Degrassi Junior High Season 1, Episode 1: Kiss Me, Steph
- Original Airdate: Jan 18, 1987
Written by: Yan Moore
Directed by: Kit Hood
Summary:
Returning to Degrassi Junior High with a new image, Stephanie Kaye decides to run for school president, with the help of her best friend Voula. However Stephanie's new image becomes a major part of her campaign, as the boys at the school promise to vote for Steph in exchange for kisses. She wins the election, but when she thanks Joey Jeremiah for his help with the campaign instead of Voula, Voula is furious, and breaks off their friendship.Meanwhile, Stephanie's younger brother Arthur, who she has ordered not to talk to her at school, is adjusting to life at Junior High, avoiding Joey's bullying, and making friends with a fellow student, Yick Yu.
Tropes specific to this episode:
- Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other: Despite acting the Big Sister Bully to Arthur most of the episode, Stephanie still intervenes to save him when she sees Joey and Hank stuffing him into a locker.
- The Bully: Joey is introduced as one, contrasting his later characterisation.
- Chuck Cunningham Syndrome: Hank, who appears throughout this episode as Joey's best friend and henchman. He is never seen again.
- Establishing Character Moment: for a first episode, it's a given:
- Stephanie sneering at Arthur not to talk to her at school because she's "important" and he's "embarrassing" sets her up as the Alpha Bitch.
- Joey introduces himself to Steph as "Joey Jeremiah, playboy. Wanna play?" setting him up as a Casanova Wannabe.
- Fashion Dissonance: Stephanie's sexy clothes are painfully eighties.
- "The Reason You Suck" Speech: Voula gives one to Stephanie:Stephanie: [about thanking Joey instead of Voula] Boys like that sort of thing!Voula: So do girls! So do best friends. But that's okay, because I don't want to be your friend anymore. You can have your stupid bracelet. You're just a baby. A selfish baby! [takes bracelet off and throws it on the ground]
- School Bullying Is Harmless: Joey targeting Arthur and Yick is Played for Laughs.
- Stuffed into a Locker: Joey initially locks Arthur and Yick in a broom closet instead, but later on he puts Arthur i an actual locker (although Stephanie rescues him).
- Wham Shot: Stephanie taking off her clothes to reveal her "new image".
