Karma Chameleon
This episode revolves around a classic case of catty/Mean Girls drama. The episode doesn't have the emotional impact or drama that some Degrassi episodes have, but it's still an enjoyable episode nontheless. In essence, it shows the aftermath of the events that happened in the Season 1 finale Jagged Little Pill. Ashley is still suffering the consequences of the poor decisions she made in that episode. She took an ecstacy pill tablet, and while she was high she cheated on Jimmy and insulted Paige. Unfortunately her friends still haven't forgiven her for her behavior that night. However, Ashley is tired of being outcasted, and in this episode she decides to do whatever it takes to earn their forgiveness. She confronts Jimmy and apologizes for fooling around with Sean that night. She also apologizes to Paige for calling her a hag, telling her "I was the real hag, Paige". Her friends talk it over and most of them agree that it's time to forgive Ashley and move on. Paige is still skeptical, but still agrees to give Ashley another chance. Ashley is ecstatic when her friends start speaking to her again. Things seem to be looking up for her. Even Sean speaks to her for the first time since their indescrection. He even asks her on a date. Ashley, who is elated that everything is finally going her way, agrees to the date. As she explains to Terri "Jimmy isn't my boyfriend anymore" -- so as she sees it, one date with Sean isn't a big deal. Unfortunately it's a big deal to Jimmy. He feels betrayed, again, when he finds out about Ashley's date with Sean. He even goes as far as to call her a slut in front of their entire class. As he explains it, a slut is what you call someone who "cheats on their boyfriend". When Paige finds out about Ashley's date with Sean, she jumps back on the Ashley hate train too, and decides she doesn't want to forgive her anymore. Paige convinces Terri to do the same... Giving Terri an ultimatum, "We have four years of high school, will you spend them cool with all of us, or as an outcast loser with one of her (Ashley)". In the end, Terri choses Paige and her "cool" clique. The episode ends with Ashley being ostracized by all of her friends, crying in front of the camera as she gets her yearbook picture taken.
In the sub-plot, Toby meets Spinner's little sister Kendra and he develops a crush on her. But he's hesitant to pursue anything with her when Spinner threatens to hurt anyone who comes near his sister.
This was a good episode. Although nothing dramatic or extreme happens here, this was still a necessary episode in the grand sceme of things. It sets up the significant character development that Ashley will undergo this season. She will go through extreme self discovery as she is outcasted and ostracized by her friends. This episode also exhibits the show's tremendous continuity, showing us the aftermath of the Season 1 finale and explaining how the events in that episode still effect the characters.
I have my own editorial commentary on the characters in this episode as well: It's interesting to see everyone's reaction to Ashley in this episode. Terri is initially the mediator, torn between Paige's disdain for Ashley, and Ashley's desire for forgiveness and acceptance back into the group. Terri is caught in the middle, and expected to chose a side. Jimmy is still heartbroken over Ashley's betrayal, yet he still cares about her and is willing to give her a second chance at the start of the episode. And Paige...Paige's ongoing desire to be Queen B is what drives her behavior in this episode. Her crown was being threatened by Ashley, and once again, Paige's envy is what motivated her to go against Ashley (much like her envy lead her to go against Terri in the Season 1 episode Eye of the Beholder).
I thought the sub-plot was weak. Toby is my least favorite character and I simply can't get excited or interested in any plot that involves him, no matter how minor it is.
However, the main plot of the episode was enjoyable. Overall, a solid episode that sets up character development for Ashley and ties up lose ends from the Season 1 finale.
Grade: B
In the sub-plot, Toby meets Spinner's little sister Kendra and he develops a crush on her. But he's hesitant to pursue anything with her when Spinner threatens to hurt anyone who comes near his sister.
This was a good episode. Although nothing dramatic or extreme happens here, this was still a necessary episode in the grand sceme of things. It sets up the significant character development that Ashley will undergo this season. She will go through extreme self discovery as she is outcasted and ostracized by her friends. This episode also exhibits the show's tremendous continuity, showing us the aftermath of the Season 1 finale and explaining how the events in that episode still effect the characters.
I have my own editorial commentary on the characters in this episode as well: It's interesting to see everyone's reaction to Ashley in this episode. Terri is initially the mediator, torn between Paige's disdain for Ashley, and Ashley's desire for forgiveness and acceptance back into the group. Terri is caught in the middle, and expected to chose a side. Jimmy is still heartbroken over Ashley's betrayal, yet he still cares about her and is willing to give her a second chance at the start of the episode. And Paige...Paige's ongoing desire to be Queen B is what drives her behavior in this episode. Her crown was being threatened by Ashley, and once again, Paige's envy is what motivated her to go against Ashley (much like her envy lead her to go against Terri in the Season 1 episode Eye of the Beholder).
I thought the sub-plot was weak. Toby is my least favorite character and I simply can't get excited or interested in any plot that involves him, no matter how minor it is.
However, the main plot of the episode was enjoyable. Overall, a solid episode that sets up character development for Ashley and ties up lose ends from the Season 1 finale.
Grade: B