Blog | eli

  • Degrassi: The Best Bestie Episode Winner!

    Posted on 04/19/2013 by Lisa

    This week, we asked you to vote for your favorite Degrassi episode about friendship, and we posted the winner online for Fan Favorite Friday. "My Body Is a Cage" won by a ton of votes! Want to watch Eli and Clare support Adam as he comes out as transgender? We put the full episode online.

    If you've never seen "My Body Is a Cage," this is the episode that won Degrassi a Peabody Award (which is a really big deal). It's also one of my all-time favorite Degrassi episodes, so I'm glad you guys voted for us to put it online.

    Adam (Jordy Todosey)
    Watching Adam struggle to make peace with his family, his friends, and his own body makes me teary-eyed, but one of my absolute favorite moments in this episode is when he tells Clare and Eli (two of his closest friends at Degrassi) about being transgender. Their response, which is basically, "OK, cool," makes me love THEM so much more, too.

    Adam, Eli, and Clare
    Next week, we'll put up a new poll and post a different winner online, so go watch My Body Is a Cage now!

  • Fan Favorite Friday: Favorite Degrassi Freakout!

    Posted on 04/12/2013 by Lisa

    Degrassi's on hiatus, but we couldn't let you go Degrassi-less, so we asked our Facebook fans to vote for their "favorite Degrassi freakout." The winner, by a long shot? Eli's on-stage breakdown during opening night of Love Roulette, as seen in "Extraordinary Machine." Watch the full episode online!

    A few pictorial highlights from the episode:

    Fiona
    Fiona is skeptical of Eli's last minute changes to the script.

    Imogen
    Imogen wants Clare out of the picture.

    Eli
    Eli has the breakdown that was voted "Fan Favorite." :)

    Owen
    Owen shows off his pool skills.

    Anya
    Anya takes cocaine and bonds with a toilet.

    Watch this week's Fan Favorite episode Extraordinary Machine online now, and if you haven't already, be sure to like TeenNick and Degrassi on Facebook. We'll post a new "Fan Favorite" poll next week, and we want your votes!

  • Degrassi: Sneak Pics from Zombie

    Posted on 03/28/2013 by Lisa

    The next new Degrassi episode, "Zombie, pt. 1" airs Friday at 9pm et -- but you can peek at a few pics now:

    Degrassi: Zombie
    Maya looks a little messed up. (Maybe she just needs to brush her hair.)

    Degrassi: Zombie
    Dave and Eli look like they're posing for a dramatic selfie.

    Degrassi: Zombie
    Maya and this guy are lyin' around wearin' leis. (I like to do that too, sometimes.)

    Degrassi: Zombie
    It looks like Clare and Drew are taking life VERY seriously.

    Degrassi: Zombie
    Or... maybe only Clare is?

    See more sneak peek pics from "Zombie" here and tune in Friday at 9pm et to watch "Zombie, pt. 1" on TeenNick!

  • Degrassi: "Zombie, pt. 1" Sneak Peek

    Posted on 03/25/2013 by Lisa

    Have you met Mr. Stumpy? Watch the first scene of Friday's Degrassi early for a glimpse of him:

    What do you think about that Maya/Zig conversation? Do you think they'll ever get together? Love is always complicated, but their history with Cam adds an extra layer of drama.

    See the rest of "Zombie, pt. 1" on Friday at 9pm et!

  • Degrassi Wrap-Up: Ray of Light, pt. 2

    Posted on 03/08/2013 by Lisa

    What did you think of the newest Degrassi episode, "Ray of Light, pt. 2"? If you missed it, watch it here before you read any further.

    I feel like so much happened during this episode, and it made me cry at least three times. Below are my thoughts on the latest Degrassi storylines. Please share yours in the comments!

    Eli in the shower
    So much happened with Eli! I got all stressed out on his behalf during his NYU interview. (I went to NYU, but I never had to do an interview like that, because I transferred in.) When he talked to the interviewers about being bipolar, I was proud of him for being so honest -- and I loved when the interviewer lady complimented Romeo & Jules. I think Eli would like living in New York City as much as I did, so I'm going to be so disappointed if NYU finds out he took MDMA, showered in the girls' locker room, ran through the school naked, and hugged the principal (still naked).

    The first time I cried was during the aftermath of that scene, in Simpson's office. I started tearing up when Mr. Simpson told Eli about the heartbreaking thing they have in common. And when Eli told Bullfrog, "Last year, it coulda been me in that greenhouse," I was a mess. It seems so unfair (and so realistic) that some people get help in time and some don't.

    Clare
    Later in the episode, when Eli told Clare, "Cam's not the problem. You are." I surprised myself by not crying. I think I was too shocked to cry. I never expected Eli to be so harsh to Clare. Yes, she was being pushy to get him to talk about his feelings, but I wish he could've found a nicer way to say that he needed time alone. Clare looked SO hurt when she was sitting in the window at the end of the episode. (I have a feeling I'm not the only one who felt a sudden urge to hug my TV.)

    Connor and Jenna
    So much happened with Connor and Jenna. Jenna and Connor had plans for a second date, but then Becky tried to get Jenna to date Luke instead (What a terrible idea!!), and then Connor punched Luke, and it seemed like Connor and Jenna were probably over... until Jenna told Connor, "I had more fun on our one date than any other date I've ever been on." When I heard that line, I totally started crying again. I never in a million years thought I would like Connor and Jenna together as much as I do. They make me want to build a cardboard space capsule in my living room. : )

    Katie and Jake
    And so much happened with Katie and Jake. I am so glad that Katie decided to talk to the therapist, because it really seemed to help. I don't think trying to tear the garden blockade down was her smartest idea ever, but maybe all she and Jake really needed was detention together? It gave her a chance to really apologize, and it seemed like he was ready to hear it. When Katie said "You were the best boyfriend I ever had, and you didn't deserve what I did to you," I started crying AGAIN. And when Jake pulled out that flyer about the soccer coach job, I was so happy to realize that he'd been thinking about her, too.

    I'm glad Katie decided to go for it, because the scene where she kicked a soccer ball around with Maya, a.k.a. "Chicken Little," was so cute.

    Watching the video yearbook
    Of course, the video yearbook made me tear up. (You can watch that video online right here.) I'm a sucker for nostalgia!

    This felt like such a life-changing episode for so many people. I really liked Ray of Light (except for the Eclare pain), even though it made me cry a whole bucket of tears. What did you think? Did you cry a lot at this one?

  • Degrassi: Ray of Light, pt. 2 Sneak Peek

    Posted on 03/06/2013 by Lisa

    Hey, what happens when Eli and Clare are hanging out and Talia shows up? THIS. Watch the first scene of Friday's Degrassi here:

    This scene makes me make cranky faces at Talia, but let's keep in mind that she probably has no idea Eli and Clare are even a couple. It didn't look like she and Eli did much talking at the paint party.

    See the rest of "Ray of Light, pt. 2," Friday at 9pm et!

  • Degrassi Wrap-Up: Ray of Light, pt. 1

    Posted on 03/04/2013 by Lisa

    Let's talk about Friday's Degrassi! If you haven't seen "Ray of Light, pt. 1" yet, watch it here. *Spoilers Below*

    Friday on Degrassi, Eli went to a party, Maya went on stage, and Connor took Jenna to space. SPACE!

    Eli at the paint party
    I understand why everyone's worried about Eli. Clare and his other friends are only trying to protect him, but by trying so hard not to upset him, they're only making things even worse for Eli. I appreciated when the psychologist told Eli he doesn't have to talk about it if that's not helpful for him. I wish Eli could've found a way to make it clear to Clare ("clear to Clare," that's fun to say, haha) that what he needed most was a fun date with her. I love Clare, but in this episode, her big concerned eyes were starting to stress me out.

    I know Eli really needed a distraction, but MDMA seems like a dumb choice. I wish he could've just gone to the party and painted. I don't care if it sounds dorky -- creative projects always help me feel better. (I understand that the video yearbook is a creative project, too, but that one is so tied up in memories of Cam.) By the way, I saw a lot of Talia hate online after Friday's episode. I don't hate her, but I do wish she hadn't offered Eli drugs. *Sigh*

    Oh, Katie.
    Will Jake and Katie get back together? I'm thinking no. Marisol's attempt to reunite Jake and Katie made me sigh, too. I think anyone who has ever been a part of an awesome foursome of couple-friends understands the impulse, but the reality is: Eventually, it's gonna end. Crying about it just makes it harder for everyone to move on with their lives.

    I don't think Katie's in any shape to be dating anyone right now. What happened in Vegas definitely didn't stay there for her. She seems so messed up over the choices she made on that trip. When she tried to "protect" Maya at Little Miss Steaks, she's lucky that manager guy didn't call the police. She assaulted him! Not cool, Katie.

    Jenna + Connor = Love?!
    Meanwhile, Jenna and Connor? I didn't see that one coming (except, you know, in the promos, haha). At first, she looked so reluctant to go on a date with him, but maybe it's good that she had low expectations, because it left room for her to be pleasantly surprised. That date with Connor is one she'll remember forever, and sharing a first kiss in space? Seriously cute. I feel like Jenna has enough life experience to appreciate what Connor has to offer. I hope this actually becomes a thing.

    What did you think of this episode?

  • Watch the first scene of Friday's Degrassi!

    Posted on 02/26/2013 by Lisa

    A new Degrassi, "Ray of Light, pt. 1" airs Friday at 9pm et, but you can watch the first scene now -- right here:

    Random question: Is there a place in your school where people can hang out and play video games like that? (If there is, I'm kinda jealous. I never had that in high school!)

  • Degrassi: "Bitter Sweet Symphony, pt. 2" Sneak Peek

    Posted on 02/19/2013 by Lisa

    Need some new Degrassi, like NOW? Watch the first scene of Friday's episode here:

    If anyone ever has something to apologize to me about, I hope they use the line, "I come in peace... with breakfast sandwiches." I think I love breakfast sandwiches about as much as EClare love each other. :)

    See the rest of "Bitter Sweet Symphony, pt. 2" this Friday, 2/22 at 9pm et!

  • Degrassi Wrap-Up: Bitter Sweet Symphony, pt. 1

    Posted on 02/15/2013 by Lisa

    If you haven't seen the brand new Degrassi episode "Bitter Sweet Symphony, pt. 1," watch it online before you read any further! *Spoilers below*

    Cam

    Everyone seemed pretty happy to be back at Degrassi... right up until they got their Spirit Week bandanas. (That's not how Spirit Week is supposed to work, guys.) When Tristan warned Cam to watch out for Zig, I was like, "This is gonna get messy..." but I had no idea just how messy it would get. That hockey fight was brutal, and the stuff Zig said to Cam on the steps? So mean and so wrong.

    Cam and Maya
    A moment of peace, pre-pillow-fight. :)

    Seeing Cam cry breaks my heart. I have lots of experience with depression and I wish I could protect everyone else in the world from feeling that kind of pain. I'm glad that when Cam ran into a random classroom to be alone, Alli was in there, willing to talk him through it. Alli seems to think flowers can fix anything. I'm not sure I buy that, but when Cam showed up at the Matlins' as a "bouquet with legs," I just wanted to hug him. I mean, I know he hurt Zig, but I also understand that he's going through some tough stuff, and I think he deserves another chance. The total cuteness of Cam and Maya (and Hoot) wrestling on the couch pretty much made my night. I lovelovelove those two (or three, if you count Hoot).

    Dallas and Alli

    Meanwhile, Dallas seems really into Alli, but has he ruined his chances with her by bullying Cam? I can never quite decide how I feel about Dallas. I guess he's a good guy somewhere inside, but I wish he didn't care quite so much about hockey. Life isn't always about winning, Dallas! Sometimes, you've just gotta chill.

    Eli, feeling tempted by Clare's journal
    Dooon't do it, Eli!

    As for Eli and Clare and the locker sharing, I have to point out how far Eli has come since the hoarding storyline. He has room in his locker for Clare's stuff, and he's willing to share it with her! And that line about how she'll have her own drawer in his NYU dorm room? *dreamy sigh* But after all the stuff Eli has been through, I was really disappointed that he decided to read Clare's journal. I mean, I know Dave kind of urged him into it, but... I think privacy is essential, and I don't ever, ever, ever, under any circumstances, think it's OK to read someone else's journal (or their texts or email, for that matter).

    Clare

    That said, I feel like Clare could've been a little more careful with her journal, because the temptation to peek at someone's private thoughts can be tough to resist. Maybe she should've kept the journal in her bag, or at home? Then again, if Helen or Glen found it, that could've caused an even bigger nightmare for her. Can you imagine how they would've reacted to her entries about Jake?!? Ohhhh, that would've been bad.

    The questions in my head at the moment:
    Will Clare forgive Eli for invading her privacy?
    Does Dallas have any chance with Alli at this point?
    Will Camaya stay together?
    What is that adorable little owl up to?

    Leave a comment if you have any thoughts! And don't miss Bitter Sweet Symphony, pt. 2, Friday at 9pm et.