Links
Season 4 Wrap Up Part 5
by thedonoman
Kevin Smith Goes Canadian 419-422
419 - Moonlight Desires
Marco's second episode of the season proves to be a big one for his character. In an act of independence and self respect he breaks things off with longtime boyfriend Dylan, in what may well be his last appearance of the series. The subplot involving Spinner and Jay focuses on the dealings of life after suspension. Unfortunately, this plot suffers both due to time and the fact that there was no real motive for them to actually break into the school. Degrassi also decides to take a look at the controversy surrounding homosexuality and blood donation. That of course also gives Caitlin's show Local Hero's a chance to be showcased, as it will come back into play "down the road."
- Early on they throw in a kickback to episode 318 "It's Raining Men" when Marco literally jumped out of a car at the site of a bee.
- A fun discussion between Marco, Ellie, Craig and Alex presents a few kickbacks to promiscuity at Degrassi. Mentioned is the famed Craig, Ashley, Manny love triangle of season 3. As well as Jay's more recent infidelities in the ravine that led to his breakup with Alex.
- After seeing an early version of the Moonlight Desires script, I noticed that the final scene with Spinner and Jay had been changed...for the worse. The original version played off much more of a build and the dialogue felt more natural, more realistic. View the script here.
- I suppose I would have kissed Craig too after his good hearted, hilarious, "it's the thought that counts" sort of rant while trying to make Marco feel better near the end of act 2.
420 - West End Girls
Episode "420" and not one direct marijuana reference, how disappointing? But I suppose Kevin Smith arriving counts as one big pot joke altogether. The writing of this episode was particularly tricky because it had to join the world of Kevin Smith with the world of Degrassi, and have it make sense. The main plot of the episode is the final chapter in the Manny vs. Paige battle that had been building for a few episodes. The subplot serves mostly as a setup to the season finale that focuses on Craig, Caitlin and Kevin.
- Perhaps Manny gives the best opening line of an episode yet. "If I peed in the foyer, Paige would claim she gave me the water."
- Numerous kickbacks to year end dances past. Paige recalls being sunburned in 9th grade, arriving via cop cruiser in 10th grade, and having her leg in a cast for 11th. She makes a good point; nice catch by the writers.
- Speaking of which, I found the writing of this episode to be the most flawless of all 22 in season four. Every line served not only a purpose, but was funny, enthralling, creative, captivating--all that stuff they talk about in film school.
- To continue with talk of the writing. I found it important that they changed the general flow of the show to suit the mood of Kevin. Added were a TON of laugh lines. One small example is when Matt offers to get Paige a drink and she responds "diet--squeezy dress." Subtle, effective and it ties back in the dress scene with Manny.
- And a beautiful, gratuitous, completely needless slam of the band Creed by Kevin Smith. But hey, who really likes Scott Stapp? No one.
421 - Goin' Down The Road Part 1
For better or worse, Jay and Silent Bob are at Degrassi! This two part episode is noticeably much different from all other Degrassi's, but is still within arms reach. Both plots were balanced with screen time, primarily because they involved the same characters. On one hand you have the Caitlin/Kevin connection that plays out over the course of the episode. And in the other plot Ashley leaves for England, leaving Craig feeling more alone than ever. Throw in the fact that he runs away from home at the end of the episode.
- An example of a line that was created to fit the Kevin Smith world. Caitlin mentioning travel porn and money shots of pigeons fouling Trafalgar square. Only a K. Smith oober-witty Clerks Caitlin would say that, even Stacie admits in the DVD commentary she felt awkward doing that line.
- Craig is apparently psychic as he predicts with precision what will happen to Ashley. She'll go to England, meet a way cooler guy, with an accent, and never come back. Give Craig a hammer, he hit that nail on the head.
- I think everyone laughed as Kevin got his first "Degrassi moment" when the sad music played while he yells "wait" to Caitlin who has walked off in disgust. It's just so hard to picture him in a serious moment. Example: later on, after Caitlin kisses him and he immediately goes "oh my god that was so awesome." Hilarious. Just not serious.
- Jimmy lives like every handicapped person should. "You can't throw fries at a kid in a wheelchair." You gotta have fun with your situation. Makes jokes. Go Jimmy.
- Absolute-fucking-coolest-serious-climactic-cinematic way to end an episode ever goes to Craig. "There's been a change in plans."
422 - Goin' Down The Road Part 2
The season finale says goodbye to Caitlin as a regular, while Kevin lives out his dream of coming between Caitlin and Joey. While some may cringe at seeing a Joey/Caitlin breakup after they were recently paired back up last season, the show does give good reason for them to breakup. The issues touched upon within the fight scenes were damn emotional. In the subplot we see Craig run away twice, only to be brought home both times. And of course, the stay of Jay and Silent Bob at Degrassi comes to an end, until their cameo next season. As a whole I have to say, the Kevin Smith "thing" was done as well as it could have been (which doesn't mean to argue it was good or bad, it just was).
- I didn't realize how spot-on Degrassi was with Craig's bipolar until I did some reading on the subject. Craig's mania was done incredibly accurate and realistic. The fact that he was obsessed with his music was fitting as well, as many famous artists who've had bipolar recall similar times. It's like being on drugs, without a drug.
- Kevin's wife makes an appearance during a classroom scene. She appears just before the line of the episode delivered by Kevin surprised to see Spinner, "yeah...oh my god! who are you?!"
- Skinny is the worst street drummer EVER. Have you seen those guys in the streets...they're awesome. Skinny is not. Also thrown in is a kickback to the season premiere when Craig shelled out 4 Grand for the guitar Skinny steals. That sucks.
- The ending is nice, as Craig gets a chance to be there for Joey much like Joey was for him earlier in the episode. Oh Degrassi, what a nice little family dynamic you've created with the Jeremiah/Manning/(Ryan) household. And Joey holding the champagne glass, a great ending to a great season.
Cheers to Degrassi and Season 4!
The above article was published by dTNGHO, please credit if cited or used
author contact info: donovan@korn.zzn.com
