Degrassi Junior High: Season 3

While the majority of characters and situations would carry over into the later companion show Degrassi High, the final season of Degrassi Junior High featured some of the most explosive and shocking episodes of the entire series. The two-part opener “Can't Live With ‘Em” sets a horrible chain of events in motion for Wheels (Neil Hope), who bickers with his parents about his grades and hanging with Joey (Pat Mastroianni), and is shattered when his folks are killed by a drunk driver. Also, Spike (Amanda Stepto) gives birth to her and Shane's (Billy Parrot) baby, but won't let him see little Emma until the holiday episode “Season's Greetings.” The Joey, Caitlin (Stacie Mistysyn), Liz (Cathy Keenan) love triangle flares (“Loves Me, Loves Me Not,” and “Twenty Bucks”); Arthur (Duncan Waugh) is hounded by best friend Yick (Siluck Saysanasy) after his family wins the lottery; and Lucy (Anais Granofsky) bounces from one older high school boy to another, leaving her pals in the lurch. Standout episodes include the two-part “Taking Off” (Wheels deals with some tough experiences after running away; and Shane is badly injured as a result of dropping acid at a concert); “Black & White” (tackling B.L.T. (Dayo Ade) and Michelle's (Maureen McKay) fledgling interracial relationship); and the stunning “Bye-Bye Junior High” series finale, which ties up a few loose ends before leaving the viewer reeling at the fiery closing images. DVD extras include the half-hour behind-the-scenes documentary “Degrassi Between Takes,” a pop quiz, and computer wallpaper. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (J. Williams-Wood)