Every episode is titled after a song from the 1980s,[1] except for the two-part season finale "Goin' Down the Road", which took its name from the 1970 Canadian film Goin' Down the Road.[2] Filming took place between April and November 2004.[3]
The first six episodes of season four aired Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on CTV, a Canadian terrestrialtelevision network, before settling into its regular 8:30 p.m. timeslot.[4] When the season returned to the schedules in January 2005 following a break over the Christmas period, it aired on Mondays at 8:30 p.m.[5] In the United States, it was broadcast on the Noggin cable channel during its programming block for teenagers, The N. The season was released on DVD as a four disc boxed set on 28 November 2006 by Alliance Atlantis Home Entertainment in Canada, and by FUNimation Entertainment in the US on 24 October 2006. The last three episodes were also sold in the US, packaged together in two different releases; one version was dubbed "unrated, uncensored and uncut" and featured an audio commentary and other bonus material, the other version was dubbed "rated", and did not feature the audio commentary. The season is available on iTunes. This was the first season to release a soundtrack, Songs from Degrassi: The Next Generation was available as a digital download on 1 November 2005.
Season four was one of Degrassi: The Next Generation's most successful seasons for viewing figures. Two episodes were watched by nearly a million Canadian viewers and helped the season garner an average audience of 600,000, making it the most-viewed domestic drama in Canada. In the US, one episode from the season was watched by over half-a-million viewers, the highest audience figure The N had ever had. Only three awards were won for the season, from a total of nine nominations.
Season four is considered to be the darkest and most controversial season of the show, due to multiple storylines that dealt with harsh and dark issues, especially the two-part episode "Time Stands Still", which involves a school shooting. This garnered the show more international attention than originally.
Cast
This is the only season of the series to not add any new characters to the main cast (recurring previously or not).
The season was produced by Epitome Pictures in association CTV. Funding was provided by The Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit, the Canadian Television Fund and BCE-CTV Benefits, The Shaw Television Broadcast Fund, the Independent Production Fund, Mountain Cable Program, and RBC Royal Bank.[12][13]
The season's executive producers are Epitome Pictures' president Stephen Stohn, and CEO Linda Schuyler, the co-creator of the Degrassi franchise. Aaron Martin was promoted from executive story editor during the third season to executive producer. Degrassi: The Next Generation co-creator Yan Moore served as the creative consultant and David Lowe was the line producer. Sean Reycraft and Shelley Scarrow served as co-executive story editors. Brendon Yorke was the story editor, and Miklos Perlus the junior story editor. The editor was Stephen Withrow, Stephen Stanley was the production designer, and the cinematographer was Gavin Smith.[13]
The writers for the season are Sean Carley, Richard Clark, R. Scott Cooper, James Hurst, Aaron Martin, Miklos Perlus, Sean Reycraft, Shelley Scarrow, Brandon Yorke. Kevin Smith was allowed to rewrite his dialogue for the episodes which he appeared in.[14]Graeme Campbell, Philip Earnshaw, Eleanore Lindo, Ron Murphy, Sudz Sutherland, and Stefan Scaini directed the episodes.[13][15]
Reception
An episode featuring a storyline about a school shooting garnered the series an all-time high audience of 930,000 Canadian viewers.[16] A second episode with a storyline about oral sex also earned just under 1,000,000 viewers.[17] Overall, the season averaged an audience of 600,000 and was the top domestic drama for Canadian teenagers aged 12 to 17, and adults in three age brackets; ages 18 to 34, ages 18 to 49, and ages 25 to 54.[16][17] In the US, the season received an 80% larger audience compared to season three,[16] and one episode received 540,000 viewers and drew a Nielsen rating of 2.7 for teenagers and 4.7 for female teenagers, meaning that on average 2.7% of the nation's teenagers, and 4.7% of the nation's female teenagers were tuned in at any given moment.[18]
The season was well received amongst critics, especially in regards to the episodes with Kevin Smith and the storylines on oral sex and the school shooting. The Palm Beach Post said the series "is told from a teenager's point of view since the writers have no interest in appealing to a broad-based demographic like the writers on, say, Fox's The O.C. ... it connects with teens on their level", though it was still "surprised Jay used the graphic oral sex term you'd hear in just about every high school hallway in America",[19] that word being "blow-job".[20] The Boston Herald said "it is important for teens to learn about sexually transmitted diseases and the cost of unprotected sex ... and should help parents begin conversations with their own children".[21]PopMatters's Jodie Janella Horn described Degrassi: The Next Generation as "the most unnervingly accurate series ever of the high school genre". Another comparison was made between Degrassi: The Next Generation and The O.C., saying "The O.C. will never remind me of anything in my life", while the events in the two-part episode "Voices Carry" with "hotel room trashing, projectile launching, fist fighting at weddings bi-polar loon Craig [and girlfriend Ashley], was like an actual scene from my actual teenage life and just like me, Ashley thinks they're going to pull through it together".[22]AfterElton.com, a website that focuses on the portrayal of gay and bisexual men in the media praised the series for "not only focusing on gay teens, but it showcases gay sex, and relationships. By not stereotyping [the gay characters] they are helping thousands of confused and shameful teenagers feel accepted, in Canada and America alike."[23] Ben Neihart called Degrassi: The Next Generation "tha Best Teen TV N da WRLD!" (the best teen TV in the world) in a six-page article in The New York Times. Commenting that "the explosive-issue-per-capita ratio is seriously out of whack", he admitted that "the teen-diary attention to microissues (zits, periods, parents' night) gives the episodes a peculiar authenticity no matter how outrageous their story lines".[24]
Two episodes were nominated for "Best Youth Script" at the Canadian Screenwriting Awards, which are administered by the Writers Guild of Canada. Shelley Scarrow's "Secrets Part One" lost out to "Mercy Street", written by James Hurst and Miklos Perlus.[25] At the Directors Guild of Canada Awards, Stefan Sciani won the award for "Outstanding Achievement in a Television Series – Family" for the episode "Time Stands Still Part Two", and Stephen Stanley was nominated for the "Outstanding Achievement in Production Design – Television Series" category for the episode "Goin' Down the Road".[26][27] The series won its first Teen Choice Award in the US for "Choice Summer Series"[28] At the Young Artist Awards, Degrassi: The Next Generation failed to win any of the awards its actors were nominated for. Adamo Ruggiero was nominated in the "Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series Leading Young Actor" category, Aubrey Graham was nominated in the "Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series Supporting Young Actor" category, and Alex Steele was nominated in the "Best Performance in a TV Comedy Series Recurring Young Actress" category. The entire cast was nominated in the "Outstanding Young Performers in a TV Series" category".[29]
Episodes
The season premiere was an hour-long television special. CTV broadcast episodes two and three, four and five, and twenty and twenty-one on the same nights, though not as hour-long specials.[30] In the United States, Noggin's The N block aired the season in two separate waves: the first wave began on October 1, 2004, and ran until March 11, 2005. The second wave, advertised as the "Summer '05" season,[31] was screened between July 1, 2005, and August 26, 2005. The season premiere, and episodes 13–14, aired as hour-long specials.[30]
Story by : Shelley Scarrow & James Hurst Teleplay by : Shelley Scarrow
7 September 2004 (2004-09-07)
October 1, 2004
401/402
It's the end of summer and with a new school year around the corner, Paige receives some unexpected news – her rape case has finally made it to trial and she's the star witness. But she is shocked by the outcome of the trial, which sends her on mini spiral.
Note: This episode marks the first appearance of Dalmar Abuzeid as Danny Van Zandt.
62
3
"King of Pain"
Stefan Scaini
Story by : Sean Reycraft & Shelley Scarrow Teleplay by : Sean Reycraft
21 September 2004 (2004-09-21)
October 8, 2004
403
Marco has a lot on the line when his unexpected competitor threatens to reveal his secret to homophobic father. Meanwhile,although she doesn't want Chris back, Emma tries to make sure he doesn't end up with anyone else.
63
4
"Mercy Street"
Stefan Scaini
Story by : James Hurst & Miklos Perlus Teleplay by : James Hurst
21 September 2004 (2004-09-21)
October 15, 2004
404
After being gone for 5 months, Rick returns to Degrassi, and Emma teams up with the Juniors to try to push Rick out of Degrassi. Meanwhile, after accidentally spying Manny's ex-boyfriend Craig naked in the locker room, J.T. is worried he won't "measure" up.
64
5
"Anywhere I Lay My Head"
Phil Earnshaw
Story by : Richard Clark & Shelley Scarrow Teleplay by : Richard Clark
28 September 2004 (2004-09-28)
October 22, 2004
405
When her mother's drinking grows worse, Ellie has to choose between staying at home or moving in with Sean. Meanwhile, with Paige sick, Manny is put in charge of the school's car wash and grows closer to Paige's boyfriend, Spinner.
Note: This episode marks the first appearance of Shenae Grimes as Darcy Edwards.
65
6
"Islands in the Stream"
Phil Earnshaw
Story by : Sean Reycraft & Aaron Martin Teleplay by : Sean Reycraft
28 September 2004 (2004-09-28)
November 26, 2004
406
In her quest to repay Spinner for damage to his car, Paige has gone all beta. Suddenly, Spin's using his new-found powers to zap whatever self-confidence Paige has left, much to the disgust of their friends. Meanwhile, Rick and Toby are partnered up in class, leading to a bet to see who can get more kisses from the girls at school.
Story by : Brendon Yorke & Aaron Martin Teleplay by : Brendon Yorke
5 October 2004 (2004-10-05)
December 3, 2004
407
Rick is finally standing up for himself after he tags Spinner and Jay's car, but what he doesn't know is that they are not afraid to strike back. Meanwhile, Joey has to sell his house and enlists his ex-girlfriend and realtor, Sydney, to help.
Story by : Brendon Yorke & Aaron Martin Teleplay by : Brendon Yorke
12 October 2004 (2004-10-12)
December 10, 2004
408
Rick's public humiliation pushes him over the brink, prompting him to return to school equipped with a gun and seeking vengeance. The unthinkable occurs when innocent people are trapped in his destructive path, and nothing in Degrassi will ever be the same again.
68
9
"Back in Black"
Ron Murphy
Aaron Martin & Miklos Perlus
19 October 2004 (2004-10-19)
December 17, 2004
409
A week has passed since the school shooting, and everyone hails Sean as a hero, despite the fact that he does not consider himself to be one. He, Jay, Ellie, and Emma skip school and head to Wasaga Beach to confront his past. Meanwhile, Toby finds himself shunned by J.T. and Danny.
Note: This episode marks the final appearance of Daniel Clark as Sean Cameron until his return in Season Six.
69
10
"Neutron Dance"
Ron Murphy
Story by : Sean Carley & Miklos Perlus Teleplay by : Sean Carley
26 October 2004 (2004-10-26)
February 18, 2005
410
Craig has a problem: the recording contract he and his band earned last year is going to expire, but "Downtown Sasquatch" is far from finished. He seeks assistance from an unlikely source, which enrages the members. Meanwhile, Paige develops a crush on Matt Oleander, the teaching assistant.
70
11
"Voices Carry: Part One"
Phil Earnshaw
Sean Reycraft
2 November 2004 (2004-11-02)
February 25, 2005
411
Ashley's dad's wedding has arrived, Craig and Ashley decide to spend the night together. Meanwhile, J.T. and Liberty work together to put on a play in order to raise school spirits.
71
12
"Voices Carry: Part Two"
Phil Earnshaw
Sean Reycraft
9 November 2004 (2004-11-09)
March 4, 2005
412
Craig's deep depression and destructive behavior starts to become more apparent to Ashley. Meanwhile, after landing themselves in detention, Liberty and J.T. share a moment that brings them closer together.
72
13
"Bark at the Moon"
Ron Murphy
Story by : Sean Reycraft Teleplay by : Aaron Martin
23 November 2004 (2004-11-23)
March 11, 2005
413
Manny is attracted to Chester, a new guy at school, and soon wonders if Spinner is the right guy for her. Following the school shooting, Degrassi gets a new principal after Raditch gets fired. Meanwhile, Paige tries to get partnered up with Mr. Oleander, and it seems he's also interested in her.
Note: This episode marks the final appearance of Dan Woods as Daniel Raditch.
73
14
"Secret: Part 1"
Eleanore Lindo
Shelley Scarrow
30 November 2004 (2004-11-30)
July 1, 2005
414
Still recovering from the shooting and with Sean gone, Emma is in trouble, but plays it off as fine and starts hanging out with Jay. Meanwhile, with the discovery of Craig's bipolar disorder, Ashley tries to get him help from a support group where he runs into Ellie.
74
15
"Secret: Part 2"
Eleanore Lindo
Shelley Scarrow
7 December 2004 (2004-12-07)
July 1, 2005
415
Emma feels alive after giving Jay “the business”, but when Degrassi is plagued with a mini Gonorrhea outbreak after Alex, Jay's girlfriend, becomes infected, Emma fears she has it. Meanwhile, Jimmy enlists the help of Craig and Marco to break out of the hospital and see his favorite band.
75
16
"Eye of the Tiger"
Ron Murphy
Story by : Brendon Yorke & R. Scott Cooper Teleplay by : Brendon Yorke
14 December 2004 (2004-12-14)
July 8, 2005
416
Spinner has difficulty dealing with the return of injured Jimmy. He hasn't talked to him since the shooting, and his guilt over what he did leaves him unable to welcome Jimmy back to school. Meanwhile, Danny has a hard time accepting J.T. and Liberty's relationship.
76
17
"Queen of Hearts"
Sudz Sutherland
Sean Reycraft
17 January 2005 (2005-01-17)
July 15, 2005
417
Struggling to pay the rent, Ellie discovers she can earn money playing euchre. When Alex wants to play for more money, Ellie has to make a difficult choice. Meanwhile, Paige and Matt's secret affair blossoms, but Paige wonders whether he's still seeing his ex-girlfriend behind her back.
77
18
"Modern Love"
Sudz Sutherland
Story by : Miklos Perlus Teleplay by : Shelley Scarrow
24 January 2005 (2005-01-24)
July 22, 2005
418
Paige begins to doubt her secret relationship with Matt after it's revealed. Meanwhile, Emma has a girls' night with Manny, Darcy and Chantay that turns into a prank war with Chester and his brothers.
Note: This episode marks the first appearance of Jajube Mandiela as Chantay Black.
78
19
"Moonlight Desires"
Phil Earnshaw
Story by : Aaron Martin Teleplay by : Sean Reycraft
31 January 2005 (2005-01-31)
July 29, 2005
419
Marco's organized blood drive turns political after learning that he can't donate due to fear of HIV, and to top it off, he finds Dylan with another guy. Meanwhile, after being expelled for their part in the school shooting, Jay and Spinner take vengeance against the school.
79
20
"West End Girls"
Phil Earnshaw
Shelley Scarrow
31 January 2005 (2005-01-31)
August 12, 2005
420
The end of the school year has arrived, and the rivalry between Manny and Paige heats up as they go to extreme lengths to one-up each other, culminating into an epic showdown during the school prom. Caitlin interviews Kevin Smith, who tours Degrassi Community School as a possible location for his latest movie, Jay and Silent Bob Go Canadian, Eh!.
Degrassi goes into chaos as Kevin Smith prepares to film the new Jay and Silent Bob movie there: Craig grows upset when Ashley prepares to go to London for the summer, and Caitlin begins spending a lot of time with Kevin and doubting her relationship with Joey.
Note: This episode marks the final regular appearance of Melissa McIntyre.
Off his bipolar medication and getting out of control, Craig disappears into the streets where he finds himself in trouble, and it's up to Joey to save him. Meanwhile, Joey attempts to save his relationship when Caitlin begins spending more time with Kevin.
Special guest stars: Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes.
DVD releases
The DVD release of season four was released by Alliance Atlantis Home Entertainment in Canada on 28 November 2006, and by FUNimation Entertainment in the US on 24 October 2006 after it had completed broadcast on television. It was released in Australia by Shock Records on 13 April 2011. As well as every episode from the season, the DVD release features bonus material including deleted scenes, bloopers and behind-the-scenes featurettes.
The final three episodes of the season were also released separately from the complete season release on 8 November 2005. They were packaged together in two different versions; one was dubbed "unrated, uncensored and uncut" and featured an audio commentary and other bonus material, the other was dubbed "rated", and did not feature the audio commentary.
