This week starts off with Paige and Alex watching TV at Alex's house. Out of nowhere, the cops show up. They arrest Chad, who is Alex's mom's current boyfriend. He is being arrested for credit card fraud. Alex's mom follows the cops and Chad to the police station- leaving Paige and Alex alone. Paige makes a lame attempt to comfort Alex. But Alex insists she should leave. Later that night, Alex's mom shows up after the night at the police station. Turns out, Chad is a filthy liar. He lied about getting a promotion. He was actually fired and justified his spending with stolen credit cards. Alex's mom is in a tough situation. She had given Char a card with his name on it. She now owes 6,000 dollars in credit card debt. Alex and her mom were already broke before this new debt. Her mom doesn't think they will be able to get by. Meanwhile at Degrassi, Emma and Manny are chatting about their plans for next year. Manny pictures the two of them being roommates at the University. Emma is hell bent on moving in with Sean. Manny insists it won't fly with Sean, as commitment is a four letter word. Paige stops by the move theater into harass Alex, who has started working again to help out her mom. Paige makes a snide comment about Alex's girlfriend. Alex tells her that they broke up. Reason: they have nothing in common. Later on, Paige is throws a housewarming party. Jay and his new girlfriend show up. Here comes trouble. Mel, Jay's girlfriend, works as a server at a strip bar. She is a waitress at Club Zanzabar. She insists the money is great and she works on the bar side of the strip club- fully clothed. Alex is blatantly intrigued by the idea. Mel agrees to set her up with an interview. It's dinner time at the Nelson household. Emma, her family, and Sean are all having dinner. Sean complains that his job is dead end. He has no interest in going back to high school because he wants to make money. He goes on to say he is highly considering the armed services. He signed up and passed his physical. Emma is pissed. Snake jumps on board and thinks he might be the perfect fit for the armed services. Emma is extremely angry with Sean's new decision. Alex gets her strip club job. She comes in that night for her first shift. Alex meets the owner Vlad, classic creepy older strip club guy. Vlad claims Alex is prettier than many of his dancers. He suggests Alex auditions. Alex doesn't think stripping is for her. Alex loves her new job and she made $100 already. Alex and Mel joke that the strippers are unhappy. Alex insists the money might be good but it's a small price to pay for your soul. Mel becomes defensive and claims there is only one difference between them and strippers. Strippers need the money more.

This week starts off with Marco's dad setting up a security system for Spinner's way cool T-shirt shop. Father Marco says he's off to play the ponies. He advises Marco to lighten up and live life a little. But Marco is too sucked into his computer. He is all sorts of bummed that Dylan left him to play hockey in Switzerland. Marco whines that he has been playing phone tag and has yet to receive any e-mails. It's like his boyfriend just disappeared. Spinner also advises him to lighten up. Marco far too busy playing online poker to care for Spinner's lecture about living life. He wins $200. Let the addiction begin! Later on, Marco attempts to call Dylan again. He unsuccessfully leaves a message. Paige walks in. Apparently, Ellie gave Paige the green light to date her ex. Paige claims Ellie must be a bit "colorblind". Oh, those witty Degrassi writers. But Marco is still down and out. Spinner insists they need to get out. Marco suggests he and Spinner take a vacation to Daytona Beach. They'll hit the beach and on some "hotties". Spinner is surprised Marco didn't suggest Switzerland to visit his Swister Mister. Spinner seems to have forgotten he is broke. He sunk all his money into his lame T-shirt store. Marco is overly confident that he can raise the cash via online poker. Marco logs on and starts betting. He wins and takes Jimmy and Spinner out to celebrate. While out to eat, Jay shows up. Marco tells him why they are celebrating. He goes on how he became good playing with his boyfriend. Jay makes a snide comment "oh yes, you're gay. Super." Jay says his friends from work always play and he invites Marco to join in on the bad-ass fun.

We start off this week with spirit squad practice. Manny says 'way to stick it'. Darcy tells Manny she is a miracle worker for all the hard work she put into spirit squad. Emma is watching. After practice Emma asks Manny about going to finals. Manny compares it to scaling Mount Everest with pom poms. Emma reminds her that Degrassi is going to finals without JT. Manny the purpose of sprit squad is to help people and make them feel better. Emma then makes a random sny comment about Manny having a fancy new boy from the enemy school. Out of nowhere, Manny's mom shows up. Emma asks why she's there. Manny drops the bomb and says she thinks it's time for her to move back home. Back at home later, Emma and Manny are picking through their things. Emma asks her how she is going to deal with the rules and her dad the tyrant. Manny says she might be a bit 'coo coo bananas' but she has to move back. Its official coo coo bananas is Manny's new un-funny catch phrase. They hug and it's cheesy. It's time for Marco and Dylan drama. It's been a while. Marco comes into the house bitching about how he had to pull and all nighter. Marco suggests they order in and make coffee. Too late, Dylan has plans and wants to go to wing night with his hockey buddies. Marco is pissed that they never see each other. Dylan says they live together so they see each other every day and walks out the door. Back at Degrassi, Darcy and Manny approach Mia who apparently hasn't been participating in spirit squad lately. Mia says she couldn't because J.T. was just killed. Manny and Darcy suggest she competes in the finals but Mia isn't interested. Emma, who is creepily hanging in the background again, tells Mia they were just trying to help by taking her mind off J.T. Mia tells Emma that she can't because Lakehurst is in the competition. Mia doesn't think its cool that Lakehurst is showing up. Emma says she thinks it might help mend fences between the two schools. Mia doesn't quite see it that way and is still distraught over J.T. Outside, Manny is gloating about how she is going to the mall with Damien. Emma tells her to have fun but suggests they get together later for a date with ketchup powder popcorn and Dr. McDreamy. Do all Canadians put ketchup powder on popcorn? This is news. Meanwhile, Marco, Jimmy, and Spinner are sitting around playing video games but its painfully obvious there's something on Marco's mind. Marco starts going on about how Dylan is emotionally absent. Spinner, paranoid as ever, asks if he has a myroom page (blatant reference to his recent fall out with Darcy). Jimmy tells him to chase the romance and not to worry about it. At the mall, Manny and Damien are strutting around shopping for pajamas. Manny's phone beeps. Manny says she has to leave. Damien isn't too happy and says they never get to spend time together because of spirit squad and student council. Damien is upset because he wants to get to know her better. Manny coyly says she doesn't usually have guys chasing her for conversation. Manny now feeling guilty and horny, blows off Emma and tells her that her dad is back in tyrant mode and she can't come over. Emma says she misses her and it's all very corny. Marco on a mission to chase the romance waits up for Dylan. Dylan comes home late and blames it on his cell being dead. He asked Marco what he made. Marco made him steak because it's the fastest way to any man's heart. Marco tells him that he got Ellie out so they could have the place to themselves. Marco then mentions maybe they get an apartment by themselves next year. Dylan says he doesn't know where he will be next year. Dylan's phone rings. Marco says he thought it was dead. Dylan answers the phone anyway and Marco is even more pissed. At school, Emma tells Manny that her dad called her house last night looking for her. Of course, Emma covered for her. Manny says its ok because she likes Damien so much. Emma doesn't see how it can be that good being that they have known each other for two weeks. Manny suggests Emma and Sean come to The Dot to get to know him. Emma isn't into the idea but gives in anyway. Marco is learning and Dylan's computer starts beeping. Marco opens his computer and reads his e-mail. There are several e-mails from guys and one that mentions a secret lunch from a guy named Julian. After school, Manny brings Damien to The Dot. Right off the bat, Sean asks Damien how he feels about knowing a Lakehurst kid in jail. Damien tells them all he's sorry about J.T. Mia approaches and asks about Drake (the one who stabbed J.T). Damien says he isn't friends with Drake. Mia shoots him down and reminds him she went to Lakehurst and knows they are friends. Sean turns on Manny and asks who matters more your dead friend or your new Lakehurst crush. Manny seeks sympathy from Emma who says she's sleeping with the enemy. Manny now enraged says she's glad she is moving out so she doesn't have to see Emma's mean stuck up little face anymore.

This week starts off with the terribly depressing J.T.'s funeral. Cut to Sean and Emma; Sean says he wants to make the guy pay who did this. Emma not so coyly reminds him that the guy who stabbed J.T. is in jail. At Degrassi later on, all the kids are outside the guidance counselor's office. Liberty isn't doing too well and everyone is sharing their condolences. Toby approaches her and Liberty says that she feels pressured to be like Mia-who is in the background crying hysterically. Toby and Liberty say how J.T. wouldn't want his funeral to be like this and how he would put woopie cushions on all the seats. All the kids take their turns seeing the school psychiatrist. While waiting, Mia comes up to Toby and asks him what the last thing J.T. said before he died. Toby tells her the pseudo truth, and says he talked about oatmeal- AKA Liberty. After Toby and Mia finish, Manny the voice of reason asks Toby if it was true. Toby admits that by oatmeal J.T. meant Liberty. Manny advises him not to tell Liberty about it right now because she's very upset and couldn't handle it.

Meanwhile, Ellie is interviewing Ashley for what one can only assume is an article- a very un-fun one at that. After briefly discussing the loss of J.T., Ellie mentions how she didn't tell Jesse about kissing Craig. Ellie seems to think the relationship would be over if she told him. After school outside The Dot, Liberty and Toby are chatting once again. Liberty says she can't feel a thing, being numb from the loss. Liberty admits to having feelings for J.T. but she is still hell bent on thinking he only had feelings for Mia.

• Win an Oscar, ruin your career? Sure -- just ask F. Murray Abraham (TV Guide)
  
  
  
• Oh, J.T., who's going to wear that smelly mascot costume now? "Degrassi's" Ryan Cooley says goodbye (the TV addict)
  
  
  
• Miss USA Tara Conner confesses to "Today" (in an interview which airs tomorrow, so get your head around that): "I have done cocaine, yeah." Huh -- is that the sort of admission you'd make during the interview portion of a pageant, or would that be what you'd do for your talent? I'm just asking.
  
  

This week starts off at Degrassi with Manny tearing down pictures of Craig from her locker. Manny says that she has been coo-coo bananas lately because of the whole Craig situation. Emma reminds her the house is theirs for the weekend being that Snake and Spike are going out of town. Manny then goes on about how they should have a party. Emma is more into the idea of renting a DVD and having a quiet evening with Sean. Out of nowhere comes J.T. who mentions that it's Liberty's birthday. Manny seems to think that Liberty's birthday is a great excuse for her party. Who really needs an excuse for a party in high school? Liberty is sitting behind a computer glaring at J.T. and Mia from afar when Manny approaches her. Manny tells her that they are going to party like it's her birthday. Liberty reminds her that they barely talked all year and really aren't even friends. Liberty isn't buying the whole birthday party thing until she glares at J.T. again. Manny tells her it will be fun and she will hot her up. Liberty finally caves but demands Manny come to the peace summit with Lakehurst. A peace summit is truly the Canadian way. Liberty says that it's a proven fact that Manny's presence doubles the attendance. Manny reluctantly agrees and the two head off. Upon arrival at the meeting, Manny and Liberty both notice how very cute the Lakehurst student president is. The meeting goes on and mean words are exchanged between the Degrassi/Lakehurst kids. None of them seem to think that they can achieve peace. Manny suggests a pep rally to increase the peace- dancing, cheerleaders, etc. Cheerleaders scream peace but naturally everyone is all about Manny's stupid idea. After the meeting, the president approaches Manny. He tells her he liked the idea and starts flirting. Manny then tries to pawn him off on Liberty. Manny goes on about how it's her birthday and invites him to the party. As the new sexy president goes to leave he tells Liberty to have fun. To which Liberty says, I'll do my darndest.

After school, J.T. and Liberty start chatting. Liberty goes onto whine to J.T. how she isn't all about the birthday party thing. J.T. reminds her last year Liberty was opposed to her birthday and doesn't like celebrating the passage of time. Liberty says she's grown up and matured and they both have. Liberty then, of course, mentions Mia. J.T tells her that she's gone for the weekend. Liberty coyly invites him to the party. J.T admits to her that it was his idea in the first place. Liberty is flattered and the whole exchange is precious.

We start off this week at Ellie's newspaper office. She is starting her article on “A day in the life of Craig Manning". Jesse comes over and they start talking about Craig's new hobby AKA his coke addiction. Ellie is still naively convinced that Craig doesn't have a problem and that Manny is the toxic influence. Apparently, Ellie just needs to keep Craig away from coked out Miss Manny. Jesse changes the subject and mentions how he wants Ellie to interview Taking Back Sunday. Ellie is super excited when of course Craig shows up. Ellie asks him if he's ready to do his interview. He declines and says he has to go clean Joey's garage. Jesse is concerned that Ellie wont be able to handle both interviews. Ellie claims she can do it and scampers off with Craig to go clean the garage- how fun!

At Joey's garage, Ellie and Craig are reminiscing. Craig says as a musician home is wherever your guitar is. Craig goes on about how he expected everything to be the same when he got back, which of course is not. Of course, Ellie says she will always be there for Craig. Joey is selling his house and moving to Calgary. Ellie gets a text from Jesse that reads Taking Back Sunday is waiting. Ellie goes to leave but first cons Craig into coming with her- in efforts to continue keeping Craig away from Manny.

Meanwhile, Toby and his crew are walking along. Out of nowhere, a bunch of kids from the rival high school jump out and ambush Toby and crew. The badass non-Degrassi kids tell them that Lakehurst declared war. The lead badass seems to have it out for the mascot AKA J.T. So, correct me if I'm wrong, but where'd the random new school come from? I know J.T. got into a fight there earlier this season, but I've been watching Degrassi for a while... seems as if the dynamics of the show are changing a bit. Ellie runs in late for her interview with Taking Back Sunday. Craig arrives with her but says he's on his way out to go see Manny. Ellie insists that he stay to meet the band. Ellie mentions that Craig is a fellow musician. The lead singer asks Craig to play a little for them. It is truly precious- Craig maybe getting his big break.

This week we start off with Craig! Who happens to be in town for a music festival. Everyone is so excited to see Craig. Manny is a little miffed she isn't getting enough alone time with him. The next day, Craig meets Manny outside Degrassi to help her read lines for an audition. Together they read the lines and Craig tells her to try it again angrier. Manny obliges and Craig seems to be quite pleased with her skills. Craig tells her to never doubt her instincts. Manny asks him if he has music stuff to do. Craig says he wants to hang out with her and his sound check isn't until later. The two grab a cab across town. The happy couple is off.

Inside Degrassi, Mia is seen pushing Isabella (her two year old daughter) through the hallway. J.T. approaches her. Turns out, Isabella got sent home sick from daycare. Mia is stressed because she has a presentation due on Waiting for Godot that she already got two extensions for. J.T. offers to watch over Isabella during his free period. J.T. tells her to “go bend it like Beckett"- and we're all reminded why Degrassi is so great. J.T. assures her it's no big deal and they plan to go on a hot date at The Dot later. Don't these kids have anywhere else to have these “hot dates"? Liberty stands in the background creepily spying on the two of them.

Back at Marco and Ellie's, Manny and Craig show up. Both of them are amped about her audition for West Drive. Ellie instantly dismisses the show as a poorly written teen melodrama- wait isn't that what we're watching. Marco makes a crack about Saved By the Bell and Ellie and Marco run off to “get their screech on". Craig and Manny share a cheesy kiss in the kitchen once Marco and Ellie scamper off.

We start off outside the jail in a particularly sketchy part of town. Sean comes walking out and Emma greets him with a big hug and a kiss. She says she has a present for him and she hands him a picture of them together 6 years ago. We know it's six years ago because Emma actually says, “this is from 6 uber long years ago". At least Canadians are utilizing only the best of our American slang. Or is uber a worldwide term? Let's hope not.

Darcy apologizes to Spinner. In class, they get their career aptitude tests back and Spinner's test results explicitly say that he's meant to be a clown professionally. What kind of test are they giving these Degrassi kids? Ashley and Jimmy are both destined to be lawyers. They make some silly joke about opening their own law firm. Jimmy figures that he should be practical and give up on his dreams of art school.