Degrassi - Episode 901/902 Discussion- Just Can't Get Enough- 10/4 (CTV) & 10/9 (TeenNick) - Page 2

MegaJ · 10-05-2009, 10:28 AM

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I didn't buy Peter's insecurities at all. Did the writers forget that he came FROM a prep school and that his dad was wealthy in season 5 (and still is wealthy)? So why is he so intimidated by Declan, who has the same background? Plus Peter got money for that atrocious musical and he's emancipated?

It's all about the attitude. Peter, even back in season 5 didn't really seem to embrace his background, unless it was handy (see getting out of trouble in HCYM) or his parents' (or at least his dad's) wealth.

Plus, this could just be a case of "old rich" vs "new rich." Declan and Fiona seem like they were born into a wealthy family as opposed to Peter's dad who seems like he's working 24/7 to make that money.

Mayberry · 10-05-2009, 10:51 AM

See, I thought he did embrace it. He was telling Manny how his father got him the latest camera in Venus; he wasn't groaning when his dad got him a new car in HCYM; he wanted money from Manny for the tape. He's not afraid to say he likes cash or brag about it. Plus, up and moving to Paris is sort of embracing that you have the carefree nature to do so. I have no problem with him being cocky about his money, and I know he's softened up as a character, but that doesn't change the fact that he's living comfortably. A lot more than Spinner, Sean, etc. So why does he care what Declan thinks? The only thing Declan over him is a more extensive vocabulary and a couple new scarves.

Oh-Canada · 10-05-2009, 10:57 AM

I totally see what you're saying but it could also be because Declan's family is supposedly connected to the fashion world and Peter doesn't feel like he fits in there.

Mayberry · 10-05-2009, 11:18 AM

I think that was why I was wondering why it was just this random girl to give him the drugs, with virtually no moment where he's questioning himself. They just had a blonde come in and say, hey this stuff will help. If it had been with someone he'd be conversing with at length, or someone he admired, I can see him being more amped to take it. He could've even admired how sauve Declan was and the blonde could've said oh, yeah, he dabbles in drugs, we all do. Why is he taking advice, let alone drugs, from someone he met for a couple minutes? I didn't get it. I think they could've really used Fiona there. She could've said oh yeah, it makes you feel good for a little while, but it's not good for you, maybe citing the blonde as an example of how bad it can get. Then at least someone he knew fairly well could've hinted at its attraction and danger. Declan did that later, but I thought it should've come earlier and actually from someone more sympathetic. Fiona at least looked like Peter didn't make her skin crawl. Declan just looked like he enjoyed making Peter suffer.

MegaJ · 10-05-2009, 11:26 AM

I think I meant by not embracing it that he was interested in all the perks and toys, but at the end of the day all he wanted was a father. At least I think that's what I meant.

As for Peter's toys such as his camera and new whip, that's a key difference between old rich types and new rich types. New rich (see Peter and Holly J) tend to flaunt their wealth whereas old rich types don't like talking about their money and are used to extravagant parties, big boring social gatherings and such. Remember, in HYCM Peter was riding in his new whip trying to get everyone to look, and walking around with his brand new camera. As opposed to Declan and Fiona in this episode, they arrive in a nice car but they weren't really bringing any sort of attention onto themselves (seem like they were kinda quiet about their entrance in Degrass) until Chantay came barging through.

Plus, Declan oozes with quiet confidence and smarm and hits on Mia brazenly and Peter isn't really that type of guy and even though Peter's rich, it doesn't seem like those big schmoozefests aren't his type of thing.

Oh and re-watching the episode, Alli exclaims "When did our school become some white version of Fame?" Oh, lampshade hanging.

Mayberry · 10-05-2009, 11:56 AM

I thought about that. But then I hear he has enough cash to support himself in Europe. His cash. I'm sorry, but that's a really lucky kid.

It's not like he saved up for it. I thought it was way too easy for him and Peter's situation came off more convenient to me. Declan's probably living off Daddy's money so in comparison, I say Peter's been pretty blessed by the writers too.

But that's tied back to DGH so......

lasha4god · 10-06-2009, 11:30 AM

The thing that got me is that his mom just pops up, not even showing a flinch of realistic remorse or pain over what has happened to her son. It's all, 'Oh well I'm here now,' in such casual tones. Someone should smack this woman for being such a bad parent. Or the writers for taking such disregard to her relationship with her son.

Both my husband and I did enjoy this episode though. It looks like this season will be fresh, and with a better batch of characters. So I'm wondering, have we seen the last of our college girls?

npdargy312 · 10-06-2009, 02:56 PM

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Originally Posted by lasha4god (View Post)

The thing that got me is that his mom just pops up, not even showing a flinch of realistic remorse or pain over what has happened to her son. It's all, 'Oh well I'm here now,' in such casual tones. Someone should smack this woman for being such a bad parent. Or the writers for taking such disregard to her relationship with her son.

Both my husband and I did enjoy this episode though. It looks like this season will be fresh, and with a better batch of characters. So I'm wondering, have we seen the last of our college girls?

Ms. H probably acted with more remorse when she first saw him, but that was off-screen so we don't know...

Oh-Canada · 10-06-2009, 03:12 PM

She did say that she regretted leaving Peter alone. But you're right, she was a bit too smiley

**JustMe2000** · 10-06-2009, 08:57 PM

Just a few lines that stood out from the episodes:

"Being regular sucks!" Peter, apparently not much of a fan of Activia.

"Just got one. Wishing me luck with my probation officer.", KC, then off Alli's stare, "not that I have one."

"This is way harder than it looks. That's what he said! Ew, Jenna!" Clare, then Jenna, then Clare again.

"One of the useful things my older sister taught me." Clare, assuring us that Darcy may be gone, but she's not forgotten.

"We're on the junior basketball team. We're athletes" Connor, with a ****-eating grin on his face.

MegaJ · 10-06-2009, 10:06 PM

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I thought about that. But then I hear he has enough cash to support himself in Europe. His cash. I'm sorry, but that's a really lucky kid. It's not like he saved up for it. I thought it was way too easy for him and Peter's situation came off more convenient to me. Declan's probably living off Daddy's money so in comparison, I say Peter's been pretty blessed by the writers too.

I get your point, but I just don't really see how just because Peter's rich that he shouldn't be intimidated by Declan. Money's really the only thing they had in common, and Declan was way too smooth for him in how he got Peter to make an ass of himself in front of that crowd.

Also, as for why he was so upfront about the drugs...yeah what you suggested sounds better but I don't really mind what exactly happened. I mean, earlier that day, Peter didn't make Music Masters class, gets news that his girlfriend is moving to Paris, and gets embarrassed at an event Mia's already used to going to. I mean, maybe if THAT stuff didn't happen Peter would've been like "No way," but people who go through disappointment and possible life-changing events are more susceptible to this sort of thing.

Nekoshoujo · 10-07-2009, 04:29 AM

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Originally Posted by JustMe2000 (View Post)

Just a few lines that stood out from the episodes:

"Being regular sucks!" Peter, apparently not much of a fan of Activia.

"Just got one. Wishing me luck with my probation officer.", KC, then off Alli's stare, "not that I have one."

"This is way harder than it looks. That's what he said! Ew, Jenna!" Clare, then Jenna, then Clare again.

"One of the useful things my older sister taught me." Clare, assuring us that Darcy may be gone, but she's not forgotten.

"We're on the junior basketball team. We're athletes" Connor, with a ****-eating grin on his face.

This two parter had amazing one-liners. It was one of the things I didn't notice till I rewatched the episode.

I loved all the ones you listed as well as,
Delcan (to Peter about not hooking up with Viki): "You dodged a STI bullet there."

While there were certainly some problems with the episode, I think this was a good example of what the writers have planned for the rest of the season. The new characters already fit in better than last years group, and I liked that they were putting in foreshadowing for future plot lines.
I think season 9 is going to be pretty great!

mayflower212 · 10-07-2009, 01:37 PM

I agree...I really liked Fiona so far so I am hoping to see more of her...I wonder if she is going to be at this contest I entered in NYC to meet the cast..you guy should check it out too, it seems pretty cool Teen Nick Degrassi Rules | Time Warner Cable | North Texas

LidelKewte · 10-07-2009, 06:28 PM

I thought the episode was ok. Some of it a bit boring, some of it I liked.

Just a few thoughts...

-Unlike most people, I will actually miss Mia on the show, despite the whole modeling thing. But before that I think she had some good episodes (mostly in season7), and I think they could have done a lot of interesting things with her.

-Jenna annoyed the hell out of me.

-I laughed when Chante ran up on stage and Peter knocked the video camera out of her hand. I kind of wish he would have knocked her on the ground.

-I am not expecting them to continue this storyline with Peter, but I hope that they do.

-The ending was nice with seeing Peter and Mia have some kind of talk, and seeing Mrs.H back in her sons life.

and...

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Originally Posted by kaleidocat (View Post)

- I'm into this Declan/Fiona business that's going on. They seem very close, almost boyfriend/girlfriend. It's creepy. I like it. I think it's the twin thing, that unusual very close bond of two siblings that we all don't normally have. Or maybe I just miss Six Feet Under's Brenda and Billy (not twins, but just too into each other because that's all they really had growing up).

My thoughts exactly. It's very awkward. But I am still interested in both their characters.

**kaleidocat** · 10-07-2009, 08:24 PM

RE some of the comments on Peter: I think Peter has always been insecure. It's easier for him to be a jerk than actually show that he feels neglected by his family and thinks that everyone will probably leave him. Remember how he was in Venus? He wanted Manny to like him, thought that she liked him, and couldn't deal with the hurt when he found out she didn't so he spread the video around like it was a punishment. I've personally always found that ******* move worth digging into and thinking about. He's a brat, but I find him to be an interesting one lately since he's starting to become quite the dimensional character. As for his family situation and why he acts the way he does...I think he's always felt neglected. He's really a sad boy who wants to be loved. They've touched on that with his father. Dad doesn't seem to actually want to be a part of his kids life and the only affection Peter gets is gifts. He takes the cameras and cars as a hug and it's empty affection in a way and also an apology for a father that isn't around. His mother is a bit of a flake with her own agenda. But giving her props for coming back and trying to take care of the mess this kid is. It was kind of refreshing to not see her overreact like the other characters do and be all "REHAB NOW."

I don't think Peter's insecurities had anything to do with social situation or material possessions. It had to do with yet another person he was close to leaving and something in the back of his brain is like, what's wrong with me? Why won't they stay? Can I do anything right? By the time he was at the party he was feeling vulnerable and I find his quick descent into substance abuse believable because he was at the point where he realizes nothing works, he has nothing left to lose. Lapse of judgment, totally. But it happens. And he lost control and went on a drug binge. I feel like I was given more reasons to argue with his substance abuse than say Craig's...the only reason we were given with that is oh he's a rockstar. There's more substance with Peter's plot here, there's things to discuss. It's much different than the "What's It feel Like To Be A Ghost?" thread when everyone was debating what day Craig became an addict so Cranny or Crellie would look better.

I still say it was the show's best attempt yet at substance abuse. Peter's freaking out on the street is similar to the tweakers I've seen in passing. That anger, the confusion.