Season 3 of "Degrassi: Next Class" might just be the modern TV equivalent of a cultural wrestling match. Airing in 2017, this Canadian teen drama kept the tradition going with its high school setting at Degrassi Community School, but this time it seems more interested in making sure it ticks all the boxes for every social issue under the sun rather than focusing on the storytelling and character development that used to define great TV. So grab your popcorn and let's dive into this lively season.
"Degrassi: Next Class" dives headfirst into the deep waters of political correctness, hitting viewers over the head with a laundry list of social issues like diversity, mental health, and the ever-present specter of digital age dilemmas. While some might argue this is making television more inclusive, others could argue that it's less a reflection of reality and more a curated reflection of what certain sectors of society want reality to be. In essence, this third season was less about being spontaneous and more like an agenda-driven seminar that disguised itself as teen entertainment. Sure, it's set in the familiar hallways of Degrassi, with characters dealing outlandish woes like identity confusion, online bullying, and self-discovery, but at times it feels like the scriptwriters are reading off cue cards handed out by social activists.
A major thread running through this season is the struggle with racial diversity and multiculturalism. We've got characters trying to clear the immigration hurdles, like our dear Lola Pacini, who is stuck navigating the murky waters of her undocumented status. It's not a bad trick to reflect the real world, but in the attempt to draw parallels, the plot sometimes forgets the primary goal—engaging storytelling. And then there’s Goldi Nahir, proudly donning her hijab and teaching tolerance and coexistence between Islam and Western traditions. It's tender in some episodes but rushes the narrative with the subtlety of a bull in a china shop.
Next up, who can ignore the tech-obsessed plotlines unravelling both the benefits and dangers of today’s online world? With Maya Matlin, we’re delving into the pressures of online harassment, privacy concerns, and the infinite quest to be connected. On paper, tackling issues surrounding social media should be engaging, given its prevalence in modern life. Yet there's often a clash between storytelling and activism, with narrative sometimes taking a backseat to what those social media hot takes might think. It almost begs the question, has storytelling been sacrificed at the altar of trendy woke notions?
One can't talk about this season without giving praise to the portrayal of mental health struggles. Mental illness, a major focal point, showcases Maya Matlin's brave depiction of depression. Evoking sympathy and understanding is a tricky yet laudable exercise. The creators paint her struggles in a way that resonates with the isolation felt by those dealing with similar battles. However, perhaps the larger debate is whether this nuanced avenue is drowned out amidst the cacophony of other checklisted topics.
Then there's the topic of sexuality. We tread into the familiar yet controversial territory of gender identity, with characters like Yael Baron bringing these discussions from their make-believe universe into living rooms worldwide. The representation of LGBTQ+ themes is tackled in what can generously be called a textbook-worthy manner. It certainly creates conversation around identity, but does it blend seamlessly with the traditional storytelling values or does it commandeer the storylines for its own purposes?
This third season also touches on the aftermath of school shootings, with shocking twists that aim for both poignancy and cautionary tales. While the seriousness of these themes demands reflection, one wonders if they’re handled with just the right amount of deference and care.
Moreover, the push for gender equality sees characters like feminist activist Grace Cardinal bringing attention to gender biases at schools, all while navigating her own health battles as she deals with cystic fibrosis. There's no muzzling down the students at Degrassi, who won't waver in holding a mirror to not just each other, but to societal norms and practices as well.
While "Degrassi: Next Class" Season 3 champions a host of social agendas and shines a light on real-world issues, it's evident that the pendulum sometimes swings too far in one direction, often at the expense of character development and a cohesive plot. While a section of society might call this progress, others might see it as pandering to every hot topic du jour. The challenge remains: inserting the message while still keeping audiences glued to their screens with entertaining content, not just buzzword-heavy dialogue.