Opens At the Nelson House in Emma’s Room

Emma is on her computer when her mom, Spike, comes in with popcorn.

Spike: Are you sure you don’t want popcorn?

Emma: If I eat popcorn, I’ll get greasy fingers, and greasy fingers mean a slimy keyboard.

Spike: (Moving it in front of Emma) Mmm…popcorn.

Emma: Ms. Kwan, poetry assignment.

Spike: You’ll get it done. Come on. (She shuts off the computer)

Emma: Ok…

Spike: So you know that Mr. Simpson and I have been friends for a long time.

Emma: Yeah and he’s been here all the time lately.

Spike: I know, I know, that’s sorta what this is about.

Emma: What’s that supposed to mean?

Spike: It means that we’re more than just friends, Em. We’ve been dating each other.

Emma: Mr. Simpson?  He’s my teacher!

Opening Credits

Cut to: Degrassi hallway

Emma + Manny are walking and talking.

Manny: So…did you get your poetry done?

Emma: No.

Manny: It’s due today.

Emma: I know. But some stuff came up with my mom.

Manny: Serious stuff? (To a kid she bumped into) Sorry.

Emma: She wanted to talk to me about her new boyfriend.

Manny: And you didn’t call me? Who is it?

They see Mr. Simpson, with gum stuck to his shoe.

Snake: Got myself a bit of a uh sticky situation here.  (They walk past him)

Emma: That’s who. Simpson. My mom is seeing Simpson.

Manny: What?

Emma: It’s no big deal, really.

Manny: Em, your mom is dating your teacher. That is huge.

Emma: I know. And I’d like you to keep it quiet, ok? I’m fine with this. And you can be too.

Cut to: Video Announcement

Guy: And Liberty says get you red shoes on…

Liberty: And dance the blues, this afternoon’s eighties dance for the junior class will be held in the café, at 2:30, with Mr. Simpson presiding.

Guy: The senior dance will be at 7:00 in the gym with DJ’s Mad Dog and Billy from Kiss 92 presiding. Oh, get your freak on for the break dancing contest. First prize: ring side tickets to a leaf game. (It goes to Mr. Simpson’s class as he talks. When he’s done, the bell rings)

Spinner: (To Jimmy) Those leaf tickets belong to us. (They high five)

Snake: Hope you guys have a great time busting a move tonight.

Spinner: My break dancing CD, the ultimate.

Jimmy: Oh, my eighties outfit, even more the ultimate. As you will witness tonight.

Spinner: My hip-hop collection rules. Best old school mix ever.

Paige: Guys, like take a downer. Eighties dance, remember?

Spinner: Anyway, we’ve got all the moves. Leafs, here we… (We hear music playing + then we see Marco in the hall break dancing)

Paige: Well, um, you could always buy tickets.

Spinner: Come on, sure Marco’s good, but he can he bust moves like this? (Spinner starts break dancing badly)

Jimmy: Uh, Spinner? Not here, ok? (Jimmy + Paige walk away)

Paige: Ok, I saw better dancing at Heather Sinclair’s grade 3 sock hop. Do you want to win this contest?

Jimmy: Of course I do.

Paige: Then two words: go solo. (Paige leaves. Jimmy looks at his CD)

Cut to: Media Immersion

Snake: So, for your weekend assignment, find a few examples of flash animation on the web. Don’t forget to e-mail the URL to your D mail…

Manny: I thought him and your mom were friends. What changed?

Emma: She had a thing for him back in high school. Rekindled love?

Manny: I can totally see your mom going for him. He is kind of cute.

Emma: Yeah, for an old guy.

Manny: He’s got a nice smile.

Emma: And he’s tall. That’s always good.

Manny: He’s funny. And he’s cool, in his dorky Mr. Simpson way.  (the bell rings)

Snake: Hey guys, looking forward to the junior back to the future dance this afternoon? I’ll be working the turn table. (Everyone starts to leave, but he stops Emma) Emma. Um, I just wanted to, you know, check in with you.

Emma: I’m good, thanks.

Snake: Because your mom told me, you know, that you talked, and, I just don’t want things to be awkward.

Emma: I’m fine.

Snake: Emma, are you un-happy with this situation with me and your mom?

Emma: (Shakes her head) No, I think it’s great.

Snake: Really?

Emma: 100 %.  Wow look at the time. I’ve gotta go. (She + Manny leave)

In the hall…

Manny: What was that?

Emma: He wanted to “check in” with me. This whole thing is getting really confusing and weird and I can’t get my head around it. (Emma is not looking + almost hits Craig)

Craig: Hey Emma.

Emma: Craig. Sorry.

Craig: So, uh, you two going to the dance tonight?

Manny: Can’t. Seniors only.

Sean: Tell me about it.

Craig: Oh yeah, sorry Junior.

Sean: Thanks for rubbing it in. You know how much I love spending lame nights at home alone. (Sean leaves)

Emma: Manny and I are having a girls’ night with my mom.

Craig: Nice. Well, uh, maybe next year. (Craig leaves)

Manny: It’s so obvious Craig likes you.

Emma: You think? (Manny nods)

P.A.: Attention students. The junior dance is starting now in the cafeteria.

Cut to: Hall

Spinner:  You think Max will talk to us?

Jimmy: No, he’s got to focus on his game, right? Um, The Leafs focus on their own strengths, right? So, maybe we should, too. Like, say, I do the dancing, you do them music.

Spinner: You don’t want me to break?

Jimmy: No, no. Just…

Spinner: Just what? You’re jealous. You want the spotlight all to yourself.

Jimmy: Spin, you…you move like a wounded polar bear, buddy. I…I’m sorry.

Spinner: Yeah, I get it. I can’t dance ‘cause I’m white.

Jimmy: That’s not what I’m saying.

Spinner: Yes it is. Polar bear’s are white, I’m white. And you’re racist.

Jimmy: What are you talking…? Okay, I’m not saying you can’t dance ‘cause white. I’m saying you can’t dance ‘cause you suck.

Spinner: Fine. I’m going solo. You’re fired.

Jimmy: You can’t fire me. I’m going solo. Enjoy the leafs game, on TV. (As he talks, Spinner leaves)

Cut to: The Cafeteria- The Junior Dance

Eighties music is playing + people are dancing or talking or standing around

JT: Can’t believe this is actually considered cool.

Toby: I don’t know. I think I look pretty good.

JT: I think you look like a big retro loser.

Toby: Shut up. (He hits JT)

JT: Hey! (He hits him back)

They walk past Manny + Emma

Toby: Hey ladies.

JT: What’s up?

Toby: Wanna dance? (Holds out his hand)

Emma: This is what the junior is dance is all about. Serious immaturity.

Snake: Now here’s a hot little eighties retro number from my very own band, The Zit Remedy. (As he talks he talks with a British accent. After he talks the song plays)

Emma: Uh! I hate that stupid song.

Liberty: Wow, Em. You hate everything today.

Emma: No. Just Simpson’s taste in music.

Snake: Thought I saw you girls playing wallflower by the door.

Liberty: This girl she likes to party all the time.

Snake: Get on in. How about you guys? Come in + get down?

Emma: We’re more like gonna get lost.  (Emma + Manny leave)

Cut to: The Nelson’s

Spike is getting ready to go out as Emma + Manny come in. When Emma first talks, she is off screen.

Emma: Mom!

Spike: I’m in here!

Emma: Can you feel the excitement? Girls’ night is just minutes away.

Manny: We’ve got romance, suspense…

Emma: A whole range of empty calories. (Sees Spike) And a dress code?

Spike: I’m so sorry. I completely forgot. Mr. Simpson called. He lucked into last minute Elvis Costello tickets. And as you know, we both live for Elvis.

Emma: Great. Have fun.

Spike: I’m sorry. I was excited. We can reschedule, okay?

Emma: Unless, of course, another antique eighties singer rolls into town.

Spike: So how was your dance?

Emma: It sucked. Thanks to the DJ.

Spike: Wasn’t Mr. Simpson DJ-ing?

Emma: That’s sort of my point.

Spike: Well I’m sure he tried his best. Have fun tonight. I won’t be late.

After she leaves, Emma throws something.

Manny: It’s no big deal, Em.

Emma: Not to her. You know what? We deserve some excitement too. What do you say we crash the seniors dance?

Manny: Oh yes!

Cut to: Emma’s room

Manny is getting ready in front of a mirror. Emma comes in the room, spraying her hair.

Manny: Wow. You look just like your mom in her high school photo.

Emma:  No, I don’t. I look like Cindi Lauper.

Manny shows Emma her mom’s picture + we sees Emma does look kind of like her.

Emma: Ugh. I’m changing.

Manny: No, don’t. You look great.

Emma: You’re right. When she was my age my mom was totally cool. She didn’t date dweebs like Mr. Simpson.

Manny: She dated guys like Craig.

Emma: She wishes.

Manny: No, but you do. (Makes fun of Emma) “Oh, Craig. I love your eyes. And your hair. And your smile.” 

Emma: We are so gonna have fun tonight.

Manny: We are so gonna see Craig tonight. (They start jumping on the bed)

Cut to: Joey’s

Craig, dressed for the dance, hops down the stairs + sees Joey on the couch

Craig: I thought you had a date tonight.

Joey: I did. She canceled on me. Story of my life. Who are you supposed to be?

Craig: Sid Vicious.

Joey: Who?

Craig: Sid Vicious, from the Sex Pistols. You weren’t too hip back in the ‘80s, were you, Joey?

Joey: Oh, you wanna see hip? Oh I’ll show you hip. Oh yeah. (He gets up + goes to a closet)  So you got a hot date for tonight? Got someone special?

Craig: Yeah, there is this one girl. But, uh, she won’t be coming tonight.

Joey: Looks like we both have bad luck tonight. (He gives Craig his hat) That’s what I’m talking about. Wouldn’t be an ‘80s dance without this.  (Throws it to Craig)

Craig: This is your definition of hip?
Joey: Hip and cool. Trust me.

Craig: (Puts it on) Not so sure I want to. (Then he takes it off and looks at it)

Cut to: ‘80s Dance

Kids are arriving

Manny: This is so cool. We are so cool.

They keep walking when Emma ducks.

Emma: Raditch alert! (They run over to bushes + hid)

Paige + Hazel walk up to some friends

Paige: Hey! You didn’t even dress up. These gloves are so totally rad.

Ashley + Terri approach

Ashley: Hi guys.

Paige: Gross me green, like totally. (She + Hazel leave, shortly after Terri + Ashley go inside)

Emma: There’s Craig.

Both: Craig!

Manny: Over here!

Craig: Hey look, valley girls. What are you doing here?

Manny: We want to crash the dance.

Craig: Cool.

Emma: But we sorta need your help.

Craig:  (Looks at Raditch) Meet me at the east door, 10 minutes.

Both: Yes!

Cut to: Inside

Paige + their friends are walking by Spinner, who is break dancing. He stops as they walk by.

Paige: Groddy. For sure.

Hazel: Nice moves, Spin

Spinner: Ladies, you want moves? I’ll show you moves. (He follows them. When he leaves, Jimmy turns off the stereo + switches Spinner’s CD)

Cut to: Jimmy walks down the hall into the dance. He is dressed like Michael Jackson. Before going in, he does a little spin move.

Cut to: East Door

Craig goes to the door + lets Emma + Manny in.

Manny: This is so exciting I could burst.

Emma: Manny, Shh!!!!!!!!

Craig: Keep your heads down, okay? If Raditch sees us, we’re busted.

They walk + open a door. They look through another door + see Raditch.

Manny: Raditch!

He hears the door shut + goes to where they are.

Craig: Come on. (They move away from the door + go hide. Raditch opens the door but doesn’t see anything so he shuts the door + leaves)

Cut to: ‘80s Dance

It’s the gym. ‘80s music is playing as people dance.

Mad dog: Hey, what’s up, Degrassi?  We’re Mad dog and Billy from Kiss 92.

Billy: And we’re spending all night in the ‘80s before you was even babies.

Spinner: (To Marco) You are going down, homie.  I am so pumped, I can nail this. (He sees Jimmy kissing girls’ hands) Check it out.

Jimmy: So who are you supposed to be, Vanilla Ice?

Spinner: Ooh! Who are you supposed to be, Michael Jackson?

Paige: Um, yeah, Spin. He is.

Spinner: Oh. Well, how are you supposed to break in that get up? Who’s the dumb one now?

Jimmy: Uh, you are. Still. (Holds up his backpack) See, these are for break dancing. You may have the grooves, but um, (spins around) do you have the moves? (He walks away)

The camera goes to people dancing. It shows Marco break dancing.

Cut to: Locker room

Jimmy goes in + puts his pack down. When he leaves, Spinner takes it.

Cut to: Dance

Craig enters with Emma + Manny

They run in.

Emma: We did it. We’re in.

Manny: The seniors dance. Most fun ever.

They look over at Craig. He tips his hat to them before walking away.

Billy: All right everybody. It is time for the break dancing competition. First prize is this: a pair of primo gold seats to an upcoming Toronto Maple Leafs hockey game.

Mad dog: That’s right. First up we have Jimmy Brooks. Jimmy?

Jimmy: What did you do with my clothes?

Spinner: Clothes? What clothes?

Mad dog: Jimmy? Any day now, Jimmy.

He goes over. Everyone cheers. He gives them his CD, which they put on. When it starts to play, he goes in the middle of the room + starts to dance. When he bends down, his pants rip. Everyone laughs. For a second, he stands there + then he runs away.

Mad dog: That gives a whole new meaning to doing a moon walk.  Anyway, next up we have Spinner Mason. Spinner? Bring in on, Spinner.

He goes up + gives them his CD. Music is playing, but it’s not his music. It’s some kind of ballad song with no words.

Spinner: Party people, get ready for some serious tunage.  (Everyone claps) That’s not my music.

Billy: Dance….dance…dance…(Everyone chimes in with him. It goes to a close up of his face)

Cut to: Dance

It first shows Ashley, sitting alone, not dancing.  It goes to other people, dancing. As Emma + Manny are dancing, Craig is watching.

Mad dog: All right, it’s slow time, for all you couples out there. Here’s one of my favorites. (The song starts to play)

Emma starts walking, when Craig approaches her + Manny.

Manny: (Whispering to Emma) Craig’s coming right this way.

Emma: Hey Craig.

Craig: Emma, Manny. You, uh, you having fun?

Emma: (Nods) Yeah.

Manny: I haven’t had this much fun since, well, ever. (She laughs)

Craig: Well, great.

Manny: Great.

Craig: Yeah, so. Manny. You wanna dance?

Manny: Me?

Craig: Yeah.

Emma: Yeah. Great. You two dance. I’ll stand here.

They go on the dance floor. As they dance, Manny looks at Emma. Emma looks sad watching them, so she leaves.

Cut to: Outside

Emma walks home. When she gets there, she sees Spike + Snake kissing good night on the porch.  She clears her throat + they stop.

Spike: Emma. What are you doing out here? You should be in bed.

Emma: Really? So should you two. (She storms inside)

Spike: Emma!

She shuts the door + runs up to her room, crying.

Cut to: Outside Degrassi

Jimmy is sitting on a bench. Spinner comes up to him + gives him his stuff.

Jimmy: I can’t believe you did that to me.

Spinner: Well, can’t believe you did that to me.  (He sits down)

Marco walks by with some girls, showing off that he won the contest.

Spinner: Can’t believe Marco.

Jimmy: Yup, he got the tickets, he’s got the girls, what have we got?

Spinner: Painful and humiliating memories.

Cut to: Emma’s

She is lying on her bed when her mom comes in.  

Emma: Have you ever heard of knocking?

Spike: Have you ever heard of manners?

Emma: I’m not the one playing tonsil hokey on our front steps.

Spike: What Archie + I do together is none of your business. And you were supposed to be at home, not dressed up like me at some dance.

Emma: I’m not you, I’m Cindi Lauper.

Spike: I don’t care who you are. You were way out of line tonight.

Emma: Me, out of line? What about you not telling me about Simpson?

Spike: I did tell you.

Emma: Yeah, when it was too late.

Spike: Is it so wrong that I finally found someone I care about?

Emma: Yes.

Spike: Why?

Emma: Because you’ve got me.

Spike: Em, you’ll always be the most important person in my life. Just Snake + I are dating doesn’t mean things between us are gonna change.

Emma: It’s not true. Things are already changing. You + Manny.

Spike: Manny?

Emma: We both liked this guy, we both thought he liked me.

Spike: And he liked her.

Emma: I felt like such an idiot.

Spike: I’m sure she didn’t plan it, Em. Neither did I. Nice work on the ‘do.

Emma: You did this every single day?

Spike: Imagine. So are you gonna be okay with this? Simpson + me?

Emma: I’m not sure.

Spike: That’s okay.

End credits