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Degrassi: The Next Generation Degrassi
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The eighth season of Degrassi: The Next Generation depicted the first semester of the 2007-2008 school year. Principal photography took place from May 12 to October 24, 2008. This season depicts the lives of a group of high school freshmen, juniors, seniors, and college freshmen as they deal with some of the challenges and issues young adults face such as sex, sexual identity, drug use, financial troubles, child molestation, mental illness, cyber-bullying, sexism, hostage situations, careers and relationships.

Main Cast

The following 24 characters received star billing:

Degrassi the next generation season 8

Degrassi: The Next Generation Season 8 Principal Casts

Graduates (Class of 2007)

Seniors (Class of 2008)

Juniors (Class of 2009)

Freshmen (Class of 2011)

Degrassi Staff

Recurring Characters

Guest Stars

Character Descriptions

DEGRASSI STUDENTS


ALLI BHANDARI (14) – Grade 9

“Sav's Little Sister.' 'Our Little Genius.' 'Backwoods Bhandari'. Alli is sick of labels. None of them fit. It's not surprising because Alli has never felt like she fits in anywhere. Not at home with her conservative parents who make her study six hours a night. Not at school in her gifted grade nine class where she feels like a mega-fraud. All Alli wants is a normal high school experience. Although she’s not entirely sure what that is. She knows it includes way more fun and at least one cute boy (Alli is a little - okay, a lot - boy-crazy). And she knows she needs to deceive her parents to have it. Sometimes Alli goes too far in her quest to be like everyone else and it gets her into trouble. But she's always been able to get herself out of it - so far. Will Alli ever have the guts to tell her parents how she feels or will she be forced to live a dual life forever?"

SAV BHANDARI (16) – Grade 11

"Grade 11 is Sav's year. The handsome dude with a big heart loves rocking out with his band Studz and is so in love with his girl Anya. But when his little sister Alli joins the “Niner” gifted class at Degrassi – little does he know his party's about to be crashed."

CHANTAY BLACK (17) – Grade 11

"Chantay is all about knowing what’s what at Degrassi. She loves to be in on all the latest dirt and doesn’t hesitate to stir it up once in a while. She knows that holding and dispensing information is a very powerful position to be in. As a member of the Power Squad, she feels her place in the school hierarchy is pretty secure. She also wouldn’t mind getting a boyfriend already… she’s been patient but the hormones are getting the best of her!"

BRUCE THE MOOSE – (18) Grade 12

"Bruce is very much enjoying being in Grade 12 and ruling the school, but not in the nicest way. Bruce is a bully and enjoys using his position on the football team and his size to push everyone around. And no one enjoys the new “niner geeks” as much as Bruce The Moose. Frosh meat is so much fun!"

CONNOR DELAURIER (14) – Grade 9

"Connor is an intense guy. He has the ability to focus completely on one thing. Of course that thing is rarely what someone is saying to him. He’s incredibly smart and has learned enough conventional responses to fit in most of the time. What neither Connor, nor the people around him know yet about him, is that he has an undiagnosed mild case of Aspergers Syndrome. He is good at weaving a long tale to distract others from some big mess he might have gotten himself into. And he is pretty good at getting himself into messes."

LEIA CHANG (16) – Grade 11

"Shy and insecure, Leia arrives at Degrassi not knowing anyone. She hopes that her demeanour will be interpreted as cool and aloof. On the first day of school, she is befriended by Mia and the two are quickly inseparable until Leia is unable to tolerate the fast model lifestyle that Mia gravitates toward. To cover her insecurities, we discover that Leia begins fibbing a little, then a lot. It almost becomes pathological."

BLUE CHESSEX – (17) – Grade 11

"New to Degrassi, Blue has a reputation for being a player, and could probably hook up with his choice of girls. But he’s not at all about the notches on the belt. He has a code. You’ll never find him trading locker room banter about any of his conquests. It’s not about that for him. He’s just a sensual guy who loves the female form – everything about them – the way they smell, their bodies, the way they talk, the way they look at the world. If you’re ever looking for Blue, you can always try the art room where he’s working on his latest piece."

DARCY EDWARDS – (17) – Grade 12

"Last year was the most difficult ever for Darcy. How does a Christian girl who’s a big fan of abstinence deal with being roofie raped by a complete stranger that she’ll never know? Going from Queen Bee to social outcast… purposefully isolating herself from everyone to hide the truth she’s buried so deep. This year, she's determined to find her true self, even if it means leaving her true love, Peter."

DEREK HAIG – (17) – Grade 12

"Derek's been left behind by Danny and has turned to picking on younger kids to occupy his free time. Not open to change, Derek takes a dark turn this year. His insecurity on and off the football field leads him to hurting one of his own teammates. Will Derek's actions make him a hero among his teammates, or a villain? And will Danny, his one true friend, take his side or distance himself forever?"

JOHNNY DIMARCO (17) – Grade 12

"Degrassi's mysterious bad boy with a dark past is back at school and is still a big bully. But Johnny's detached persona is taken to the test when sparks fly between him and one of Degrassi's grade nine girls. Will Johnny allow himself to be seen with a niner? Or will it destroy his cred?"

CLARE EDWARDS (14) – Grade 9

"Dating isn't on Clare's agenda. There are way more important things. But it was easier to avoid boys at her all-girls school. At Degrassi, they're everywhere. Clare isn't immune to crushes, she just tries to ignore them. She knows people think she's weird but she's not worried about fitting in. Clare has a strong moral compass and is puzzled when people don't do the right thing. But being the 'good girl' definitely comes with its own set of challenges."

K.C. GUTHRIE (14) – Grade 9

"Tall and athletic, K.C.'s appearance makes him the last teenager you'd expect to walk into a gifted class -- but here he is, ready to learn. With K.C.'s focus on academic achievement, he finds himself surrounded by an unlikely group of friends and a potential love interest. Will he be able to maintain a balance between his social and academic life and still be able to hide the dark secret from his past?"

ANYA MACPHERSON (16) – Grade 11

"Anya's stepping into her Power Squad uniform this year and cheering on her boyfriend Sav (she thinks he looks so cute in his football uniform!). She loves him so much and she doesn't want cultural differences to get in the way of their romance. While she's kinda side-stepped out of Holly J's overbearing shadow, her pony tail is still tied tight and her best friend is still totally in control. Will this be Anya's year to let down her hair and finally be herself?"

MIA JONES (17) – Grade 11

"This year Mom is looking after Izzy, giving Mia a chance to be a real teenager. But can Mia shed her Baby-Momma skin and be accepted by the cliquey Power Squad led by Holly J. With a new career as a top model, will this finally be her golden ticket to the top of the social pyramid and will getting to the top mean compromising herself and putting her new friendships on the line?"


HOLLY J SINCLAIR (16) – Grade 11

"Holly J – and that's Holly J, not just Holly, thanks – knows that in high school, having a power position is incredibly important. As new captain of the Power Squad and Student Council president, she's claimed the top position – and she's not going to give it up without a fight. Now that Holly J has it all, what will be next item on her extensive to-do list?"

RILEY STAVROS (16) – Grade 11

"Riley is THE Alpha male attractive football player. But behind his apparent charm, dry humour, and self-confidence there is a potentially angry young man who harbours questions about his own sexuality. When Riley sees himself walking down the street, it is always with an attractive girl at his side. Being gay is definitely not part of the careful life plan he has spent a lot of time perfecting. Riley feels he can beat this thing with the same kind of determination he has brought to his weight training and football playing. But when Riley meets Peter he is thrown by the intensity of his attraction. Can he be friends with this guy or would it be wiser to back away altogether?"

PETER STONE (17) – Grade 12

"With his mom in Regina and no room in his Dad's life – Peter has scored his own pad this year and it's awesome. Studz band practice, parties, and Wii playing spell out the good life. His mischievous past finally behind him, Peter's doing much better at school and is making some real friends. But with his true love Darcy leaving for Africa, will Peter be able to stay on the straight and narrow?"


DANNY VAN ZANDT (17) – Grade 12

"With Liberty finally graduated from Degrassi, Danny's making tracks on and off the field. As the star QB of the football team, he's quickly become one of Degrassi's newest hotties. He's separated himself from long-term “partner in stupidity”, Derek and is finding his true self - as well as new friends in his band, Studz. Will Danny's new image get him some attention from some of Degrassi's ladies? And will Danny know how do deal with this attention from the opposite sex?"

JANE VAUGHAN (17) – Grade 12

"Nothing you say can shock Jane. There's no joke or smart-assed remark she hasn't already made and isn't afraid to push the boundary just a little further. This year, with her boyfriend Spinner graduated, Jane decides to try something new. No one would ever think that wanting to play a little football could be so trying. Jane embraces tackling and playing rough with the boys but when she faces misogyny and violence off the field, from her own teammates and coach, how will Jane overcome the odds?"

THE GRADUATES

SPINNER MASON – (19, Working Man)

"Spinner may not be the smartest kid from Degrassi, but he’s got big post-grad plans for himself and girlfriend Jane. He’s trying to get into Police College next year while Jane’s doing pre-law but for the present will manage The Dot. After all the challenges he went through last year, overcoming cancer and finally graduating, nothing can stop Spinner from attaining his goals and achieving happiness… but sometimes Spinner is Spinner’s worst enemy."

EMMA NELSON – (18, University Freshman)

"Emma has graduated and is off to Smithdale with her best friend Manny. Away from home and a small fish in a very large pond, Emma looks to bolster her confidence in some very unlikely ways. Embracing a more casual lifestyle, Emma hooks up with her roommate Kelly and finds herself involved in a whole new kind of extracurricular activity."

MANNY SANTOS – (18, University Freshman)

"Trying to suck the marrow out of this first year of university, Manny has very set plans as to how she and Emma will experience Smithdale. That Jay guy will not get back into her life. She’s moving on and she’s going to work very hard at being a disciplined drama student."

JAY HOGART – (20, Mechanic)

"Jay’s always been a bad ass who’s only looking out for number one but last year we saw a much softer side of Jay… a Jay that can be loving and sincere. So he replaced Manny’s college demo reel with an x-rated one that he and Manny made. So he stole the company tow truck and landed in jail. So he stole the engagement ring back from the pawn shop. So maybe things don’t change. Is Jay just trouble, or can he be redeemed?"

LIBERTY VAN ZANDT (18, University Freshman)

"Liberty was Degrassi’s resident academic golden girl so it is challenging to keep that up when off to first year university. The pressure to fit into college life proves difficult when Liberty’s judgement becomes impaired and she lands on the front page of the school paper… naked! Will she be able to recover and become a functioning member of university life… and get her dignity back?"

KELLY ASHOONA (18, University Freshman)

"A sweet guy with a disarming grin and a way with words, Kelly fast becomes friends with every girl in the dorm. The guys in the rez like Kelly too -- and not just because by error of the housing department he lives with three hot girls. Kelly is totally zen, plays guitar and ultimate frisbee, loves sports and movies, and carries himself with that comfortable, collegiate air that makes him so likeable and thus the ultimate wingman."

JIMMY BROOKS (19, University Freshman)

"Jimmy’s finally in a good place. He’s forgiven Spinner and has his best friend back. Jimmy’s really come into his own and moving on with his life. Now that he’s put aside his anger over the shooting, his future is bright. He is going to work at walking again and nothing will keep him and Trina apart. He has his eye on the prize."

THE ADULTS

ARCHIE “SNAKE” SIMPSON – (35)

Snake had it tough last year when he had to win his way back into the hearts of his students after, against his better judgement, he provided comfort to Darcy, putting his entire career and life in jeopardy. Now cleared of all suspicion, he must maintain a very clear path and concentrate on teaching. When the new Principal comes in and screws with the new gifted program, Snake feels he must step up… but carefully.

THE SHEP – (40)

"Degrassi's new principal 'The Shep' Sheppard was everything that was wrong with Lakehurst. More interested in being loved by his students than giving them the best educational experience, The Shep favours the popular crowd and does everything to promote his image as 'the party principal.' The Shep supports the school's athletes at all costs, even at the expense of Degrassi's academic programs. Worst of all, in any kind of dispute, he sides with the popular crowd or former Lakehurst kids over the less socially comfortable students and even without provocation might pick on those he calls 'special', in the hopes of 'toughening them up for the real world.'"

Opening Sequence

The opening starts on the Degrassi sign that says Go Panthers Football. The camera pans to the right and shows a boy jumping on his skate board over the stairs. It then pans to the right and shows Peter taping the skateboarder with his video camera. Peter watches in amazement and then turns around. The scene now takes on the view from Peter's camera. It pans to the right and shows Liberty, Emma, and Manny with their arms around each other. Liberty waves to the camera, Emma smiles, and Manny blows a kiss to the camera. Liberty and Emma run off camera on the left and Manny runs into the car behind her. Kelly's sitting in the driver's seat when the camera zooms in on him. He looks into the camera and smiles. The camera pans to the right and shows Leia walking through the front door of the school holding a bunch of papers. Derek comes up behind her and throws her papers in the air. Derek looks at the camera laughing, while Leia looks angrily at Derek and punches his arm. The camera pans to the right and shows the back of Anya and Chantay's heads as they look at the Anti-Grapevine in the MI Lab. The camera pans around to show their faces. They both laugh while looking at the computer.

The camera pans to the right and we see Connor, K.C., and Clare in the science room working on a robot. They all look in the camera and smile. The robot starts sparking and they all step back in shock. The camera pans to the left and shows Alli sitting by them watching them work. Alli looks into the camera and flips her hair and smiles. Danny and Sav are then seen playing their guitars in the music room. They both make faces at the camera. The camera pans to the left where Peter points the camera at himself as he makes the rock and roll hand gesture. He then pans to the right and Spinner is seen playing the drums and twirling his drumsticks. We see a bunch of cheerleaders catching Mia after they threw her in the air. They let her down and she smiles at the camera. Holly J. then pushes in front of her and smiles at the camera. Mia rolls her eyes.

The camera pans to the right where we see Bruce the Moose and Johnny in the hallway giving some boys noogies. They both look at the camera, laughing. Mr. Simpson comes up behind them and grabs them. He looks at the camera and signals Peter to cut. We see Blue sketching at an outside bench. He smiles at the camera and then turns to the left. We see Riley with a football. He tosses the football off screen and his name fades out. The camera pans to the right and we see Jane in front of the school. She catches the football and smiles. She turns around and starts walking away with her back to the camera. The Degrassi: The Next Generation logo appears on the back of her shirt. It then pops out onto the screen.

Episode List

Main article: Episode Guide#Season 8 .282008-2009.29
Season # Series # Title Canadian Airdate U.S. Airdate Production Code
1 144 "Uptown Girl (1)" 5 October 2008 10 October 2008 801
2 145 "Uptown Girl (2)" 12 October 2008 10 October 2008 802
3 146 "Fight The Power" 19 October 2008 17 October 2008 803
4 147 "Didn't We Almost Have It All" 2 November 2008 24 October 2008 804
5 148 "Man With Two Hearts" 9 November 2008 7 November 2008 805
6 149 "With Or Without You" 16 November 2008 14 November 2008 806
7 150 "Money For Nothing" 23 November 2008 21 November 2008 807
8 151 "Lost In Love (1)" 30 November 2008 13 February 2009 808
9 152 "Lost In Love (2)" 18 January 2009 13 February 2009 809
10 153 "Bad Medicine" 25 January 2009 20 February 2009 810
11 154 "Causing A Commotion" 8 February 2009 27 February 2009 811
12 155 "Heat Of The Moment" 15 February 2009 6 March 2009 812
13 156 "Jane Says (1)" 1 March 2009 3 July 2009 813
14 157 "Jane Says (2)" 8 March 2009 3 July 2009 814
15 158 "Touch Of Grey" 15 March 2009 10 July 2009 815
16 159 "Heart Of Glass" 22 March 2009 17 July 2009 816
17 160 "Up Where We Belong" 5 April 2009 24 July 2009 817
18 161 "Danger Zone" 12 April 2009 31 July 2009 818
19-22 162-165 ""Paradise City"
"Degrassi Goes Hollywood
"
30 August 2009 14 August 2009 819-822

Promos & Videos 

Trivia

  • The first instances of Sexting and Cyberbullying being a main central piece in a plot are seen in this season.
  • This season marks the final appearances of Darcy EdwardsJimmy BrooksToby IsaacsDerek Haig and Ellie Nash. Shenae Grimes (Darcy) left to be a cast member on 90210 and Aubrey Graham went on to pursue a rap career under the pseudonym “Drake”.
  • Jimmy and Paige reach the 100th episode milestone. Jimmy made his final appearance in his 100th episode Lost in Love (1).

Extras

Degrassi: The Next Generation Degrassi
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