We have a completely spoiler-free review of Degrassi: Next Class, now on Netflix!
This spoiler-freeDegrassi: Next Classreview is based only on the first five episodes.
Once the whole series drops on Netflix well be going in depth.
Or should we say, well be going there?
If youre reading this review, youre one of three kinds of people.
For the first person, welcome!
Youve made the right choice.
You knowDegrassihas been around forever but youre not sure if its worth your time.
I assure you, it is.
For the second person, Im glad youre thinking about coming back.
I know you loved Emma, Paige, Manny, Spinner, Jimmy, and the rest.
When they left, you felt like the show was missing something.
Maybe the plots just werent doing it for you.
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For the third person, youre aDegrassiaddict for life.
But how does this season compare to the others?
Does it build off what weve previously seen?
Trying to appeal to all three of these people is a tall order.Degrassi: Next Classknows this.
It has to be a jumping on point for new fans, especially since its moving to Netflix.
It needs some buzz.
Finally, it has to keep the continuity of the series going.
Long time fans would riot if they full on rebooted the thing.
Smartly, it manages to balance all three.
Lets look at whats on the table this season.
Right from the opening theme, social media is the biggest influence on the season.
WhileDegrassihas tackled social media in the past, its never done it to this degree and it pays off.
They mine how social media effects teenagers lives today in both big and subtle ways.
One of my favorites was when grade 12 characters mocked a grade 10 for using the equivalent of Snapchat.
Generational divide in social media usage?
Even the topics theyve mined from the headlines are becoming more and more prevalent because of social media.
Feminism is the big one that looks like it will run over the course of the season.
Even GamerGate could be coming up!
(Oh yeah,Degrassigoes THERE.)
Weve got drugs, butts, micro aggressions, masturbation, jealously, consent, catfishing, and more.
A lot of eyebrows were raised whenDegrassiwould be on Netflix.
Would there be nudity?
How far would they be going?
Well, I can report that it isnt going to go THAT far.
After all, this does still air on TV in Canada.
It cant go too wild, but it does take things farther.
Weve got more innuendo and frank talks about sex.
The biggest accomplishment of the new season is finally making Zig and Maya likeable.
When last season ended and Claire/Eli finally departed the show, I was worried.
They were saddled with this boring plot about drugs or something?
Maya was whiney as hell and Zig was just idiotic.
This was the couple that was going to carry the show?
Well I am very happy to report that the writers have finally fixed them both.
The bumps in their relationship stem from legitimate plot.
They argue over things adults deal with!
Really though, I think I was won over when I saw this.
That is the greatest face ever.
I dub it, #ZigFace.
Let him make more faces like this,Degrassi.
Is that terrible of him?
Yes, but its so real.
Some of the minor characters are thankfully promoted to full on regular cast with storylines to match.
Shay is the breakout star of the new main cast who has the best acting chops in the bunch.
Tiny has also received a complete character makeover and is 100 percent more fun to watch.
Watch for his newfound love of marine life.
Most of the new cast members dont get much time to shine in the first five episodes.
Theyre mostly there to support the returning cast, but thats a smart way to introduce them.
Thankfully shes also got a bunch of flaws that will probably come to bite her in the ass soon.
Multi layered characters?!
Everything about this season is just so good so far.
Each episode has a solid A, B, and C plot that get equal focus.
No idiotic two parters!
The plots can still make you squirm with second hand embarrassment.
The jokes are well timed and laugh out loud funny.
Everyone has unique relationships with each other.
Degrassi: Next Classis bold and confident.
I cant say theres one plot Im not enjoying.
If youre someone looking to get intoDegrassi?
The show hasnt been this good in years.
Just start with what Netflix puts out and youll have a great time.
If youre an older fan who gave up on the show?
Its worth giving another shot.
This really is everything you loved aboutDegrassi, albeit it with some new fresh faces.
Give it a few episodes and youll fall in love with these kids.
If youre a long time fan?
Its more of what you love but even better.
You dont have to whine and complain about certain plots sucking.
This will keep you watching for years to come.
Let me also reiterate, Maya is amazing now!
Rating:
5 out of 5
