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Season 4 Wrap Up Part 2
by thedonoman
Rick Murray's Mark on Degrassi 406-409
406 - Islands In The Stream
The most amazing thing about this episode, is that it's the one where you're allowed to like Rick. Befriending Toby was a smart move because it forces the viewer for at least a second to look at this "evil" kid in a new way. Seeing him continue to face disapproval from the majority of the school helps you to feel bad for him, even if you don't want to forgive him for last season. Also, this episode is huge because it's the beginning of Spinner's social dive bomb where he breaks up with Paige after being together for a year and a half in "Degrassi time."
- Jake Epstein is the only one on this show who knows how to make a tv fight look real. He actually throws punches and doesn't just grunt while pushing back and forth. Well actually, come to think of it Miriam knows how to fight pretty well on the girls side.
- A writer's critique: Jimmy should have said "sunburn got you so you can't walk" rather than "got you too tired to move". It would have been a really ironic comment, especially since the line was delivered to Spinner.
- Rick gives a brilliantly unpersuasive, yet hilarious speech to a group of girls while trying to convince them for a kiss. "Number one, I think I'm decent looking, uhh..two I'll give you five bucks or something, i dont have it today." It wouldn't surprise me if the majority of those lines were just Ephraim ad-libbing.
- We see Darcy in her second appearance of the series. She has a great dialogue sequence with Rick.
Darcy: Where'd you get your glasses?
Rick: Uhhm the optometrist.
407 - Time Stands Still Part 1
This episode is the first part of what was clearly the most shocking episode all season, even with all the internet hype. 407 mostly served to setup the tragic events that take place in 408. We watch as Rick after taking so much torment, finally finds his way to be a somebody in Degrassi, by winning the Wack-Your-Brain Contest. Rick is built up so high with the prospect of winning, that the fall could be nothing but pure tragedy after the paint fell. Also, in the B-plot we see Joey struggling to keep his business and house afloat.
- The unveiling of Spinner's new hair cut. One that I've decided only looks good on tv. I've seen a few kids in my town sporting it; let's just say hair-don't.
- Joey wins the best line of the episode this time around with "And when I get back I don't wanna find Tessa Campanelli on my door step."
- There's a small glimpse into Rick's home life where we see that his mother also seems a little unbalanced. It's clear that Rick either lied to her making it seem like things were fine at school, or he actually did believe he was becoming best of friends with Jimmy and Emma. Afterall, he thought Emma loved him. This kid was a ticking time bomb.
- Again the magic of TV as Alex is able to pull off the paint prank so quickly, without a flaw, and sits back in her chair to watch the resulting humiliation.
408 - Time Stands Still Part 2
Arguably the best episode of the season. The school shooting topic is one that has never been attempted in such a manner as Degrassi did it. It was very important for this episode to be well crafted. The background music while Rick walks through the halls is eerily creepy, setting the stage for the most anticipated Degrassi moment ever. The controversy over who is at fault for the shooting will continue to go on forever, as everyone from Rick to Emma, Jay, Spinner, Mr. Raditch and Jimmy himself can be partially blamed. Also, Caitlin decides to buy Joey's house so that he can continue to live in it with her as a family unit.
- The soundtrack to the episode was crafted perfectly. As Rick walked through the halls with his backpack, the sad strumming of guitar projected the sad and depressed feel to the tragic episode. And of course "Rooftop" at the end was able to push those fighting off tears over the edge matched during the candle light vigil.
- Paige delivers the perfect words to Rick in the cafeteria, as unknowingly she saves her life from a not-so-level headed Rick.
- Best camera work ever on Degrassi. As Emma, Sean and Toby round the corner we see Rick walking directly towards us with his gun in hand. This type of shot is one that you will almost never see in a television show.
- Only one small critique. Not really sure why Ashley and Emma's families were hanging out that night after the shooting. I suppose you could argue that they needed some support from others in their situation, but still a convenient stretch to get them all in the same room.
409 - Back In Black
The writers did a brilliant job of tying in Sean's past, into what appears to be his last episode. I can't imagine they planned in season 1 that his character would ever get this kind of closure in his back story. Toby gets his last plot of the season as well, chronicling the problems associated with being friends of the guy who shot up the school. The episode tested the acting abilities of the cast, some responded beautifully (Sean), some didn't fair as well (Emma). I'm focusing mostly on the great quotes/comments from characters in this one.
- Jay being terribly politically incorrect, "You know, Wunn Uvv Theese Dings."
- Tyler (and the writers) calling Sean/Dan on his clearly unique eyebrows.
- Probably the funniest and meanest line Manny has ever delivered. To JT (stack of dimes) York, "You just can't be the bigger man."
- What in the bloody hell was Sean doing on the jet ski? Did he like pass out? or what's the deal...."You're not doing this to me." So...you're doing this to you! Raaah. I'm Craaazy. The wonders of post traumatic stress.
- So Sean is gone for good.
Ellie: When are you coming back?
Sean: (No response)........
The above article was published by dTNGHO, please credit if cited or used
author contact info: donovan@korn.zzn.com
