Cold Shower

This weekend involved watching the first disc, season one, of Degrassi: The Next Generation. I cannot decide whether it is as bad as expected or worse, but I'm leaning toward worse. Sort of when you think of a really gross picture after your friend goes "ewww, gross," and refuses to let you see the picture they came across on the internet, but then finally lets you see it and you know it would have been better to not see the picture. Seeing a small selection of the cast from the original series is the only worthwhile part and only for nostalgic reasons. If the new show focused on these characters, or better the larger Degrassi Jr. High and High cast, as adults then I'd be more willing to watch TNG. However, the old cast is only there to pull you into watching the new series which offer multiple characters with little redeeming qualities. So far I am annoyed and find myself staring at the record collection sitting next to the television set because it holds more appeal. Maybe part of the problem is how the new series thinly rehash the stories from the previous series, distributed among more characters and a strong reminder that being in Jr. High right now would be super lame.

When the next generation series aired I had graduated high school, so watching the newer Degrassi is a reminder of this time that is not the fondest of memory. Given now it's seven years past the airing and my public schooling exit, but I still remember that stuff and it was booooring. If this show is a reflection of our society, although from a Canadian perspective, then people have become more annoying and adulthood means getting pudgier while maintaining the same haircut (give or take a beard) -- Mr. Radich. Unlike the original series and my childhood when the original series was aired I do not look forward to the future that includes watching more of this series. Having read through some online synopsis of future episodes of Degrassi: TNG there is some enticement to venture onward, but when thinking about what I have watched already then I can only foresee a future of mega problems of the super annoying. The characters from the original series had their problems, but they sat lower on the annoying factor and those characters that were super annoying were given air time only to prove a point, although a screwed up one usually, and then they were ushered to the side and background so you didn't forget them to keep your kick/punch combo ready like a gag reflex. Tossing cookies of pain!

Not to be wholly negative there is some redemption to be had for Digrassi: TNG, and that is to watch The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Filling a wondrous period that was my childhood and not knowing about Degrassi Jr. High, probably for the better considering my fragile state, I was hooked into watching Nickleodeon. This time was vital for developing my sense of humor which to this day remains intact while willing to explore to the further reaches of pipe. Do you see that, that is Pete & Pete and wouldn't you know it but if I had been watching television that was to help me grow up I'd be trying to call people 'broom heads,' thinking about sweeping simultaneously no doubt. Anytime I thought it was a good idea to begin acting older I was wrong. Pete and Pete didn't involve false hope but was able to slip in that it's okay to like girls and to the close listener you were given hints on good indie bands to check out.

I'd say more, but I am tired and my mustache is glistening in places that should not be glistening so I will simply recommend a viewing of The Adventures of Pete & Pete by saying the following item: Bus driver Stu.