Ep 1. Kiss Me, Steph

In the pilot episode of Degrassi Junior High season 1, titled "Kiss Me, Steph," the show introduces us to a diverse group of seventh and eighth graders who attend the eponymous school situated in Toronto, Canada. The episode focuses primarily on two parallel stories- one involves Stephanie Kaye, a popular girl who is desperate to be liked by everyone, and the other involves Joey Jeremiah, a class clown with a penchant for getting into trouble.

The episode opens with Stephanie preparing for her eighth-grade dance, which she plans on ruling with her beauty and popularity. However, when her boyfriend, the captain of the basketball team, cancels their date, she is left desperate and alone. Stephanie quickly rebounds and sets her sights on one of the school's transfer students, a handsome and mysterious guy named Simon Dexter. However, Simon seems unimpressed by her attentions and appears to be more interested in her best friend, Voula.

The other plot point in the episode revolves around Joey Jeremiah and his mission to win the affections of wheels, his long-time crush. Joey, with the help of his best friend Snake, concocts a plan to impress wheels by stealing the school's mascot, a fiberglass moose, and bringing it to her house. The plan goes awry when wheels discovers the prank and Joey ends up getting suspended from school.

"Kiss Me, Steph," sets up the themes that will recur throughout the series- identity, relationships, and growing up. The show tackles these themes with surprising maturity, avoiding the traps of other teen dramas that lean too much on melodrama and stereotypes. Degrassi Junior High establishes itself as a show that takes real issues seriously, without talking down to its target audience.

One of the things that stands out about the pilot is how it portrays Stephanie. She is not presented as a mean girl, but rather as someone who is insecure and desperate to be accepted. She's relatable in her vulnerability, and her character arc throughout the season is one of the more interesting ones. Viewers will be rooting for her as she navigates the tricky world of middle school politics.

Joey Jeremiah, on the other hand, is a bit more straightforward. He's the class clown, always getting himself into trouble, but he's likable nonetheless. His crush on wheels is sweet, and many viewers will be able to relate to the awkwardness and uncertainty of young love.

The supporting characters are equally well-drawn. Snake, Joey's best friend, is the sensible one, trying to reign in Joey's wild schemes. Voula, Stephanie's best friend, is the more level-headed of the two and offers Stephanie sage advice when she needs it. The show's diverse cast also includes Arthur, a nerdy kid who is often picked on, and Yick, his similarly nerdy friend. Melanie, a popular girl who befriends Stephanie, is also notable for her kindness and empathy.

Overall, "Kiss Me, Steph," is an engaging and well-executed pilot that lays the groundwork for what will become an iconic series. The themes and characters are relatable, and the show's commitment to realism is refreshing. Anyone who has ever been a middle schooler will find something to identify with in this episode. It's no wonder that Degrassi Junior High went on to become a cultural touchstone and a beloved classic.