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« Degrassi: The Next Generation
Episode Recap: "Death or Glory, Part 2"
Last week on Degrassi, Spinner found out he has testicular cancer and let all of his rage out on the Lakehearst bully. In Part 2 of that storyline, Spinner continued to deal with his health issue.
Just when Spinner extended the olive branch to the Lakehearst bullies, he found out that his fight with Johnny was uploaded to the Web and has developed quite the following. Johnny was interested in capitalizing on this Internet fame and tried to coerce Spinner into staging more fights. He even offered up his barking friend Bruce to be the next to step into the ring. Spinner wasn't into it until he found out his cancer treatment would involve losing one of his testicles. Then, in what was supposed to be a highly emotional scene, Spinner took a page from the book of Britney and shaved off his hair. With a new 'do and a need to prove his manliness, he sought out Johnny for Round 2 of their fight.
At the college house, Marco's social life was taking a serious nosedive. Ellie was too busy with her rekindled romance and Paige was busy with work, so the only person willing to spend time with Marco was the new roommate. The two decided to have a boys' night out, seeing as Marco is the perfect wingman.
Back at the high school, Spinner's latest battle made its rounds on the Internet and everyone at school got a peek. But when Spinner approached Jane, she was afraid of his seemingly uncontrollable rage. In an attempt to win her sympathy, he fessed up that he had cancer and was scheduled to have surgery after school. Despite his confession to Jane, he later approached the Lakehearst kids and challenged Johnny's friend to a fight. A concerned Jane went to discuss Spinner's behavior with Jimmy, hoping he could talk some sense into his best friend. As Spinner was about to start up Round 3, Jimmy convinced him to make it to his appointment. The next day at school, Spinner moved past his fighting ways and tried to make some progress in his relationship with Jane.
Meanwhile, the morning after Marco's big night out he seemed to have found a new best friend (or maybe something more?). Paige and Ellie reminded him that he's a bit overemotional and he tends to get too emotionally invested too quickly. Going against Paige and Ellie's advice, Marco interrupted Griffin's meeting to invite him to a sale at a local store. Griffin seemed a little weirded out by the whole thing but agreed to go anyhow. When he arrived home late, missing his plans with Marco, Marco was pissed. They had a chat about whether Marco's homosexuality was an issue for Griffin, but in reality it was Marco who had the issue. His need for constant companionship was getting the best of him and he needed to find a way to deal with it. His solution: A cute little bunny rabbit named Hip-Hop.
I gotta say, I was a bit disappointed by the conclusion of this two-parter. The whole idea of Johnny wanting to keep fighting because their videos were a hit on the Internet seemed pretty bizarre (mainly because he kept getting his butt handed to him). I was also bothered by Spinner's attempt to skip his surgery. I get that the idea of losing a testicle is earth-shattering to a teenage boy, but is it worth dying for? Not so much! And yet he was prepared to do so in order to preserve his manhood. I also haven't enjoyed a Marco storyline since Dylan left. He's become a really needy, selfish person and I don't feel sympathy about anything that happens to him. Next week looks like the end for Jimmy and Ashley, and I for one can't wait! As I've stated before, I'm not a big fan of Ashley, either. I think Marco and Ashley are like two peas in one really self-centered pod.
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Nov 11, 2007 2:04 PM
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But seriously where is Emma?
I think basically Spinner was just trying to prove to himself he was still a man.
Marco has just gotten more annoying and whiney over the years.
But seriously where is Emma? Also I'd like a Liberty storyline. I feel like Degrassi is falling off.
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Nov 12, 2007 9:56 AM
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Part I was much better than Part II. I, too, was wondering why Johnny would want to keep getting his rump kicked?
Marco is officially on my last nerve. I envision the bunny rabbit breaking out of his cage to get away from Marco. He is pathetic.
Glad that Jimmy's finally seeing the real Ashley! What a piece of work she is!
And I'm glad that Mannie dyed her hair back to her natural hair color. The blonde thing wasn't working for her.
And yes, where is Emma? Is the actress in school or making a movie?
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Nov 12, 2007 2:00 PM
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As I've stated before, I'm not a big fan of Ashley, either. I think Marco and Ashley are like two peas in one really self-centered pod.
Couldn't agree more! Throw Ellie in that pod as well, please. And then drop an anvil on the pod.
Degrassi has fallen off ever since they started splitting their time between the high school and the college kids. Why not just spin off the show and focus on the whiny trio (Marco, Paige and Ellie) and their new life in college while denying us more time with the characters we care about: Liberty, Manny, Jimmy, etc. The fact that those three still hang out at high school spots and go to high school parties is incredibly lame (or maybe Canada doesn't have that stigma, I don't know). They've barely even used the new Lakehurst kids and that kid Damian (I think that's his name. Black kid, used to date Manny) is too hot to waste. And they just added another hot guy (Indian, I think) to the cast who has only been shown once. Not to mention Charlotte Arnold from "Naturally Sadie" as Heather Sinclair's equally evil sister. This season had so much potential but it really sucks.
Oh yeah, and where is Emma?!?!
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Nov 12, 2007 4:02 PM
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I really thought they would show more of what Spinner was going through. Maybe a heart to heart talk with his mom or maybe Jimmy would show up at the hospital & lend him some support. Instead it was like Spinner didn't want to talk about it & so therefore the writers of the show just skipped it also. It was more like a teenage version of "Fight Club". This topic could have really made an impact on the viewer especially for teen boys that have never thought about testicular cancer & thought it could never happen to them. It could have sent home a very important message but it failed. I want to see more of Jimmy & I agree he could have a better storyline that does not involve Ashley. I want to see more of Paige at her new job & what is up with her & Alex? I am a loyal fan of Degrassi & I will stand by the show - but it needs to get back on track.
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Nov 12, 2007 4:30 PM
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olomaya, I can't go against Ellie! I don't think she's ever been as bad as Marco and Ashley. And I agree, I wanna see more of the new Lakehurst kids. I like Jane and I would love it is Heather Sinclaire's sister got some screen time.
Back to this week's episode, I agree with you cjshimp. They could have made this a really dramatic episode making people aware of the disease but instead, as you put it, it became a teenage fight club. Even Spinner's mini breakdown (when he shaved his head) reminded me too much of a strung out Britney Spears for me to actually feel for him.
The show is certainly not what it used to be.
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Nov 12, 2007 4:59 PM
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I don't know what's wrong with me! I keep forgetting about Degrassi. I haven't watched since Alex's last episode. I've been too busy.
Adam, do you watch About a Girl too?
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Nov 12, 2007 5:50 PM
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I gave About a Girl a shot but its a bit lame. I like Degrassi cause it "goes there" but About a Girl seems like its trying to tone down the college lifestyle a bit. I think that other show THE BEST YEARS does the college thing much better.
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Nov 13, 2007 5:21 PM
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Yeah so i really liked this vid but i wanna know what song is playing!! so does anyone think they can help me and found out the song title and band name???
if anyone does i'd be greatful so try please!!! 
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Jan 29, 2008 6:01 PM
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I gave About a Girl a shot but its a bit lame. I like Degrassi cause it "goes there" but About a Girl seems like its trying to tone down the college lifestyle a bit. I think that other show THE BEST YEARS does the college thing much better.
I know this is old, but I have to respond to this. I like About A Girl a million times better than The Best Years. But to me it feels like it's trying to be a degrassi college (which we kinda already have) and it's not working. I mean come on, killing a character in the first episode! They just did that to do it. Maybe it's because I just can't relate to any of the characters. And maybe it's because I'm 3 years out of college and it's a show about college aimed at tweens and teens. They try to glamorize and dramatize college and it's nothing like that. I mean, minors don't just walk in to bars like that. And freshmen (at least at my school) don't live on coed floors in the dorms and especially don't have coed bathrooms. It's just too unreal for me.
About a Girl is funny and I think that's why I like it. It's just a more lighthearted show and doesn't take itself too seriously.
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Jan 29, 2008 6:09 PM
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The song playing is
to a friend-alexisonfire
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Feb 12, 2008 7:09 PM
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