd have to be obsessed with Crash to figure out hints that they are not over. I mean Ash mentioning him in HF, the wave, and then her sitting front row at his concert? Yeah it's still there and going strong, just on idle for a little while. - Ria}

{Because the writers love reunions and they must know that there are ton of CrAsh fans out there. There is so much they could do with these two. - Leigh}

{Wait, what?! They’re not together? Sorry I think I fell asleep half way through GDTR part 1... Kidding. I guess the obvious answer is, because they’re meant to be and it’s right. - Teeka}

What is the moment you can watch over and over again without getting sick of?

{I really like the moments during Season 2, during their more innocent time. Lately I've been obsessed with the "Locker Lean" scene in TMBA. It's such a cute little moment and gives us the first hint that Craig is trying to get more involved in Ashley's life. And then there's the Taming of The Shrew performance - such an attention getter. And when Craig took Ashley's picture - Jake can give off such emotion with just one word, you just felt that he wanted that picture to be for him. And of course when Craig asked Ashley to the end of year dance - Craig was so cute with his adolescent nervousness. Oh and the VC hospital scene, what a great way to conclude a rollercoaster episode. Too many favorites! - Nicole}

{I have watched the ending scene of Tears Are Not Enough over 100 times. The innocence, the music, the closeness, the shared intensity of their stares and the true start to their relationship…it’s completely beautiful. I know that whenever I’m having a crappy day, I can watch that clip and instantly smile. It’s the one Crash moment, the one Degrassi moment that I will never get sick of. - Jen}

{The moment I can watch over and over again would have to be the ending scene of VC when ash says she's not leaving and that she's there with him is just incredibly sweet, also the scene where craig runs out of the studio for ash, that was just so sweet for him to do. But really, every scene with them, I can watch over and over again without ever getting sick of them just cause I love their chemistry and all their scenes are just amazing. - Katie}

{Lol..I can pretty much watch any Crash scene over and over again. But I think it would have to be a tie between when Craig sings "Shine"(or any good song including Dust) for Ashley in the gym and when Craig runs out of the studio after Ash in ND. Just as I think I narrowed it down I think of the cute moments in FF and the GDTR deleted scene, it's too hard with so many great scenes...well I can always watch the slap in Holiday but that's for a different reason. - Ria}

{Ashley helping to pull Craig off of Joey in VC. - Leigh}

{Probably the hospital bed scene in TANE, and then the ND reunion kiss. - Nikki}

{Probably the hospital scene in VC. Loved Ashley sticking by Craig, and saying she wasn't leaving. - Callie}

{ND hallway kiss Also, pretty much all of RRHS -- that's probably the episode I've watched most out of all of Degrassi. - Lindsey}

{Definitely when he chases after her in Neutron Dance at the end. I could slo-mo that scene forever. - Teeka}

What do you feel CrAsh brings to the show Degrassi and TV as a whole that makes them fresh and unique?

{Well, it's a very well known fact that what makes CrAsh so unique is the way they can only truly communicate their feelings to eachother through music. And while this may come off as stupid to some, we have to look at both Craig and Ashley individually as characters to really understand why this is so important.

First there is Ashley, who has been writing emotional ballads about how she feels since season one. And since then few people have been able to understand it. Terri and Paige hated her song in Cabaret, and Jimmy looked a bit uncomfortable when she was singing in Dressed In Black. I think Craig is the only one who really appreciates that side of her. He's the only one who really understands and respects her for it. Then there's Craig, who pretty much lives for music right now. It's pretty much a dream come true for him to have a girl who is as passionate and understanding of it as he is. He's only ever been able to truly express his feelings to her through music. But it's not he's good at doing it any other way. And Ashley is the only one who could really appreciate that. So music may be a very important part of their foundation, but it's an important part of the characters individually, too. - Melanie}

{Despite all the angst, it's clear that they both loved/love each other. - Lindsey}

{I think it's what Melissa and Jake bring to Crash. The actors have a real understanding of their characters and that makes them very relatable. Both actors have such a great emotional range and it's great to watch them play off each other. They have this amazing energy. Jake said that sometimes it felt so real and you can feel that. It just seems real. I love seeing Crash at their happiest and then at their lowest, you only get that range when you have so much passion for someone. Crash makes you love them for all their faults and their strengths. Their eye contact is another thing that defines Crash. It gives off this impression that they have a heartfelt connection, that they know each other so well, and are so comfortable around each other. I think the eye contact helps make them a believable couple. Their body language makes them seem at ease with each other too. - Nicole}


{I actually don't think there are many REALISTIC angsty couples on TV. I love a lot of young adult shows, but there's usually some soap operaesque feel to certain plots. I feel like CrAsh is more down-to-earth as they struggle with things that are more authentic, though intriguing, like child abuse, alienation, and how a couple deals with mental illness together. Actually, I haven't seen that topic covered as nicely as it was here. - Nikki}

{They are different because they are a couple that doesn't have a lot of those "Omg they are so cute" scenes like a lot of relationships that portray middle school/high school have. I can actually picture them lasting long term then some of the other couples. Plus they dealt with some tough real issues that just made their bond stronger. - Ria}

{For one I don't think they are the easiest couple to ship. Their relationships has had a lot of ups and downs and sometimes the downs seem to be unbearable, but those few and between ups that they no matter how small they are truly make them a great ship. - Leigh}

{I think they have amazing chemistry that not many people have, I think they are comfortable with each other and have the ability to be friends and lovers at the same time, you can tell that they are best friends and also have that love for each other that just shines through. They balance each other out and also have the ability to be angsty and fluffy and I think that's great, they bring so much to the show and it's just not he same without them. - Katie}

{They are both into music and it effects there lives so much, and they share that, but they connect on so many more levels then that. - Callie}

{There are so many things about Crash that set them apart, not only from other Degrassi couples, but from other television couples as a whole. They have the perfect combination of friendship and romantic involvement. When they are together, there is an ease and comfort that makes it seem as though they have known each other all their lives. This is matched with an obvious yearning that the two have for each other. The eye contact says it all. The way they are constantly staring into each other’s eyes infers a desire, a need to be together. The realism that they bring to the show is another aspect that makes their relationship so special. They have a comfort level that is most likely due in part to Melissa and Jake’s friendship. This comfort level and ease allows them to share moments where they are able to communicate in a way that is nothing short of kismet. Not only do they get each other more than anyone else on the show, but their love is so strong and powerful, it has the tendency to overwhelm them. One of the biggest negatives that they have as a couple is that they almost love each other too much. Can that really be qualified as a fault though? The love they have for each other is simply awe-inspiring. - Jen}

{They bring a very different and real vibe to the show. They’re the only couple, for me, on tv that I am willing to actually put hexes on the writers for splitting up. That’s gotta mean something, right? - Teeka}

{C: Hey! What you got in here?
A: Every shoe I own. Hey. *They kiss* You know I thought this whole goodbye thing was gonna be so hard.
I’m so glad you’re here and you surprised me}
+Going Down the Road

What is one thing you would change about how their relationship ended?

{The fact that it ended, period. - Teeka}

{I don't like how Venus was handled. It was obvious that TPTB wanted Crash swept under the rug so they could quickly build up more romantic drama and did it with a hasty email to Ellie. I don't like what happened with Ashley's character in that episode. I wish that we could have gotten an actual break up scene, or some reaction from Ashley about Craig running away in GDTR. I imagine Ashley would feel guilty about him running away; is it possible that she felt like she was the trigger to his relapse? I just want more reflection about Craig's relapse, including his reaction. Their journals were revealing and it would be nice to see something like that be said to each other. - Nicole}

{Um the whole thing. The way Ashley left was an awful send off, even if it was for a season. - Callie}

{Well first of all, I wouldn't have craig buy the ticket, I would have had craig talk to ash about going to london with her or had him be totally supportive of her like in the GDTR deleted scene and I definitly wouldn't have had ash send the email to ellie, I would have had ash call craig herself and tell him that she was staying in london and that she still loved him but she wanted to do something for herself. most of all, I would have rather her come back from london and have them talk and agree to just be friends but with some obvious feelings underneath. - Katie}

{Well, I would give Ashley a more realistic/in character write off. If I could change anything, I'd even put Melissa in the episode and maybe make it heartfelt and she didn't want to leave him, but she had to for some reason. -Lindsey}

{The e-mail. It didn't sound true to the character of Ashley, and I thought it was a cop-out. A face to face conversation would've been more satisfying, with her character left intact. - Nikki}

{Why Ash stayed in England and that stupid email that she NEVER would have wrote. Ash could have had a million other reasons to stay their, and they chose to have it where she stayed for a guy. That's great Degrassi writers, that's for nothing. Utter crap ending. - Ria}

{Make Ashley's reasons for staying in England more realistic for her character, have it less focused on Ellie's perspective and more on Craig's, and I don't know, maybe have Ashley actually call or send Craig the email. Those are the only ways I can see them being able to fix it. - Melanie}

{I understand that they needed a way for Melissa to leave the show and Going down the Road was definitely an angst-filled episode worthy of being Crash’s final episode. Venus, unfortunately, is where things took a downwards spiral. To have Ashley stay in London, not for her father or for music or for education, but to have her leave Craig to be with another guy, was insulting to the fans and completely out of Ashley’s character. If I could change one thing about their ending it would be to have had Ashley stay in London for another reason that was not so harmful and negative to the Crash relationship. I would have chosen an ending that laid hope for the future, peace of mind for Craig and was believable for the character of Ashley. - Jen}

{I wouldn't have Ashley stay in England for a guy. It would make more since for her to stay there to spend time with her father or something. I would at least have her end the relationship over the telephone instead of an email to Ellie. - Leigh}

+ Reasons NOT to give up hope: They're so not over

Ten
The Wave in High Fidelity


It was telling that they included Ashley in the HF wave, when they could've focused on Cranellie, which they did all throughout s5. Including Ashley when she didn't have to be there at all shows that the writers still made an effort to include an aspect of Crash and that it wasn't completely forgotten. Plus, the editing where they cut directly to Ashley after showing Craig could be interpreted as foreshadowing. On this show, it's been more stubble than that in the past.

Nine


They aren't over because their characters still have room to grow and they would do that best with each other. Craig has deep rooted abandonment issues, to have someone come back into his life that he feels left him would help him in the long run. The best person to do that would be his father. Since his father is dead, the next best is Ashley. By dealing with Craig, Ashley would be forced to deal with her avoident tendencies.

Eight


Cranny was never developed as a stand-alone couple, and neither was Jimash. They scream convenience. Crellie, probably the biggest obstacle, doesn't have the history, even if they're the last Craig ship to exist on the show. Craig or Ashley have not show the determination to be with Jimmy or Ellie/Manny as they have shown in their relationship with each other. The writers have not given any of the other couples the same attention, patience and respect they've given to CrAsh.

Seven


The writers never closed the book on CrAsh. They've never indicated that Craig got over Ashley, or that Ashley doesn't have any feelings over Craig. It's all been speculation. The last we heard of Craig's opinion of Ashley was in Venus, and he was still completely in love with her then. He seemed to move on because he had no choice, but that doesn't mean his feelings for Ashley went away. Ashley seems to be running from all of her past problems, so it would be completely believable if she were hiding her true feelings for Craig. The potential for the feelings to resurface is high.

Six


This is a show where two people who spoke one word to each other over 3 years reunite and consider going to college together after a brief 3 month relationship. TPTP are reunion!happy, putting Crash back together (or much less acknowledging they exist) would not be braking any rules they haven't already broken.

Five


CrAsh fans are amongst the most dedicated, active fan bases within the Degrassi community. We've stuck by Crash through the ups and the downs. Our couple has not been active for over 2 years now and we're still just as strong. We aren't going anywhere and the writers know that. They have a tendency to want to please their fans.

Four


Joey and Caitlin broke up in the same two-parter Crash did. They did not even try to hide the similarities in how both Craig and Joey felt the same way about Ashley and Caitlin respectively. They are getting the same "pretend they never existed" treatment as Crash did and they were the most important couple of the entire franchise. Their impact on the show has not been erased because they are not part of the show now, the same rule can apply to Crash.

Three


TPTP love their parallels to the old series. In Holiday, Crash were in the Jaitlin role from "School's Out." Their first times were very similar. There are many small hints to remind the audience that Craig and Ashley are the intended couple to follow in Joey and Caitlin's footsteps. In the majority of Jaitlin's episodes Crash is not far behind. If Jaitlin were ever to return to the series, Crash would continue to follow.

Two


Diana and the rest of the AA's worked so hard to put the Crash package together in order to be heard. Many other fanbases followed in our footsteps but the executive producer only mentioned two: Crash and Sean/Emma (a favored couple by the writers). It was a relief to learn that it was received and everyone in the studio knows we exist. Plus, the writers might get some inspiration from it as the walk to their office.

One


They do angst the best. They do the love story the best. They do light hearted moments best. They feel the most realistic out of all the pairings. They dominated a majority of the seasons they existed and the writers usually return to the couples that took place in the spotlight. They are the only couple to be labeled Degrassi's #1 power couple by a direct media source. The way they were written shows that they were intended to be endgame, let's hope the writers follow through!