Degrassi: The Next Generation (season 2)

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Degrassi: The Next Generation Season 2

Degrassi: The Next Generation Season 2 DVD Digipak
Country of origin Flag of Canada Canada
Network Flag of Canada CTV
Original run September 29, 2002 – February 23, 2003
No. of episodes 22
DVD release date Flag of Canada Flag of the United States June 21, 2005 (Widescreen, Boxset)
Previous season 1
Next season 3

The second season of Degrassi: The Next Generation commenced airing in Canada on September 29, 2002,[1] concluded on February 23, 2003 and contains twenty-two episodes.[2] Degrassi: The Next Generation (also known as D:TNG, DTNG, Degrassi:TNG, and simply Degrassi) is a Canadian serial teen drama television series. It continues the depiction of the lives of a group of eighth and ninth grade school children as they deal with the some of the challenges and issues teenagers face such as child abuse, date rape, body image, love, sexual identity and academic stress. Filming began June 10, 2002, and continued until November 2002.[3] Every episode was named after a song from the 1980s.[4]

The second season aired Sundays at 7:00 p.m. on CTV, a Canadian broadcast television network, and premiered with a sixty minute special, "When Doves Cry", which form the first two episodes of season two.[3] Additional episodes were also aired on Fridays during January 2003. In the United States, it was broadcast on The N, a digital cable network aimed at teenagers and young adults. The season was released on DVD as a four disc boxed set on June 21, 2005 by Alliance Atlantis Home Entertainment in Canada, and by FUNimation Entertainment in the U.S.[5] Registered users of the Canadian and U.S. iTunes stores are also able purchase and download the season for playback on home computers and certain iPods.[6]

A critical and popular success, the second season of Degrassi: The Next Generation was the most-watched Canadian drama series for Canada's younger viewers aged 2 to 34.[7]. It was nominated in eight categories at the Gemini Awards, four categories at the Directors Guild of Canada Awards and the National Council on Family Relations Media Awards, and in two categories at the Young Artist Awards.[8][9][10] Four episodes were also nominated at the Awards of Excellence Gala, hosted by the Alliance for Children and Television, which recognize quality Canadian children’s programming.[11]

Contents

[edit] Cast

The second season had fifteen roles receiving starring roles, with thirteen of them returning from the first season. The actors portraying eighth grade students were Sarah Barrable-Tishauer as high-achiever yet lonely Liberty Van Zandt, Daniel Clark as bad-boy Sean Cameron, Ryan Cooley as class clown James Tiberius "J.T." Yorke, Jake Goldsbie as computer nerd Toby Isaacs, Miriam McDonald as environmentalist Emma Nelson, and Cassie Steele as Manuela "Manny" Santos.[12] The grade nine students were portrayed by Lauren Collins as cool cheerleader Paige Michalchuk, Aubrey Graham as rich and athletic Jimmy Brooks, Shane Kippel as Gavin "Spinner" Mason, the school bully, Melissa McIntyre as Toby's stepsister, emo Ashley Kerwin, Christina Schmidt as the insecure Terri McGreggor, and Andrea Lewis as Hazel Aden, in a recurring role.[13] Stefan Brogren appeared as the school teacher Archie "Snake" Simpson, Dan Woods played school principal Mr. Raditch, and Amanda Stepto acted as Emma's momChristine "Spike" Nelson in a supporting role.[14]

The two additions to the main cast were Pat Mastroianni as Joey Jeremiah (who had played the character in Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High and School's Out and guest-starred in the series premiere, "Mother and Child Reunion"),[15] and Jake Epstein as new grade nine student, and Joey's stepson, Craig Manning.[16]

Stacey Farber, Adamo Ruggiero, Melissa DiMarco, and Katie Lai were given recurring roles as grade nine students Ellie Nash and Marco Del Rossi, science teacher Daphne Hatzilakos, and seventh grader Kendra Mason, respectively. Alex Steele, who appeared briefly "Mother and Child Reunion" as Joey's daughter, Angela Jeremiah, returned in a recurring role. Tom Melissis and Jennifer Podemski were introduced playing Mr. Perino and Ms. Sauve, and Linlyn Lue returned to play Ms. Kwan.[17]

Anais Granofsky and Stacie Mistysyn, who had acted as Lucy Fernandez and Caitlin Ryan in the preceding series, returned to the franchise when they guest starred in "White Wedding".

[edit] Crew

The season was produced by Epitome Pictures and CTV. The executive producers were Epitome Pictures' president, Stephen Stohn, and CEO Linda Schuyler, the co-creator of D:TNG and every other Degrassi series. D:TNG co-creator Yan Moore served as the creative consultant and David Lowe was the line producer. Aaron Martin served as the executive story editor. James Hurst served as the story editor, with Shelley Scarrow as the junior story editor. The writers for the season were Tassie Cameron, Craig Cornell, James Hurst, Sean Jara, Aaron Martin, Yan Moore, Susin Nielsen, Clare Ross Dunn, Shelley Scarrow, Jana Sinyor, David Sutherland, and Brendon Yorke. The season's directors were Bruce McDonald, Philip Earnshaw, Paul Fox, Anais Granofsky, and Stefan Scaini.[18]

[edit] Reception

Well received by critics and audience alike, Degrassi: The Next Generation's second season became the most-watched domestic drama series for Canada's three younger age groups of children aged 2 to 11, teenagers aged 12 to 17 and adults aged 18 to 34.[7]

The season was not without controversy, however. There are a number of episodes with scenes of one teenager being beaten by his father. When reviewing those episodes, the Ryerson University of Toronto said the show "stands on its own" in reflecting "the kinds of issues [teenagers are] facing in their own lives … handled with care and consideration, without all the glamour of a Hollywood soap opera."[19] A two-part storyline about date-rape proved too risqué for The N officials, who delayed its broadcasting until suitable edits could be made, and other special treatments were available in the form of panel discussions, online parental guides and separately filmed introductions.[20] The Montreal Gazette said, "You've got to hand it to the creative team behind CTV's justly celebrated teen series, Degrassi: The Next Generation. They're nothing if not a clever bunch",[21] and Brian Orloff of the St. Petersburg Times praised D:TNG as it "stays in touch with teens' lives".[22]

By the end of 2003, the season had been nominated for or won several awards. The Gemini Awards named Degrassi: The Next Generation the "Best Children's or Youth Fiction Program or Series" and nominated it for "Best Short Dramatic Program". It won the "Best Interactive" category for its connection with the official website, which also won in the "Best Website" category. Bruce McDonald took home the Gemini award for "Best Direction in a Children's or Youth Program or Series" for the episode "Weird Science", and "White Wedding" earned a nomination for Stephen Withrow in the "Best Picture Editing in a Dramatic Series". "Careless Whisper" garnered Aaron Martin and Craig Cornell a nomination for "Best Writing for a Children's or Youths' Program or Series", and Jake Epstein's performance in "Tears Are Not Enough" secured him the award for "Best Performance in a Children's or Youth Program or Series".[8] At the second annual Directors Guild of Canada Awards, "White Wedding" received recognition for Bruce McDonald in the "Outstanding Achievement in Direction - Television Series" category, and Stephen Stanley in the "Outstanding Achievement in Production Design - Short Form" category.[11] "When Doves Cry" won in team category for "Outstanding Achievement in a Television Series - Children's", and earned Stephen Withrow an honor in the category for "Outstanding Achievement in Picture Editing - Short Form".[9] Jake Epstein's acting earned him a second award when the Young Artist Awards gave him the award for "Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series Leading Young Actor", and the young cast was nominated for "Best Ensemble in a TV Series (Comedy or Drama)".[10]

[edit] Episodes

CTV originally aired episode twelve, "Careless Whisper", two days before episode eleven, the hour long special "White Wedding". Episode sixteen, "Dressed In Black" aired before episode fifteen, "Relax".[2]

In the U.S., The N aired season two in two blocks. The first block aired October 7, 2002 to January 13, 2003. The second block of episodes aired July 11, 2003 to August 29, 2003, but the episodes did not air in the order intended by the producers. The season finale of season one, "Jagged Little Pill", had been held over,[23] and was shown in an edited format as this season's third episode,[24] along with season two's true third episode to form an hour-long special. Due to the sensitive subject of teenage date rape, episodes six and seven, the "Shout" two-part special, were held over until July 11, 2003 and opened the second half of the season creating an hour-and-a-half long special with episode eighteen, "How Soon Is Now?". Because of plot continuity, episode eight, "Mirror in the Bathroom", was also held back and had its first U.S. airing in the second week of the second block of the season, before episodes thirteen through seventeen continued to air in the correct order, followed by episodes nineteen and twenty, "Tears Are Not Enough," Parts One and Two which were broadcast as an hour-long season finale.[2] In re-runs and syndication, the episodes have all aired in the order the producers intended.

Season # Series # Title Canadian airdate U.S. airdate Production code
1 15 "When Doves Cry"[25]  September 29, 2002 October 7, 2002 201 & 202
As a new school year begins, Degrassi expands into a full fledged high school encompassing Grades 9 through 12. Newcomer Craig catches the eye of Emma and Manny, and makes a friend of Craig, but his home life is less than perfect as he deals with an abusive father. When Joey, Craig's step-father finds out, he invites Craig to live with him instead. 
2 16 "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"  October 6, 2002 October 14, 2002 203
Spike tells Emma she's dating her old school friend, and Emma's teacher, Snake, and Emma, Manny, and Craig decide to crash the seniors' '80s dance after Spike cancels a girls' night in to be with him. Meanwhile, Spinner and Jimmy enter the breakdancing contest to win tickets to a Maple Leafs game, but do not fare well against Marco. 
3 17 "Karma Chameleon"  October 13, 2002 October 21, 2002 204
Ashley attempts to make amends for her actions at her house party, but ends up with fewer friends than before when Sean asks her on a date. Toby becomes smitten with Kendra, without realizing she's Spinner's sister. 
4 18 "Weird Science"  October 20, 2002 November 11, 2002 205
Emma becomes uncomfortable about winning the Science Fair competition given the relationship between her mother and Mr. Simpson, one of the judges. Matters are complicated further when Manny accidentally e-mails the entire class the details of the relationship. Meanwhile, Spinner is having trouble controlling his erections, and Jimmy takes advantage of the situation by volunteering Spinner to act out a romantic role in drama class. 
5 19 "Drive"  October 27, 2002 November 25, 2002 206
Craig thinks he has free rein to drive after Joey asks Craig to move a car on his used car lot. When Joey goes out of town for the weekend, Craig and his friends take one of Joey's cars for a joyride, but they get caught. Ashley has found a friend in Ellie and considers getting her belly-button pierced. 
6 20 "Shout" PART ONE  November 3, 2002 July 11, 2003 207
When Degrassi beats rival school Bardell at a soccer match, it does not stop the losing team's star player, Dean, from having a party. The evening takes a sinister turn when Dean locks Paige in a room with him and refuses to take no for an answer. Meanwhile, J.T. and Toby struggle to maintain their friendship when they cannot keep their shared locker clean. 
7 21 "Shout" PART TWO  November 10, 2002 July 11, 2003 208
Ashley has a new song for Paige Michalchuk and the Sexkittens to rehearse, but it is about rape. After her recent sexual assault, Paige can not bear to hear it and walks out on the band. When Ashley confronts her, Paige breaks down and reveals the truth. Meanwhile, Liberty acts out in an attempt to show J.T. she isn't as boring as he thinks she is. 
8 22 "Mirror in the Bathroom"  November 17, 2002 July 18, 2003 209
Tired of being known as "the computer geek", Toby decides to join the wrestling team when he sees how popular Sean is. Determined to be accepted, Toby begins to trains excessively, skip meals and take laxatives. Meanwhile, Terri attempts to hide her job as a plus-size model to her friends. 
9 23 "Take My Breath Away"  November 24, 2002 December 9, 2002 210
Manny finally decides to ask Craig out on a date after crushing on him for months but the next day, each of them seem to remember the evening differently while recounting the event to their friends. Ellie writes anonymous love notes to Marco, but he thinks Hazel sent them, who also likes him. 
10 24 "Don't Believe the Hype"  December 1, 2002 December 23, 2002 211
Hazel is the prime suspect when a Muslim girl she taunts is discriminated against on International Day. However, Hazel is hiding the truth behind her own background. Meanwhile, as Liberty struggles in the sewing portion of home economics, J.T. is breezing through and agrees to pass his projects off as hers in order to avoid embarrassment for both of them. 
11 25 "White Wedding"[25]  January 5, 2003 January 6, 2003 212 & 213
It's a big day for many people as the wedding of Spike and Snake approaches; Craig, Toby, and J.T. attempt to convince Joey to throw a bachelor party complete with strippers for Snake, Emma wrestles with her relationship with Sean after Manny invites him to the wedding, and Spike debates whether or not to tell Snake about her pregnancy. 
12 26 "Careless Whisper"  January 3, 2003 January 13, 2003 214
Ellie wants more than just friendship with Marco, but he cannot resolve feelings of confusion concerning his sexuality when he finds that, while he wants to, he cannot bring himself to kiss Ellie. When she realizes the truth, she promises not to tell anyone and agrees to pretend to be his girlfriend. Meanwhile, Toby wants to spend every second with Kendra, but she soon feels suffocated. 
13 27 "Hot for Teacher"  January 10, 2003 July 25, 2003 215
J.T. is given detention with Ms. Hatzilakos, and as they spend the time taking care of a set of guinea pigs he begins to develop romantic feelings towards her. Meanwhile, Jimmy and Spinner agree to an "all honesty" pact, but are soon at each other's throats. 
14 28 "Message in a Bottle"  January 17, 2003 August 1, 2003 216
Emma and Sean are a couple again and she invites him over to her house for dinner, but a misunderstanding with Spike and Snake leads him to storming out. He heads over to Jimmy's house who is hosting a party, and begins to raid the liquor cabinet. He is convinced he has lost Emma again, but when she catches up with him and he explains the pressure he is under at home, she reassures him she still has faith in him. 
15 29 "Relax"  January 26, 2003 August 8, 2003 217
Liberty is upset when she does not make the girls hockey team, and when Ms. Hatzilakos makes her team captain she throws herself into the job, but begins to take it too seriously. Meanwhile, Terri reads Paige's palm and finds no life line which leads her to believe that Paige's days are numbered. 
16 30 "Dressed in Black"  January 19, 2003 August 15, 2003 218
With the relationship between Jimmy and Ashley seemingly back on track, she begins to doubt herself when Jimmy tells her he preferred her old look to her new Gothic image. Meanwhile, after a sex education class, J.T. convinces Toby to purchase condoms in preparation for a sexual encounter with Kendra, something that neither Kendra nor Spinner take kindly to. 
17 31 "Fight for Your Right"  February 2, 2003 August 22, 2003 219
When Emma's protest against genetically modified foods in the cafeteria is all but ignored by Mr. Raditch, it inadvertently leads to a food fight. When she gets the chance to apologize, she stands firm and finds herself suspended. Meanwhile, Spinner becomes frustrated by the fact that Jimmy's dad will buy him whatever he wants while he cannot afford anything. 
18 32 "How Soon Is Now?"  February 9, 2003 July 11, 2003 220
Paige has had six months of counselling to help get over her rape, but when Dean returns to Degrassi for a basketball game, she refuses to watch the game. When Spinner and J.T. learn the truth, they picks a fight with him to defend her honour. 
19 33 "Tears Are Not Enough" PART ONE  February 16, 2003 August 29, 2003 221
It is time for finals and J.T. agrees to be Liberty's date for the year end dance when he needs her to tutor him. Meanwhile, Craig's dad reappears in his life and Craig asks him for help with the Science exam. When Mr. Manning hits Craig once again though, Craig's timid personality begins to take over. 
20 34 "Tears Are Not Enough" PART TWO  February 23, 2003 August 29, 2003 222
Following the death of his father, Craig feels he can act like himself again, but everyone thinks he should care a little more. At the dance, Paige and Spinner, Hazel and Jimmy, and Ashley and Craig compete to win Luau King and Queen. 


[edit] DVD release

The DVD release of season two was released by Alliance Atlantis Home Entertainment in Canada, and by FUNimation Entertainment in the U.S. on June 21, 2005 after it had completed broadcast on television. As well as every episode from the season, the DVD release features bonus material including deleted scenes, bloopers and behind-the-scenes featurettes.

The Complete Second Season
Degrassi: The Next Generation season 2 DVD digipak Set details[5] Special features[5]


  • 130+ Deleted/Extended Scenes and Bloopers
  • Cast audition tapes
  • Season 2 second call back tapes
  • "Poor Thing" Karaoke
  • Interactive Fan Quiz
  • Degrassi Yearbook
  • Snake and Spike's wedding album
  • Student and adult profiles
  • Cast biographies
Release dates[5]
Flag of Canada Canada Flag of the United States United States
June 21, 2005 June 21, 2005

[edit] References

General
Specific
  1. ^ Kates, Kathryn. "Jake Epstein plays Joey's stepson on Degrassi", Canadian Jewish News, 2002-09-26. 
  2. ^ a b c Season 2. DegrassiTNGHO.com. Retrieved on 2007-12-13.
  3. ^ a b Epitome Virtual Reality (2002-06-10). "Joey Jeremiah's back as production begins on season 2 of 'Degrassi: The Next Generation'". Press release. Retrieved on 2007-12-14.
  4. ^ Ellis, p. 179
  5. ^ a b c d Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season 2. TVShowsOnDVD.com. Retrieved on 2008-02-09.
  6. ^ Epitome Pictures. Degrassi: The Next Generation (note: Requires iTunes software). The N. iTunes Store. Retrieved on 2007-12-10.
  7. ^ a b Faulder, Liane. "Snake and Spike get hitched: Surprise in store as Degrassi favourites head for the altar" (Reprint), Edmonton Journal, CanWest Global Communications, 2002-01-05. 
  8. ^ a b Canadian Awards Database History Search for "Degrassi". Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television (2007). Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  9. ^ a b 2nd DIRECTORS GUILD OF CANADA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED (PDF). Directors Guild of Canada (2003-10-05). Retrieved on 2007-12-08.
  10. ^ a b 24th Annual Young Artist Awards Nominations. Youngartistawards.org. Retrieved on 2007-12-04.
  11. ^ a b Awards. Degrassi.tv. Epitome Virtual Reality (last updated: 2005). Retrieved on 2008-02-08.
  12. ^ Ellis, pp. 52–5, 58–9, 66–7 74–5, 80–1
  13. ^ Ellis, pp. 56–7, 68–71, 76–7, 82, 72–3
  14. ^ Ellis, pp. 46–51
  15. ^ Atherton, Tony. "Degrassi High steps into the next television generation", The Ottawa Citizen, Ottawa, ON: CanWest Global Communications, 2002-12-27. Retrieved on 2008-02-02. 
    •Faulder, Liane. "Degrassi's Joey returning, but show is an original series, though he's older, wiser and without hair", Edmonton Journal, CanWest Global Communications, 2002-09-29, p. B.5. Retrieved on 2008-02-02. 
  16. ^ Kates, Kathryn. "Jake Epstein plays Joey's stepson on Degrassi", Canadian Jewish News, 2002-09-26. Retrieved on 2008-02-02. 
    • Ellis, pp. 42–3, 62–3
  17. ^ Ellis, pp. 64–5, 78–9, 88–90
  18. ^ Ellis, p. 96
    • Linda Schuyler (co-creator, executive producer); Yan Moore (co-creator); Stephen Stohn (executive producer). (2005-06-21). Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season 2 DVD Boxset [DVD]. Alliance Atlantis Home Entertainment.
  19. ^ Youth show proves to be educational (Reprint). Ryerson University (2002-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-02-08.
  20. ^ "'Degrassi' abortion episode sparks fan outcry in U.S.", CBC.ca, 2004-07-20. Retrieved on 2008-02-08. 
    • McKay, John. "American teen channel delays abortion-themed Degrassi episode", National Post, 2004-07-19. Retrieved on 2008-02-08. 
  21. ^ Press Highlights. Degrassi.tv. Epitome Virtual Reality. Retrieved on 2008-02-08.
  22. ^ McKay, John. "Degrassi stays in touch with teens' lives", St. Petersburg Times, 2003-07-07. Retrieved on 2008-02-08. 
  23. ^ Neihart, Ben (2005-03-20). DGrassi Is tha Best Teen TV N da WRLD! page 5. New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-12-12.
  24. ^ Gayle, MacDonald. "For a few bucks, we'll launder your movie for you" (fee required), The Globe and Mail, CTVglobemedia, 2002-10-31, p. R1. Retrieved on 2008-02-03. 
  25. ^ a b Aired as separate half-hour episodes in broadcast syndication

[edit] External links

Degrassi: The Next Generation Seasons
1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7
v • d • e
Degrassi
History
Locations
Music
General
Characters
Stephanie · Joey · Snake · Wheels · Mr. Raditch · Lucy · Shane · Caitlin · Spike
General
Characters
Emma · Jimmy · Terri · Ashley · Liberty · Manny · Mr. Simpson · Toby · Spinner · J.T. · Paige · Sean · Mr. Raditch · Joey · Craig · Ellie · Hazel · Christine · Caitlin · Marco · Jay · Alex · Peter · Ms. Hatzilakos · Darcy · Holly J · Mia · Damien · Jane · Derek · Danny · Dylan · Rick · Johnny · Anya · Lucas