Degrassi: The Next Generation | Degrassi | ||||||||||||
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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
The fifth season of Degrassi: The Next Generation depicted the 2005-2006 school year. Principal photography took place from May 9 to November 11, 2005. Garnering even more impressive ratings than the previous season, this is the most successful season of the Degrassi Franchise.
It continues to depict the lives of a group of high school sophomores, juniors and seniors as they deal with the some of the challenges and issues teenagers face such as such as teenage pregnancy, self image, drug dealing, loneliness, religion, coming out, sexual identity, anorexia, bulimia, and relationships.
Main Cast
The following 20 actors received star billing:
Seniors (Class of 2006)
- Deanna Casaluce as Alex Nuñez, a rebellious lesbian
- Lauren Collins as Paige Michalchuk, a sexually-confused queen bee
- Jake Epstein as Craig Manning, a ladies' man and bipolar musician
- Stacey Farber as Ellie Nash, an ex-Goth girl who is recovering from many traumatic events
- Shane Kippel as Spinner Mason, a born again Christian who wants to earn forgiveness from his friends and is repeating his junior year as a result.
- Aubrey Graham as Jimmy Brooks, a jock, who is paralyzed after being a victim of the school shooting.
- Andrea Lewis as Hazel Aden, a cheerleader and Paige's sidekick
- Adamo Ruggiero as Marco Del Rossi, the beloved gay teenager and Craig and Ellie's best friend
Juniors (Class of 2007)
- Sarah Barrable-Tishauer as Liberty Van Zandt, a pregnant overachiever, and student council president.
- Ryan Cooley as J.T. Yorke, Degrassi's infamous class clown, who eventually has some growing up to do after getting Liberty pregnant.
- Jake Goldsbie as Toby Isaacs, a nerdy outcast and J.T.'s best friend
- Miriam McDonald as Emma Nelson, a rebellious, insecure human rights activist
- Cassie Steele as Manny Santos, Emma's attractive best friend, and an aspiring actress who just can't get it right.
Sophomores (Class of 2008)
- Jamie Johnston as Peter Stone, a manipulative troublemaker (New)
Adults
- Stefan Brogren as Archie Simpson, the Media Immersion teacher and Emma's stepfather
- Melissa DiMarco as Daphne Hatzilakos, Peter's mom and Degrassi's principal
- Pat Mastroianni as Joey Jeremiah, Craig's guardian / stepfather and a used car salesman
- Stacie Mistysyn as Caitlin Ryan, an environmentalist and human rights activist
- Amanda Stepto as Christine Nelson, Emma's mom and Snake's wife
Other
- Mike Lobel as Jay Hogart, a bad boy who was expelled from Degrassi last year.
Recurring Characters
Students
- Dalmar Abuzeid as Danny Van Zandt, a class clown and Liberty's brother (Grade 10)
- Marc Donato as Derek Haig, a basketball player and Danny's best friend. (Grade 10) (New)
- Shenae Grimes as Darcy Edwards, a cute, religious cheerleader. (Grade 10)
- Unseen Actress as Heather Sinclair, a queen bee (Grade 12)
Adults
- Linlyn Lue as Laura Kwan, an English teacher
- Michael Kinney as Darryl Armstrong, a coach and math teacher
- Tom Melissis as Dom Perino, a history teacher
- Jennifer Podemski as Chantel Sauvé, a guidance counselor
Guest Stars
- John Bregar as Dylan Michalchuk, a gay hockey player, Paige's elder brother and Marco's boyfriend- "Total Eclipse Of The Heart"
- Christopher Jacot as Matt Oleander - "Death Of A Disco Dancer"
- Jajube Mandiela as Chantay Black, a cheerleader- "Venus (2)" & "Our Lips Are Sealed (2)" (Grade 9)
- Jason Mewes as Himself - "The Lexicon Of Love"
- Alanis Morissette as Herself - "The Lexicon Of Love (1)"
- Kevin Smith as Himself - "The Lexicon Of Love"
- Alex Steele as Angela Jeremiah, Joey's daughter and Craig's younger half-sister- "Wedding, Parties, Anything" and "Our Lips Are Sealed (1)".
- Cathy Keenan as Liz O'Rourke, a Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High alumna, and Spike's friend. - "I Against I"
- Melissa McIntyre as Ashley Kerwin, a punk rock chick who came back from England, Craig's ex-girlfriend- "High Fidelity (2)"
Character Descriptions
DEGRASSI STUDENTS
HAZEL ADEN (17) – Grade 12
“Paige’s ever-loyal sidekick, Hazel is relentless, positive and ever cheerful. Hazel is more than happy to let others lead the way. Previously, her key spot on the Spirit Squad and being Jimmy’s girl was all that Hazel needed to be happy. Lately though, Jimmy has become a little distant and has Hazel worrying about their relationship."
JIMMY BROOKS (17) – Grade 12
"After last year’s school shooting, Jimmy’s life was changed forever. Once the school’s top athlete, he now finds himself paralyzed from the waist down. This “new” Jimmy starts to question his relationships as he tires of trying to live up to the hopes and expectations of others, and begins to live for himself."
MARCO DEL ROSSI (17) – Grade 12
"Marco has broken up with Dylan and is fairly comfortable with his sexuality. He’s got this gay thing pretty well figured out - except when it comes to his father. Deep down he knows his coming out process isn’t over yet. Not by a long shot. But at the same time as Marco’s trying to deal with it all, he knows there’s more to him than just being gay…"
DARCY EDWARDS – (15) Grade 10
"Darcy’s recent Christian re-birth doesn’t mean she’s forgotten how to have a good time. A music fan and an active member of the Spirit Squad, Darcy still finds time to attend weekly prayer meetings. A model of acceptance and forgiveness, Darcy may be exactly what a lonely social outcast – Spinner – needs."
JAY HOGART (18) – Grade 12
"Degrassi’s leading bad-boy, Jay continues to push all the limits at Degrassi. He does what he likes, when he likes and if you don’t like it, too bad. His bullying ways led directly to Rick shooting Jimmy and putting him in a wheelchair. Expelled from school, Jay continues to break the rules and even Spinner begins to tire of his very bad attitude"
TOBY ISAACS (16) – Grade 11
"Toby drew unwanted attention to himself when he started hanging out with the most hated kid at school. When Rick shot Jimmy and subsequently was shot himself, everyone looked to Toby for answers. Toby is now dealing with the on-again, off-again relationship between his best friend JT and JT’s girlfriend, Liberty. Little does he know just how much JT needs his support."
CRAIG MANNING – (17) – Grade 11
"Living with his stepfather Joey since his abusive dad died, Craig wrestles with a lot of personal pain and confusion, not to mention bipolar disorder. He copes the only way he knows how – through his music, the all-consuming passion of his life – and his meds. When his longtime girlfriend doesn’t return after a summer in London, Craig swears off girls. That is, until his passion for Manny returns. But music wins over everything in Craig’s life, and everyone should know that by now."
GAVIN "SPINNER" MASON – (17) – Grade 12
"Spinner is the pariah at Degrassi after his involvement in bullying Rick into shooting Jimmy. He’s been expelled, leaving him another year behind his peers. At the beginning of Season 5, Spinner gets one more chance at Degrassi. While old friends still won’t talk to him, Spinner finds the kind of acceptance and love he’s always dreamed of in Darcy and her “Club”…if only the devil on his shoulder, Jay, would just leave him be"
PAIGE MICHALCHUK – (17/18) – Grade 12
"Brash, nervy, outspoken – but with a heart of gold – Paige Michalchuk is Degrassi’s queen bee. Paige rules the school thanks to her sassy fashion sense and wicked one-liners. But Paige’s fabulous exterior masks her troubles – she’s unclear about her relationship with a former student teacher and makes some very poor decisions. She begins to question everything in her life and wonders what her future will be."
ELLIE NASH (17) – Grade 12
"Behind Ellie’s no-nonsense alterna-girl image lurks a lot of personal pain. Dealing with an alcoholic mother while her father is overseas has taken its toll on her. Last year, she went through a lot of growing up, embracing her emotions, rather than self-abuse. She’s looking for love this year and hopefully, finally, she gets the guy who’ll take care of her."
EMMA NELSON (16) – Grade 11
"An independent thinker and compassionate girl, Emma can also be judgmental and stubborn. Her clear sense of what’s ‘right’ often leads her into trouble. She has the courage and conviction to fight for what she believes in too. Best friends with Manny since grade school, high school has tested their friendship and lately, Emma’s become more concerned about fitting in with the popular kids. But can she do that without compromising her principals?"
ALEX NUNEZ (17) – Grade 12
"Street smart and mouthy, Alex is as tough as they come and she makes sure everyone knows it. Alex hates her stupid popcorn girl job, but everyone had better keep their mouths shut about it. Running for Student Council President and breaking up with Jay were the first steps down a new path – where it leads, even Alex herself isn’t sure?"
MANNY SANTOS (16) – Grade 11
"Bubbly, vivacious and maybe just a bit ditzy, cheerleader Manny is definitely boy-crazy, and she’s determined to put last year and her heartache with Craig behind her. After her film experience with Kevin Smith, Manny sees herself destined for Hollywood, by any means necessary."
PETER STONE (16) – Grade 10
"Peter arrives on the scene with an eye – and a camera lens – for a girl like Manny. But after she spurns his advances, Peter takes matters into his own hands. His attempts at blackmail are thwarted by his mom, Degrassi’s new Principal, but not before he emails the incriminating evidence of Manny’s naked ambition to his friends. And when he shifts focus to Emma, nobody can be certain if his intentions are pure."
LIBERTY VAN ZANDT (16) – Grade 11
"Described by her peers as ‘weirdly original’, Liberty’s always been a force to be reckoned with. Smart, precocious, sometimes socially awkward and maybe the wrong side of nerdy, Liberty is slowly coming into her own and with her passion and commitment, takes on Degrassi’s Student Council. Liberty is side-lined this season by a few relationships that force her to reassess her entire existence."
JT YORKE (16) – Grade 11
"A habitual class clown, JT’s also preoccupied with popularity. That’s why he and best friend Toby aren’t always the best of friends - at least at school. JT’s also attempting to navigate the rocky terrain of a real relationship, but he might not have the maturity to satisfy the one special girl in his life. His mettle is really tested this year when very adult situations catch up with him."
THE ADULTS
ARCHIE “SNAKE” SIMPSON
"A year into his remission, Snake is able to look back at his battle with leukemia with a clear eye. He’s also taken a look at his life in general – and discovered that he hasn’t taken many chances. He’s followed a very safe path; some might even say a boring path. So when a lovely woman starts paying some attention, Snake’s eye more than wanders."
JOEY JEREMIAH
"Degrassi’s greatest confidence man is now its proudest family man – even though Caitlin has once again departed from his life. But Joey’s life quickly gets turned on its head as he begins a relationship with a much younger girl."
CHRISTINE "SPIKE" NELSON
"Spike is thrilled with Snake’s new joie de vivre, especially after such a difficult time in the past few years. However, this joie de vivre may be taking him in directions he shouldn’t be going. Will Spike be along for the ride?"
Opening Sequence
The theme song begins with a shot of the front entrance of the school. The camera pans to the right and we see Ellie across the street holding a video camera shooting the school. The name "Stacey Farber" zooms in from the left side of the screen. The camera focuses on her and she turns to the right. The camera now takes the perspective of Ellie's camera. It goes by the front entrance where we see a kid skateboarding down the railing. It stops at Emma who is at the bottom of the stairs passing out flyers. The name "Miriam McDonald" fades in and she looks into the camera smiling and sticks her tongue out. Her name zooms off to the right and the camera goes to the right and focuses on Jay who's sitting on the hood of his car in the parking lot. The name "Mike Lobel" fades in on the lower left corner. Alex walks past him and the name "Deanna Casaluce" fades in on the upper right. As she's walking she pushes his head back and laughs as she walks off screen.
The camera then zooms to the right and focuses in the gym where two cheerleaders throw another cheerleader and catch her. The camera zooms down where we see Hazel. The name "Andrea Lewis" fades in. She's smiling as Paige climbs up on her shoulder and grabs her leg to build a pyramid. The camera then focuses on Manny standing on the other side holding onto Paige's leg. The name "Cassie Steele" fades in. She looks up and smiles. The camera zooms up and focuses on Paige. The name "Lauren Collins" appears. She's holding both arms up and smiling. Her name zooms off to the left. The camera zooms to the right and we see the lacrosse team including Kendra looking to their right as J.T. runs in from the left with a lacrosse stick. He stops and smiles as a boy behind him puts on his mascot head for him. During this the name "Ryan Cooley" appears. It then zooms down.
The camera zooms to the right and shows Jimmy and Craig in the music room playing their guitars and smiling. The name "Aubrey Graham" appears on the lower left of the screen below Jimmy and then the name "Jake Epstein" fades in on the upper right below Craig. Aubrey's name fades out and then Jake's zooms off to the left. The camera goes to the right and shows Spinner standing at the door of the music room. The name "Shane Kippel" fades in. He looks at them sadly and then walks off to the right. His name zooms off to the left. The camera zooms to the right showing Toby and Liberty in the science lab. The name "Jake Goldsbie" fades in on the upper left as Toby pours a substance from a tube into a bigger tube. This causes smoke to shoot out from the tube. Toby steps back surprised but Liberty smiles with amazement. The name "Sarah Barrable-Tishauer" fades in on the lower right before Jake's name zooms off to the left. Sarah's name then zooms down. The camera zooms to the right. We see Spike sitting next Snake at a picnic table. The name "Amanda Stepto" fades in on the lower left below Spike and then the name "Stefan Brogren" fades in on the upper right below Snake. Snake has his arm around Spike and kisses her forehead while she smiles. Their names then fade out in the same order they faded in.
The camera zooms to the right and we see Joey and Caitlin sitting across from them. The name "Pat Mastroianni" fades in on the upper left below Joey. Then the name "Stacie Mistysyn" fades in on the lower right below Caitlin. They both look at each other and smile. Pat's name zooms off to the right and then Stacie's name zooms as well. The camera zooms to the right where we see Peter with a camera at the entrance of the school. The name "Jamie Johnston" zooms up. He then focuses his camera on a pretty girl walking up the stairs and takes a picture. He turns back around and looks to his left. His name zooms off to the left and the camera goes to the right where we see Ms. H looking at him angrily. The name Melissa DiMarco fades in. She looks up at the camera and puts her hand in front of the lens. Her name zooms off to the left. The camera then zooms to the right. We are no longer seeing things from Ellie's perspective as the camera shows Marco standing in the hallway with Ellie, with her back to the camera, standing in front of him with her camera. The name "Adamo Ruggiero" fades in. She points to him as he takes his sunglasses off. His name fades out. He then pops the collar of his jacket and turns around. The camera zooms into his back where we see the "Degrassi: The Next Generation" logo pop out.
Episode List
Episode Guide: Episode Guide
Season # | Series # | Title | Canadian Airdate | U.S. Airdate | Production Code |
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1 | 82 | "Venus (1)" | September 19, 2005 | October 7, 2005 | 501 |
2 | 83 | "Venus (2)" | September 26, 2005 | October 7, 2005 | 502 |
3 | 84 | "Death Of A Disco Dancer" | October 3, 2005 | October 14, 2005 | 503 |
4 | 85 | "Foolin'" | October 10, 2005 | October 21, 2005 | 504 |
5 | 86 | "Weddings, Parties, Anything" | October 17, 2005 | November 4, 2005 | 505 |
6 | 87 | "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" | October 24, 2005 | November 11, 2005 | 506 |
7 | 88 | "Turned Out (1)" | October 31, 2005 | November 18, 2005 | 507 |
8 | 89 | "Turned Out (2)" | November 7, 2005 | December 2, 2005 | 508 |
9 | 90 | "Tell It To My Heart" | November 14, 2005 | December 9, 2005 | 509 |
10 | 91 | "Redemption Song" | November 21, 2005 | December 16, 2005 | 510 |
11 | 92 | "The Lexicon of Love (1)" | November 28, 2005 | April 7, 2006 | 511 |
12 | 93 | "The Lexicon of Love (2)" | December 5, 2005 | April 7, 2006 | 512 |
13 | 94 | "Together Forever" | December 12, 2005 | April 14, 2006 | 513 |
14 | 95 | "I Against I" | January 30, 2006 | April 21, 2006 | 514 |
15 | 96 | "Our Lips Are Sealed (1)" | February 20, 2006 | May 5, 2006 | 515 |
16 | 97 | "Our Lips Are Sealed (2)" | February 27, 2006 | May 12, 2006 | 516 |
17 | 98 | "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" | March 6, 2006 | May 19, 2006 | 517 |
18 | 99 | "High Fidelity (1)" | March 13, 2006 | June 2, 2006 | 518 |
19 | 100 | "High Fidelity (2)" | March 20, 2006 | June 9, 2006 | 519 |
Trivia
- This season marks the final appearances of Liz O'Rourke, Joey Jeremiah, Angela Jeremiah and Hazel Aden.
Extras
Degrassi: The Next Generation | Degrassi | ||||||||||||
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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |