Degrassi Episodes: Top ten favorite/Top ten least favorite
 

Well, there IS a thread like this it's more random. (And apparently, I can't use the search function...) I just it would be fun to compare lists of everyone's favorite episodes to least favorite and just see what people like in this show. And of course, this is meant to be fun so I'll ease on the bashing. Without further ado:

My Top 10 LEAST favorite episodes:

10. Total Eclipse of the Heart - I don't mind episodes about Marco's sexuality, mean after all would all the relationship-y episodes of Degrassi be shoving their heterosexuality in our faces? However, it's really the Dylan episodes that has Marco's character development screeching to a halt. This episode reaches the top of my most hated Marco/Dylan episodes and I just wish Marco just left the guy behind in Moonlight Desires.

9. Got My Mind Set on You - I'm guessing this was the writers' experiment to see if Danny and Derek can carry an episode. Just judging their roles afterward, it's safe to say the experiment didn't work.

8. Eye of the Beholder - Even by season one standards, this one is pretty bad. Pretty of cringe-worthy stuff here.

7. The Power Of Love - Wow, way to cap off the season guys, a Joey/Caitlin plot. Nothing wrong with the adults getting time on Degrassi, but this just wasn't good or interesting at all and the silly thing with the fire....Sean's suplot with Snake pretty much saved this one from being lower.

6. If You Leave - Emma at her worst. Horrendous followup episode to JT's murder, and shouldn't it be TOBY feeling this way? Why does Emma had to be the focal point of that episode? Didn't she already get enough time with Sean that season?

5. Foolin' - An episode where JT and Liberty do nothing except b---h at each other for 22 minutes? Where's my popcorn? Oh and shut up Liberty.

4. Never Gonna Give You Up - A bad, bad omen to things of what was to come.

3. Bark at the Moon - Ladies and Gentlemen, the MOST POINTLESS EPISODE IN DEGRASSI HISTORY. Let see - Paige and Mr. Oleander were kaput at the beginning of season five and it was just a plot point for Manny vs. Paige. Manny/Spinner were kaput after only a couple of episodes and we never saw them together. And Chester (yuck) was gone after the season. Pointless.

2. Back in Black - After the greatness that was Time Stands Still...THIS follows it? THIS? REALLY? REALLY? Oh and a good reminder to why this show should never do anything stunt-related. I can't believe there was a director that looked at that Jet Ski scene and said: "Okay, leave it in." Maybe they were behind schedule.

1. Turned Out - This episode just wasn't bad to me, it was downright irritating. Just the whole tone of the episode just really, really, really annoyed me. To JT's backstory being retconned, to Liberty's repugnant attitude toward JT, to so much stuff being crammed in the episode, it was just a low point in the series for me and it took JT being STABBED AND DYING to wash away all my bad feelings towards Jiberty. Oh, and didn't I tell you to shut up Liberty?

0. Don't Dream It's Over - This episode does not deserve a number. That would imply it had worth. I can't cannot put into words how much I disliked this episode. I...I...really, really, really hate it. Well, I guess it DID have ONE redeeming factor:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y259/MegaJ/23wla3p.gif

This is a good idea. Let's just try not to turn into my ship/character vs your ship/character thread.

My Top Ten Favorite Episodes (this was harder to compile):

10. The Bitterest Pill - Anything that makes me like Jiberty deserves recognition.

9. Rock & Roll High School - This was just a whole lot of fun, the most fun I've had watching this show. A great break from all the drama season three brought.

8. Time Stands Still - So far, the biggest turning point in Degrassi's run that saw several changes in a lot of characters and truly affected the show. It wasn't exactly Columbine, but it was a more realistic display of school violence.

7. Eye of the Tiger - This episode just crushed me. Spinner desperately wanting forgiveness for his role in the shooting, and in the end not getting it. Everything Back in Black should've been.

6. Going Down the Road - This episode gets too much hate for the Kevin Smith-ness, but I thought his role here was fine and it was overshadowed by everyone else's drama. Two bittersweet breakups, and Melissa McIntyre, Jake Epstein, Pat M. and Stacie M. KILLED this episode. From Ashley's emotions from being happy to see Craig to arguing with him seconds later and going to London hurt, to Craig's meltdown and feelings of not being wanted and his mental illness and Joey and Caitlin's painful decision to break up...man. Why can the Degrassi actors act like this more often?

5. Heart of Glass - This episode needs to be shown to anyone who thinks Degrassi lost it's touch with the new kids. I don't much care for Melinda Shankar as an actress but she made that episode and throttled it. Big props to whomever directed the scene in Alli's bedroom after she did the deed. And the music was perfect. And the ending left me feeling warm and fuzzy.

4. Holiday - The Ashley/Manny/Craig triangle finally gets laid out in the open. Joey/Caitlin's "Will They or Won't They (get together)?" storyline was actually captivating, though this episode loses points for derailing Sydney in a short time just so we side with Caitlin.

3. Tears Are Not Enough - Believe it or not...I didn't like When Doves Cry that much. It was okay, the scenes of Craig's father beating him were to Narmy for me. Season two's finale hit all the right notes, and made Jake Epstein a heavy hitter for good reason. They gave him the ball and he ran with it to the end zone.

2. Don't You Want Me? - A++++++++++ WOULD WATCH AGAIN. One of my biggest complaints about season 6 was that we started moving away from Degrassi High and...well this episode didn't really address those complaints but Alex's dilemma, from being thisclose to being kicked out on the streets, to her schoolwork, to her relationship made the character for me. It's a shame the relationship died a couple of episodes into season 7 and Deanna hasn't found steady US work. Had she stayed, I think she would've been another heavy hitter season 7.

1. Shout - Okay. This episode isn't better than some of the ones that I chose for this list. But it's my favorite because this episode IS Degrassi. Like, if I had to explain just what this show is and how it's so much better than anything the CW/WB has thrown at teenagers, this would be the episode I would use. Despite being an educational show, Degrassi did what no other show would do (that I've seen) with this topic - Paige DOESN'T tell anyone about the rape, tries to bottle it in, and the first person she tells is a FRIEND, not an adult. She basically did everything wrong, which separates Degrassi from being a total PSA/Very Special Episode type of show. Also, while sometimes the child actors falter, they are capable of great performances like this episode showed. So yes, Shout is my favorite Degrassi episode ever.

My least fave list: I'm probably tougher on the 2-parters because they have the time to make something happen. Or because I actually had expectations *cough* Craig episodes *cough* so expect me to give those particular episodes a hard time since I'm a fan of Craig angst.

10. Didn't We Almost Have It All? - This episode best represents why the originals have to go. Hearing Liberty give her little speech about her past made me realize that by this point the show tends to either unintentionally mock the character's past or when I try to mentally summarize a character's history, it strikes me as extremely soapy. Not to place blame just on Lib's episodes...I think from this point on I tend to laugh at the originals who come back because how much more drama can they have? It's not the fault of this episode alone but it's just when I realized that they need to let go.

9. Uptown Girls - I was finally starting to feel Mia as a teen mom and understand her actions...then this episode happened. Do all the characters HAVE to be famous? Why do the writers think this makes them likable and easy to relate to?

8. Total Eclipse of The Heart - Wasn't this that episode where Marco comes out to his dad onstage during a live performance of Hamlet? That was weird. No wait, that was Tell It To My Heart right? Meh, whatever. I can't remember what happened in either episode. That Tim guy was interesting though...I was most interested in his family situation once he came out. More so than Marco's. Marco's coming out storylines outside of Pride have always felt safe. While watching you know he's going to come out on top and just fine. As a result, Marco's episodes feel very anti-climatic.

7. Never Gonna Give You Up - I can't say DDIO because I love the Terri bounce. I love to watch that one youtube video over and over. But this episode? There was a time when I actually stopped watching season 3. I'm not sure what the reason was...was I that much of a Crash/Craig fan and the triangle bugged the crap out of me, was I busy with school, or was it Terri's episodes? I'm just glad they brought Rick back in season 4 because the actor is a talented guy.

6. Lost In Love - No huge reason. Just plain uninterested in the romantic drama. I don't think I have even watched part 1 yet.

5. Relax - While I love to watch the earlier seasons during marathons, this is the one I can do without. There's a lot of filler episodes that are probably worthy of my list but I think this one takes it.

4. Here Comes Your Man - Season 6 alienated a good chunk of the fandom during this season for a variety of reasons. Maybe I'm picking on this one episode but it set the tone for a season filled with relationship drama and didn't focus on the issues. Stephen Stohn even came out and admitted this.

3. Power of Love - More of a filler episode and less of a finale. I think out of all the finales, this one had less of that vibe. The end of school dance helped give it that seasonal closure feeling but it just wasn't memorable to me.

2. Going Down The Road - I agree with MegaJ...it is a good episode. The acting was some of the best out of the entire series. I don't mind re-watching this episode. While I think Kevin Smith's movie should have been more in the background like it was in West End Girls, I wasn't too bothered by it's presence. It existing was silly but still thoughtful.

But I have to point a finger at it because if his appearance didn't happen we wouldn't have had the kids at Degrassi have instant fame. We wouldn't have movie premieres, actresses, musicians, and models. This is the episode that jumped the shark, no question in my mind. From this point on TPTB want to make every character into a star or have celebrity encounters. No doubt because this episode with Kevin Smith. It gave them room to do that. Eff you Kevin Smith. There might have been some snoozers in later season 4 but this is the episode that changed everything for the long term and I hate it for that.

1. What's It Feel Like To Be A Ghost? - I think people like this episode because OMG COCAINE!!! Coke is so go there right? Not here because nothing really addressed Craig's addiction and while his nose bleed kinda sorta makes you feel bad for him, nothing connects you to the character at all. Most people hated him for the episode and I really doubt it did anything to help others deal with substance abuse Which so not Degrassi; it should have had a don't do drugs vibe but also should have tried to be sympathetic towards addiction and let you into their world for a moment. And we don't have a clue why he's using other than he's a rockstar now and, this I'll give the show credit for at least semi-understanding addictive behavior, full of every excuse. We don't see symptoms other than some sniffling and snorting. All we see is another love triangle with too much emphasis on Ellie and Manny and not enough on the issue - CRAIG'S ISSUE. Hands down the worst attempt Degrassi did with substance abuse.

I never watched the b-plot. I was just wondering what Craig was up to, which tends to always leave me disappointed now. Ah well, at least Epstein is hot.

0. Degrassi Goes Hollywood - Utterly ridiculous, full of cliches, and the dramatic moments were laughable. I don't mind cheese but I don't like to choke on it. I don't agree with creating some Disney-esque movie over the angst and issues that Degrassi the series is known for. I didn't feel any sort of emotion for any of the characters involved. I actually almost resent them by this point because the acting out when there is a crisis is so over the top (and out of the element of what the series used to stand for) and at the end of the day they are going to get what they want. Or if they don't achieve that, they've still come a lot farther than average teens could ever dream. I felt that I could predict the whole thing before I had even seen it; I wasn't surprised by any of the plot twists. And the pacing was so off...the climax happened in the last ten minutes and left me going what just happened here? Was there a point? Was there a resolution? Stick with 30 minutes, Degrassi. And lay off the fluff and Hollywood boulevard dreams that happen in a snap for what was supposed to be regular teens

The perk is that alot of this is forgettable and most likely won't ever be referenced again other than Cassie Manny is back from LA. WHAT A SEND OFF...for a handful of our fave originals.

That's the weird thing about this show, it's a pretty educational show but at the same time, there's this weird morality to some of the stuff they show. The moral in this episode is apparently, "Don't be sympathetic to drug users, they use people and hurt feelings." But here's the thing: That's not necessarily a BAD moral. Because drug users sometimes do those things to other people and sometimes you SHOULD leave them alone. Not to mention this episode was a comeuppance to Craig and how he treated Manny and played with Ellie's feelings.

It's very weird, but at the same time it makes Degrassi Degrassi.

Wow great thread idea! Loved reading the responses so far even though I don't agree with all of them...

My top 10 least favourite episodes:
Lots of episodes I'm kind of... meh about. But these are the ones that really bothered me.

10. Together Forever: I think part of the reason why this episode bothers me is because I was misled by spoilers prior to the episode. In season 4/5 I was still in high school, and I was a huge JT/Liberty fan. I loved how they weren’t this perfect hot teen couple, and I always go for the "nice" male characters on TV. I loved how JT loved a plain girl like Liberty. Anyway, I was always so sensitive to the fact that JT & Liberty might get shafted for other "hotter" characters. Word on the net was that Liberty was going to have her baby in this episode, so after Lexicon of Love part 2 aired up here in Canada I was allllll excited for this promo. The episode was called TOGETHER FOREVER. That, to my 16 year old brain, indicated JT/Liberty + baby epicness. And then… Craig’s never ending love triangle was on my screen. Toby’s "the adoption parents are in the hall" line was not a good enough ending for me.

9. This Charming Man: This is the only episode of season 3 that I’ve only watched once. It’s just plain boring. Honestly, I can’t even really remember what happens in it. Season 3 was so awesome that this episode sticks out as really bad to me.

8. Working for the Weekend: I think the whole point of this episode was for Shane to be all sexy and beat someone up. Okay so obviously there was more to it than that, but this episode was boring, stupid, and unrealistic at the same time. So their little store just happened to be the victim of a robbery? Coincidence much? I know the Degrassi kids are cursed, but usually there’s a purpose to all the crimes that that place on this show. This time it just seemed like the writers had to throw this in just because it’s Degrassi and they need something humongous to happen. This is one example of season 6’s "OMG OMG OMG how many times can we break the law?" theme.

7. Love My Way: Two things about this episode – firstly this was the episode that made me realize that college storylines just weren’t going to work. Paige/Spinner had their time, but now it just seems silly. Secondly, this was the worst in a 6 part Palex episode. I don’t know why the writers decided to kill off a character and then focus the entire 2nd half on only two characters. It was just plain boring to watch Palex break up and then get back together and then break up and then get back together again.

6. Uptown Girl: My reasons are basically the exact same as Nicole’s. I was one of the few people who loved Mia in season 7, which is surprising considering I’m such a huge JT/Liberty fan. After the craptastic season 6, I was suuuuuuuper supportive of the new cast and Mia was leading the way for me. I was happy that TNG had a real teen mom character like Spike. This episode ruined any realism for her character. What teen mom can relate to struggling with a modeling career? This episode (and the entire storyline) made Mia look like a terrible MOTHER (because that is first and foremost what she is).

5. Didn’t We Almost Have It All?: Again, IA with Nicole. As someone who is a fan of Liberty you think that I would’ve liked the fact that she got a main plot in season 8 as opposed to the other grads, but by this point I was completely over the old cast. This is the 2nd worst college episode of Degrassi IMO.

4. Lost in Love: Yawn. A 2 part episode without an issue. This is the star example of the "Degrassi is watered down thanks to The N’s new target audience" argument. Why did they ever think that this episode would get good ratings on CTV?

3. Degrassi Goes Hollywood: Everyone knows I hate this episode/movie/whatever it is. It should not have "Degrassi" in the title because it clearly has absolutely nothing to do with the core principles of the show.

2. Touch of Grey: A painful episode to watch. The worst college episode of Degrassi. I had to suffer through this episode with my housemate at the time. The whole time she was like "why are you watching this?" This episode is sooooo preachy. I’m still :lol: at the negative consequence to marijuana that the writers came up with. As a mega Skins fan, I don’t get what the big deal is.

1. The Bitterest Pill: To fully understand my hatred towards this episode I have to set up my situation at the time. This episode aired when I was in my first year of university. I always watched Degrassi but season 5 really made me a psycho uber fan thanks to non-traditional teen drama characters like JT and Liberty getting major storylines. When rumours first circulated that JT was going to die I was conflicted. On the one hand, I was such an uber that I thought Degrassi could do no wrong. On the other, I loved JT more than I had ever loved a television character before. By the time the episode aired, we pretty much knew that he really was the one to die. I tried to prepare myself beforehand, but it didn’t work at all.
You guys probably remember that Rock This Town & The Bitterest Pill aired on CTV first and they aired back to back. Season 6 was the first season that CTV was airing 2 episodes per night. That was one of the big problems with this episode. I watched Rock This Town in my residence common room (luckily by myself). Even though I knew that JT was going to die, actually seeing it was heartbreaking. Like… he DIED. It was crazy. But then like 5 seconds later this episode comes on and Toby and Liberty are going on a road trip. This episode takes place like a week or 2 after RTT and to me that’s when this episode should’ve aired. At the time I was in shock. I was not prepared to see an episode that was somewhat normal. Everything bothered me. It just didn’t seem sad enough. I wanted the entire episode to just be shots of all the characters crying and in pain like I was. I didn’t like hearing the same old cheery background music and shots of school buses in the morning. The subplot… the whole time I was wondering why I should even care about this. Someone I love just died, so why am I watching Ellie’s relationship drama? It was way too soon.
As well, the actual storyline in this episode is stupid. WHEN WOULD THIS HAPPEN??? There are so many kids who have to deal with the death of a fellow student. There are so many teenage girls who have lost boyfriends at a young age. I would be shocked if there was even ONE who dealt with the situation by getting with their bf’s best friend. Like… NO. We’re talking about pain, suffering, and death. To turn this storyline into a love triangle was ridiculous.

Wow now I’m all worked up :lol:

We should do a list like "top 10 most underrated episodes" or something like that. I have so many episodes I love that most people hate. :P

Bump.

Mine would be Relax (Don't kill me!). I'm sorry, I just think that it's a really nice, fluffy Liberty episode with no drama and told a good story effectively. I guess in the long run it's pointless but as a filler episode, I've seen worse.

My Top Ten Favorite Episodes.

10. Everything She Wants - I was always very conflicted about Mia as a teen mom in season 7. I would feel guilty because I wanted her to go out and have a good time. I wanted her to be like everyone else and live it up. So I guess I understood her on some level (for the record I don't want kids. I'm fully aware of how selfish I am and am content with cats)...so if that was what intention the show was going for, it worked for me. It was moving to see her come to terms with her responsibilities by the end of season 7 once she realized that she can't be what everyone wants her to be. Mia's character becomes interesting when you see how vulnerable she is to other people's expectations and sort of molds herself to fit in certain situations. It's just too bad everything went downhill and she became a model and wasn't the token teen mom character anymore.

9. Death or Glory - I've always viewed Spinner as a character overrated by the fans. For whatever reason, I don't see what other fans see and I often feel like (generally speaking) they overlook Spin's mistakes and will practically hang other characters who have made smaller lapses of judgment. But each to their own.

I'm just saying this because I think this episode was what made me appreciate Spinner's angst post-shooting and redemption with his friends in season 5 more. There's often a barrier between Spinner's actions/reasoning/emotions and my viewing self but this episode got to me. It was suspenseful and I was generally worried about him as I watched.

:lol: Hope that came out right. I'm not trying to hate on Spin by any means. It was just his season 7 storyline arc that made me more open to him and likely to catch his episodes post-school shooting.

8. Don't You Want Me? - I'll actually rewatch the a - plot quite often. I'm a fan of troubled families and how they react to stress so this was a treat for me. Always have favored Alex as well so it was a good ride to see how she tries to maintain her tough exterior and try to handle situations while she ends up in a situation she never predicted she would ever be in. I like that it ended with her mother taking back Chad, not that this is something I would wish on Alex but sometimes the bitter truth is that a woman will favor her man over her child. I don't really feel anything but sadness for her though...it was just a sad situation over all. I wish Alex could have gotten the post-storyline that she deserved.

:high_five: To MegaJ for listing it as well. I thought I was the only one who loved Alex's storyline.

7. Gangsta Gangsta - While the break-up of the Sean/Craig friendship still weighs heavily on my heart :P, I love how Sean goes all bad boy with the help of the candy bandits. There were a lot of transformations in season 3 but this one was my favorite and I like where he ended up; it was interesting as he became "bad" and heartfelt and honest as he took responsibilities for his actions in a later episode. I am choosing to remember Sean as he was during this time.

Also, season 3 had some of the best music montages and my favorite one is in this episode with the candy bandits walking down the school hallway like they owned the place and that Evren song is playing in the background. I've always loved seeing the teens in the school hallways; it reminds me of how your whole world sort of revolves around your locker.

6. Jagged Little Pill - This episode does have some of the cheese that season 1 and later seasons of Degrassi as they introduce the new cast is known for. But I've always enjoyed the campyness the show as long as they don't overdo it. It's kind of silly at times but I remember back when the show was new to the-n this episode was pretty taboo. I think I finally got to see it in a marathon post a season 2 half season break, possibly closer to the season 3 premiere. Was it really shocking or go there? I got into the show when I was 18 so no...but I still found the episode very enjoyable and I like the constant self-evaluation that Ashley does of herself. I can relate to her fear of knowing what she really wants but still wants to please everyone quite a bit. She's such a person who internalizes so much and then spits it back out, often in a freak out like this episode. She doesn't know what she wants; she wants to be everything because she's a kid who thinks she has to be an adult. This was her rebellion.

5. When Doves Cry - This episode is the reason I got into Degrassi. I was home over winter break and my younger brother brought up this show called Degrassi and described this abused boy named Craig. Back then this episode was also taboo and it took The-N about 4 months to re-air it (which arrived to me via VHS tape). I knew a little bit about Craig's abusive father and how he was dealing from Drive and it was such a tease. When I finally saw WDC I celebrated with a Papa John's pizza and vodka. I still watch this episode (along with TANE) the most to this day. Season 2 Craig is the type of male character I gravitate towards the most with a TV series. I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe one day it will come up in therapy =P

4. Standing In The Dark - I don't mind when the episodes revist issues because an individual has a separate past and a unique reaction to a traumatic event (or even a not so traumatic one; I believe that everyone has a right to their emotions and what might not be a huge deal to one person, strikes another individual much harder). But the issue in this episode would impact anyone. Darcy was a great candidate for the "roofied and raped" storyline because like she said it herself, things don't happen to people like her. Over the storyline arc, it made her question all her values and her journey was moving and entertaining at times. Aside from Craig's child abuse plot, Darcy's rape and painful recovery over it is probably the storyline that really hit home for me. Not that I've necessarily been through the same situations as either character but you know it's a good episode when you feel like a character has extended beyond just being a fictional character.

3. Voices Carry - This was the episode I anticipated the most; Craig angst and Crash? I was a very happy girl. I can actually remember waiting for it to download and what class I came rushing home from so I could sit down and watch it. Hell, I think I remember what I was eating and drinking while I sat down for that first viewing. When I look back on being a Degrassi fan, this is when I felt that I was at my peak emotionally.

Out of all the Craig issues, I'm still most impressed with his pre and post diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It didn't sugarcoat the issue and there was no wanting to be rescued. It was a sick guy who did things that the viewers and also other TV characters were confused by and some didn't like despite that he was ill. But I think at the end of the episode it was hard not to have sympathy for Craig. He has been plagued by tragedy but it didn't come across as over the top in Voices Carry. This storyline gave us a hint as to what it might be like to be bipolar and also dug into the reactions that others have while watching a loved one spiral out of control. Every moodswing Craig had, Ashley had to react...powerful acting from both of them (although I think their best scene of angst was the goodbye in GDTR). And there was the extra layer of a parent in denial that his kid is emotionally unstable. This storyline is one that I enjoy thinking about and trying to understand all the characters (Craig, Ash, Joey, even Kate Kerwin, etc) who were involved in it.

2. Time Stands Still - I'd be surprised if it wasn't in everyone's top 10, closer towards the number 1 mark. This episode defines what the series is trying to do. It had fabulous development that allowed the viewer to sympathize some with an outcast like Rick despite what his character had done in the previous season. Or at least it explained why a troubled guy like him snapped. He was the perfect candidate for a storyline like this. The episode seemed so effortless; I mean this in a postive way. It felt natural. It was something that could happen anywhere to the Ricks, Tobys, Spinners, Jays, and Jimmys we all probably knew growing up. Maybe that's a bit stereotypical but high school often runs that way. Degrassi should focus on the issues and this felt like a warning, a list of signs, but it didn't come across as too preachy. The scene of Rick wandering down the hall, no music, lighting slightly dimmer than usual, is memorable for me to this day.

1. Tears Are Not Enough - The episode that got a young Jake Epstein a Gemini. It always amazes me to watch him hold his own with Hugh Dillon and they are a convincing pair as a troubled father/son relationship. Craig has a lot of reactions to the abuse and his father's death, all which are interesting to think about and are realistic no matter how much they vary. This is the episode that defines Craig Manning IMO. It summed up his troubled past but also left some inklings that the boy produce some pretty decent moodswings. But none of his rage, his sadness, his emptiness, every emotion, was ever over the top when you think about the blows life dealt him. The b-plots were light hearted and complimented the episode well and the episode ended on one of the sweetest, most sincere moments of coupledom with Ashley and Craig starting to slow dance (according to Craig's journal it was "like they just fit") and the direction of the characters really made it come across to the viewer that way. No heavy conversation, they just look like fit and Craig was allowed some relief of his grief for a moment.

Long post is long. That took me awhile. I think we should do other fave/least faves lists as well. :nod: Underrated episodes sounds fun. Maybe list our fave minis as well? Fave b-plots? There's a lot we could do.

Top 10 Favourite Episodes

10. Mercy Street: One of those subplots that you would only ever see on Degrassi, but more importantly this episode is a great setup for Time Stands Still. It’s difficult to have your main characters involved in a bullying storyline like this without making them seem cruel. The Terri storyline gave the writers the perfect opportunity to show this storyline from both points of view with ambiguous moral standards. On the one hand, you have Emma and Paige who feel that they are standing up for their friend and doing the right thing. At the same time, you have characters like Ellie and Sean who notice that they’re just making the situation even worse. I love how you can watch this episode, and make up your own decision about what is right in a situation like this.

9. Bust a Move: I am somewhat conflicted with this episode. If we were doing a "Top 10 subplots" list this would probably be #1. If we were doing a "Top 10 main plots" list this episode would definitely not make it. However, this is for my favourite episodes in general so it makes it to #9. I don’t care for Manny and Jay at all. But Darcy’s storyline in this episode was so well written, I wish she got the main plot! I could write a whole essay on this little subplot, but instead I’ll try and keep this brief. Like all of my favourite Degrassi episodes, this one has scenes that are so emotional to me. Darcy crying the next day after she had sex with Peter, Darcy waking up the next morning and realizing that everything is okay, the Peter/Darcy handholding moment, Darcy learning to trust other guys at the end, "I don’t even talk to my real family, why would I talk to you?" etc. The storyline of this episode was Darcy hitting rock bottom. She completely compromised her values and did something that she promised herself she would never do. Think back to episode 701: the one thing that Darcy swore she would never do is have sex before she’s married. Now look at her. She’s a completely different person with different values. But if Darcy can find her way back after everything she’s gone through and smile again, then it shows that people can get through absolutely anything. This subplot was everything Degrassi should be – honest, sincere, emotional, coming of age, political, etc.

8. Tears Are Not Enough: Like Nicole, this is one of my favourite Craig episodes. It’s absolutely amazing. I just can’t get over the scene before Albert dies, when Craig is yelling at him through the car window. It’s as if Craig is finally able to understand that all of this really is his father’s fault. Jake is amazing in that moment. And then when he comes home and tells Joey that he hates his Dad – very emotional.

7. Accidents Will Happen: No, I didn’t choose this episode just because of its controversy. I think this episode is so real, and so sincere. The way that Manny apologizes to Craig and feels like it’s her fault, the way that she really is terrified of giving birth and is desperately trying to get everyone else to understand. It’s easy to be on the outside and make judgements about a person, but to actually be in that situation and face that kind of reality, there’s no clear right and wrong anymore. I know a lot of people are critical of this storyline, because there is no follow-up. But I like it for that very reason. There didn’t need to be. Manny got an abortion, and she moved on with her life. It’s not like she’s going to let it happen again, but she was happy with her decision. I respect Degrassi for that.

6. Standing in the Dark: This episode has my favourite Degrassi "I love you" moment, when Peter just blurts it out and then after says "I’m gonna barf." :lol: it’s sweet and funny all at the same time. Besides that, this is another great "issue" storyline that made me realize that Degrassi can still be good after the crap of season 6. This episode also made me like Peter. I was never a Peter fan at all, but I really loved how they focused on his point of view and his dilemma of whether or not to tell Darcy what he thought happened. But I think the saddest moment in this episode is right before the cutting scene, when Darcy’s Mom asks her if everything is okay. You can see it in Darcy’s eyes that she’s thinking about telling her Mom everything. Instead, she bottles it up inside and takes the pain out on herself. Perhaps if Darcy had said something in that moment, she would’ve been okay later on.

5. When Doves Cry: This episode is amazing, and it kicked off what is (in my opinion) Degrassi’s best season. The issue was handled with so much sensitivity, and it really was focused on Craig’s inner struggle. Sure, there was sort of a Craig/Emma/Manny thing going on, but the main storyline at its core was about what it’s like to be a victim of child abuse. There are scenes in this episode that I will never forget. Of course Jake’s performance in the graveyard scene is brilliant, but also the very last scene in the episode was so well written and well acted.

4. Ghost in a Machine: I really loved how we got to watch Paige’s individual struggle in this episode and go through all of the emotions with her. The flashbacks I think really helped emphasize the fear and how that one night is still getting in the way of her entire life. I'm fascinated by the fact that so few incidents of sexual assault ever get reported to the police. I'm glad that Degrassi tackled such an interesting issue. You get the sense that it really is difficult for Paige to have to stand up in front of parents, friends, her boyfriend, etc. and describe what happened. In some ways, it just seems easier not to. But like Ms. Sauve says at the end, she did the right thing by telling the truth.

3. Dressed in Black: There seems to be a pattern developing here :lol: Like all of my favourite episodes, I like this one because it focuses on the inner struggles of an individual character and has scenes that really get to me emotionally. One of my favourite scenes ever is the Craig/Ashley Shakespeare scene. It’s amazing, and I love how the writers took that and connected it to the Jimmy/Ashley story. The way that Craig "tests" out what it’s like to be his father, by putting the glasses on. The way that Ashley takes off the wig at the end. The way that Craig lets Ashley speak to the class about what they are trying to get across with their presentation. Brilliant.

2. Whisper to a Scream: A lot of people would probably say this is their favourite. It probably would be mine too if it wasn’t for the lame subplot :lol: This episode is so real and so heartfelt. I don’t even think I need to say anything about it. Degrassi was able to capture a feeling that a lot of teenagers have to deal with. I can't think of another show that has been able to portray that same emotion of desperately wanting to be somebody else.

1. How Soon Is Now? To me, this episode had everything. Both the main and subplot were strong. I could watch this episode over and over again and I will never get tired of it. Stacey and Adamo are adorable, and the moment when Marco comes out to Ellie is super sweet. The mainplot was equally as great, and it was actually really empowering. I LOVE how Paige breaks up the fight between Spinner & Dean and then tells him to "get ready" because she’s coming after him this time "for real." She’s not going to let Spinner fight her battles for her. Not only is she being strong and powerful, but she’s also showing that she’s the better person by doing this the right way. I think I’ll always remember that scene. It’s so powerful to me.

Nice list! That was really hard to pick a top 10. I almost included Accidents Will Happen for a similar reason; I've come to appreciate Cranny's season 3 relationship for being something that I've seen often happen in high school (although not all relationships like theirs ended in pregnancy) and though heartbreaking, it's realistic.

I'm now debating on having Mercy Street, Ghost In The Machine, and Dressed In Black in my top ten now too. :lol: Also enjoy Live To Tell (SNARCY!), but basically I liked crazy!Darcy's whole struggle to admit that she was raped and start to heal from it. West End Girls is also a solid episode for me, enjoyed both a-plot and b-plot and Kevin Smith as a visiting celeb wasn't too in your face.

I'm having a hard time getting started on my Most Underappreciated List aka Episodes I Like That Everyone Else Hates but I know I'd include:
- Owner of a Lonely Heart - Prostitutes on Degrassi?! Hell yeah! I freakin' love Devon. I'm his only fan. I think I liked this episode because I don't take it seriously at all, which might defeat the purpose since I think Degrassi was trying to tackle an issue but whatever. I also enjoyed the Jay/Manny towards the beginning of their relationship because they didn't take it seriously at all. They were funny (I think Mike and Cassie both do better in comedic roles) and it was refreshing. I think if they had remained a quiet b-plot couple for awhile longer and there was no WTF!Real Engagement, people might have warmed up to them more.

- Drive - This was a light hearted episode with the guys just chilling out...lots of classic funny lines were dropped. I saw this episode prior to When Doves Cry so I also appreciate it getting a bit more serious at times and the viewer realizes that Craig is testing the waters and trying to figure out his family situation.

For Favorite B-plots I'm currently kicking around the idea of:
- Bust A Move- Basically for the same reasons as Erin.

- Crazy Little Thing Called Love (I think this is the episode) - I think this was the episode where Mr. Perino was treating Danny and Derek unfairly in class, even to the point of seeming abusive. Maybe I shouldn't include it since I can't remember the details but I know I really enjoyed the scene where Derek approaches Mr. Simpson and they head into the principal's office to talk about what's going on. It's a shame this plot was just dropped.

Nice lists!

kaleidocat. - Nice to see someone else loved Don't You Want Me....I agree that seeing character's home lives make them seem all the more real. The financial struggle/moral dilemma Alex was facing was well written and not only that, she had her relationship to worry about. It felt very true to life on how some kids actually live in (North) America. Also agreed on Spinner's overratedness. I liked him until maybe around season 6 when he started getting all judgmental IRT to Marco/Darcy, granted he was right to be angry at Darcy. Though I can relate to his post high school life...I'm a college educated guy who's AWESOME at stocking Wal-Mart's dry grocery section.

Oh-Canada - Whisper To A Scream nearly knocked The Bitterest Pill out my list. I think this is when TPTB really took notice of Stacey Farber. Her acting wasn't the greatest season two, and they gave her this pretty heavy storyline and she did very well with it. Also, it was the start of the Paige/Ellie frenemy thing. And FINALLY someone recognizes the greatness that is Dressed in Black with makes my "Underrated episodes list!"

I'm definitely going to do an underrated list sometime soon! :D this is fun

Top 10 Episodes I Love That Most People Hate :lol:

In no particular order...

10. Sweet Child O' Mine: I guess this was one of the first episodes that focused on the younger characters, so perhaps that's why everyone seemed to hate it so much. Personally I think this is a great episode! It showed the real struggles of a teen mom: trying to find money, balancing school with parenting, etc. It's too bad this storyline got dropped, because I thought it was really interesting.

9. I Want Candy: This is one of those episodes that people tend to overlook, because it's not as dramatic as the rest of season 3. However, I love this episode! The whole skipping school for a day was relatable + Ashley's tendancy to take everything way to seriously was so in character for her. The best part is the scne with her mom at the end, when she cannot stop laughing. That scene is so cute! I can totally understand Ashley in this episode; I'm exactly like her in a lot of ways.

8. Got My Mind Set On You: I curse you Danny and Derek for not being as hot and angst ridden as the usual male stereotypes on teen dramas!!! At least that's how I feel people reacted to this episode :lol: It's not like this is the greatest episode Degrassi has ever done. It's supposed to be stupid and funny. I love Danny and Derek because I think they are *actually* real. I love how they put the racial profiling aspect into the episode, and Derek's "How to lose your best friend" video was so cute and funny. Plus Johnny made a video about how recycling can change the world! :lmao:

7. Never Gonna Give You Up: I think this episode would actually be somewhat popular if the editors just did a better job with the infamous Terri/Rick scene. But I love the Paige/Spinner storyline in this episode. It was obvious that they all felt really guilty for what happened. Paige told Terri to go off with him, they didn't tell any adult when they knew Rick was abusive, etc. I think the scene in the hospital when Terri's Dad is like "you still think it's under control???" is really sad and also Shane's amazing performance when Spinner attacks Rick. We also get to see Rick's mother in that scene, which makes it seem like he's human, he has a family who loves him just like anyone else.

6. Accidents Will Happen: I know that people don't really hate this episode, but like I said before a lot of people were :mad: because there's no followup. I like it for that reason.

5. Don't Believe the Hype: This is a really brave episode. This episode must've aired in 2002 (?) so a little over a year after 9/11. My favourite part is the classroom scene, when the kids are all debating. You've got Spinner who is like "I don't want to be all racist but I don't want to get blown out of the sky by some terrorist either" vs. Ashley who obviously takes the exact opposite stance. It was all really interesting. Plus the whole "International Day" thing. My high school used to do that all.the.time. I love how the Degrassi characters have different cultures, religions, etc. It makes them more relatable to a wider range of people rather than just white, rich kids like on most teen dramas.

4. Bust a Move Subplot: Again, I already explained this one. I think some people dislike this subplot because the whole "Darcy thinks that having sex with Peter will solve her problems" thing is kind of laughable. But really Darcy thinks that a new sexual experience will help erase her memories of the only other one she has.

3. Ladies Night: So I'm probably like the only person who really likes Anya. People say she's boring - she's not boring, she's just shy. I'm so happy that Degrassi finally has a shy girl character. Lots of girls get treated like crap from their friends and they totally put up with it. I love how Anya finally stands up to Holly J. in this episode. I also love how Craig Kielburger appeared in it :love: best Degrassi guest star ever!

2. With or Without You: Another Anya episode. + Sav too and I love him as well. They are my favourite characters from the new cast. Other than the Riley episodes, I think this is my favourite episode of season 8. Once again, a lot of people hate it for the fact that it deals with characters outside of the Emma, Paige, etc. clan. How do you ever watch new TV show then if you can't handle new characters?.... :look: Anyway, I also love this episode because of whole "impure girl" issue. That is a serious moral issue in the world today and I was happy to see it discussed on Degrassi. You can definitely understand from both sides.

1. Talking in Your Sleep: This is one of the only college episodes of Degrassi that I actually think is good. Some people disagree with the message of this episode. It's like they want to see Griffin severely punished and they desperately need some kind of followup to this storyline. But I love the way that Degrassi took this storyline! It would've been so easy to show no sympathy to Griffin. What he did was wrong, no doubt about that. But... it's a difficult situation. It would *technically* only be a crime if he didn't use a condom. Because come on, she was obviously going to be fine. It's not like everytime you have sex you freak out and obsessively worry that you might be pregnant. At least most people don't act like that. The best part is when Paige is like "I'm not wrong to be scared." And he's like "I know, neither am I." It's so true and so sad!! Another thing I like about this episode is the fact that they didn't make it a gay issue AT ALL. That is not important in this day and age IMO.

Top 10 list of Underrrated Episodes/Episodes everyone hates I love:


10) True Colors - Probably my favorite of the Emma/Sean episodes that aired in season 6. Everything felt pretty natural between them, and Emma's dilemma of staying faithful to Peter while still being in love with Sean was believable. Also, I like the dichotomy of Peter and Sean's dealings with the law, Peter getting a slap on the wrist whereas Sean's behind bars. Then again, he DID hit the guy. And that must be one gracious night jogger since he didn't press charges against street racers. Anyway.

9.) Against All Odds - Believe or not, Degrassi CAN do things subtly. The obvious difference between Chris and Emma wasn't ignored and it wasn't really brought up in a PSAish way ("It's like we're on two different planets."...) And the whole Cranny thing was brought out right in the open.

8.) Dressed in Black - I never saw this episode as Jimmy trying to change Ashley. Just Ashley trying to go back to the way she was in order to please Jimmy since she loved him. But it wasn't working out, and she was just delaying the inevitable break-up. And yes, the performance scene is still awesome to this day.

7.) Jessie's Girl - I see this episode as a huge lampshading of just how sucky Ellie's life can be. I mean, seriously. Her mentor making out with her boyfriend. Only that can happen to Ellie. Good episode though, and I liked the way Stacey Farber delivered the "****" line.

6.) Bust a Move - A lot of fun mixed in with a powerful B-plot. This was a more believable road trip than DGH and of course, we had Janny!

5.) Sweet Child o' Mine - I think this was the episode that made me appreciate Mia as a character with her wanting more of a social life but still having to take care of Izzie. The line "You think I never wanted to walk away Lucas? I was 13 years old!...sometimes I still do" broke my heart. The model thing was a mistake for her character and if Nina Dobrev stayed, they probably would've chucked that right out.

4. Heat of the Moment - I just like this episode because featured a pretty unlikable (at that point) character that we're supposed to feel sympathy for. At first, I didn't feel at all sorry for Holly J (gee, the whole school hates me after I've been acting like a complete jerk to everyone I meet. Huh.) but as the character softened, I can definitely see her side. Not to mention this episode had a LOT of discussion on the TWOP message boards and I like episode that can get people riled up.

3.) Hungry Eyes - One of the few Emma episodes I like after her transformation. Plus, I like the callback to her eating disorder. Nice to see that wasn't completely forgotten.

2.) Degrassi Goes Hollywood/Paradise City - Yes. I know it's unrealistic and such. I also think the writers knew and they just had a lot of fun with it and I had a lot of fun watching it. Nice resolution to some hanging plot threads, though I have to say poor Paige. Looks like her high school years WILL be her peak...which isn't all to unrealistic for this movie. Irony, it's delicious.

1.) Talking in Your Sleep - For just about every reason Oh-Canada listed. And the acting by everyone was great, particularly Lauren Collins who picked up a Gemini nom for this episode IIRC.

My Top Ten Favorite Episodes: In no particular order.

10. Heart Of Glass, You'll Be Illin', and Close To Me (I didn't want to waste three of my episodes on the same person)
I never really was a huge fan on the new generation of kids, until this episode aired. Even though the subplot was horrid because I am very Anti-Pia, I loved Melinda's acting overall. It reminded me of some of the classic good plots where they actually covered issues that mattered. All 3 of these covered issues that I have personally been through in some variation, the acting in all three of them were amazing, and it was nice to see some continuity in all of these episodes that the past 4 season basically have been lacking.

9. Talking In Your Sleep
This was pretty much the only good college subplot Degrassi really has had. In fact, most of the college plots that were good feature Paige. I loved how the storyline played out and how Marco, Ellie, and Paige all individually handled it. My only complaint was that this episode never got any follow up, however I loved how they covered HIV in the episode and didn't over dramatize it. Plus they gave all different perspectives and didn't stereotype it. Plus Jane and Darcy were really entertaining. One of the only episodes of Season 7 I enjoyed.

8. The Lexicon Of Love
One of the best. Paige/Alex. Enough said.

7. Total Eclipse Of The Heart
Alot of people dislike this episode, and I can't figure out why, except for feeling bad for Tim, I think that Dylan and Marco, Liberty and JT, and Derek and Danny all got alot more dynamic. I also liked seeing Liberty and Marco confronted with situations that were out of their comfort zones. A nice balance of plot and subplot.

6. Beat It (Parts 1 and 2)
All 3 plots in this episode were interesting. Riley dealing with his sexuality was a nice contrast then what Degrassi had been doing. Plus his and Peter's friendship was a great, and a nice sorta love interest and Fiona and he were terrific. LARPing, this plot was the only one, other then Ladies Night, that made me like Anya, and Dave and Jenna was a nice foreshadowing of what to come. It created some very nice archs for the season and had nice pacing and timing.

5. Pride (Parts 1 and 2)
This was a great episode. Period. And this is the only plot that actually made an adult sub-plot line somewhat interesting. For one, the acting in the episode was great, and the depiction of Marco and Dylan's relationship what surprisingly accurate. Me being a homosexual person probably is a little biased, but I loved it because it featured all of my favorite classic characters and the new generation, Emma, Spike, Snake, Marco, Dylan, Ellie, Paige and Spinner, in good harmony. The storyline was engrossing yet remained realistic, and plus it led to one of the most notorious storylines in Degrassi history.

4. It's Raining Men
My favorite Marco plot ever, other than Pride. Mainly for the reasons it featured Spinner, Marco, and Dylan, all of who acted very accordingly. It's subplot was also great, JT bringing very nice comic relief and expanding on the relationship between him and Manny.

3. Whisper To A Scream
This was the first plot where I actually liked Ellie. Her storyline was carefully balanced, and entertaining. Plus, this was the point where I liked Terri and Ricky, it was on of the great classical episodes that Degrassi stands for, covering an actual issue that millions, like me, have gone through, and yet keeping some comedic essence in it.

2. Shout (Parts 1 and 2)
This was, to me, even stronger then Standing In The Dark was. Paige and Hazel's friendship throughout the whole episode was terrific, and actually made Hazel have some reason to be there. Not to mention the acting, storyline, and followups.

1. Tears Are Not Enough (Parts 1 and 2)
Craig's storyline with his father was the only good one he was ever apart of. And to see how an abused kid reacted to the death of his abuser put alot of dynamic in this episode. This episode was also one, if not the, only good season finale, and it closed some doors as well as opened them.

Honorable Mentions:

1. Degrassi Goes Hollywood:
Yes, we all know Degrassi and Hollywood don't mix, yes we all know this episode was unrealistic, however Degrassi Goes Hollywood was to me, a nice movie. Although I had Craig/Ellie, I loved the followup having her dad with PTS, let's face it, everyone remembered back to Whisper To A Scream, and after about 4 seasons, it was nice to see where that went. Paige/Manny was entertaining, and Marco trying to keep his friendships alive in Hollywood was also a nice touch.

2. Fight For Your Right
A nice Emma storyline with her protesting, and Spinner and Jimmy. Let's face it, does it really get better?

I'll add more later, I am in a bit of a hurry.