Original subtitles

(School bell rings)

Shep: (Over PA) Good morning, Degrassi.

It gives me great pride to announce

that yours truly will be receiving

the principal of the year award this week.

Great. Connor's found another way

to make us look like freaks.

It's supposed to stop the flicker

of fluorescent lights from bothering me.

I stand corrected.

Shep: Okay, everybody, listen up.

Which one of you geeks wants Friday off?

Nice. You two.

Okay, so what I need is quotes about me, on video,

for the award ceremony. Okay?

(Shep grunts, kids laugh)

This thing's a hazard.

But it stops the light from bothering me.

If such a serious problem,

you must have a doctor's note, right?

No?

Well, then try and be a little more normal,

would ya, dude?

I think you should let Connor keep his lamp.

He needs it.

Sorry, can't give one student

preferential treatment.

Unless he's a football player.

Shep: Ooh.

You're entitled to your opinion - in detention.

You can't give me a detention for having a point of view.

Sure I can.

I'm the principal.

♪♪

♪ Whatever it takes ♪

♪ I know I can make it through ♪

♪ if I hold out ♪

♪ I know I can make it through ♪

♪ Yeah ♪

♪ Oh! Oh! Oh! ♪

♪ Be the best ♪

♪ The best that I can be ♪

♪ Whatever it takes ♪

♪ I know I can make it ♪

♪ I can make it ♪

♪ I can make it through ♪

♪ whatever it takes ♪

♪ I know I can make it through ♪

(Low hum of student chatter)

Clare: "Be more normal."

Is that the type of advice the principal of the year

should give his students?

Alli: Cut!

This video is to show why the Shep

deserves principal of the year.

He doesn't.

Are you still on about the lamp?

It's not about the lamp.

It's about tolerance of individual differences.

What're you gonna do? Protest?

You're not gonna protest are you?

Hello.

Ooh... nice camera.

Bruce: Yeah, I've been looking for one just like this.

KC: Hey. Maybe you should buy your own.

Bruce: (Laughs)

Whatever.

We wanna take on Sheppard...

We do it as a group.

Because one detention wasn't enough?

(Car whirs away)

Someone's happy to see you.

Yeah, ever since I got punched in the nose,

she's been so sweet to me.

Have you forgotten why you two broke up?

Something about faith and family

trumping your relationship.

Is there room for one more?

I can't believe Riley only got three days suspension

-for punching you. -Principal of the year

can't lose his star running-back

for the big game.

Anya: But Sav's nose still looks awful.

I kinda thought it made me look tough.

Tough?

Really?

the boy's never even beaten me in arm-wrestling.

I let you win.

-Mm-hmm. -Rematch.

Movie date with Leia. Gotta run.

Go.

(Fists thud on table)

You didn't really think you were tougher than me?

You did!

(Laughs) I'll show you who's tough.

(Playful punches)

What're you doing?

Uh... well...

You cared so much when I got hurt, I thought...

That I still love you?

I do.

It doesn't mean I wanna get back together.

Is this about the camping trip?

'Cause I know I was a jerk.

Who was trying to do what his family wanted.

Which you always do.

the only problem?

Your family doesn't want me.

We don't know that.

Because you don't have the guts

to tell them about me,

and I'm pretty sure you never will.

Alli: Your little plan is about to get us

into really big trouble.

Shep: 'Kay, so, uh, yeah, how's my video coming along?

What did I say yesterday?

That you couldn't make an exception for one student.

Now you don't have to.

What?

No, no. Take those lamps off your desk.

Not unless Connor can keep his.

Shep: What, you wanna negotiate?

Okay, what do ya got to offer? That's right. Nothing.

So take the lamps off the desk, everyone.

'Kay, fine.

Detentions all around.

Be sure to thank miss Edwards for that.

Nice one, St. Clare.

(Hum of chatter)

I tell my parents about Anya,

it's over.

If I don't...

It's over.

You dress how you want.

You play in a band.

From what I've seen,

your parents are pretty open-minded.

Yeah, about most things. But...

Dating is harram... Like forbidden.

And dating a non-Muslim is like super harram.

So you have to choose,

Anya or family?

Too bad I love them both.

(Rapid tapping)

We could involve the school board.

(Hushed speech) Let's serve this detention

before you get us another one.

(Perino's cell phone rings)

(Beeps cell phone on)

Perino: Be back in a moment.

Behave.

(Tapping)

Stop it, Connor.

(Tapping)

I said stop tapping that pencil.

Leave him alone, Alli.

Not until he gives me the pencil.

Get away from me!

(Spits)

(Huffs) You freak!

Give me back my pencil!

(Pencil snaps)

(Easel clatters)

Alli: What's wrong with you?!

Perino: Hey!

Who's responsible for this?

I told her to get out of my way.

Oh, that's a compelling story.

I'm sure the Shep will be moved to tears.

You know what he's like.

Why couldn't you just leave him alone?!

KC: Alli's okay.

Not that you would care.

What's that supposed to mean?

He's your friend,

I get that,

but you can't defend him pushing Alli.

Have ever had your face pushed into a puddle of mud

while people stood around and laughed?

Then you wouldn't understand.

Connor: I am not apologizing to Alli!

I told her to get out of my way!

(Doors open)

Connor's a good kid. Okay?

If we could just wait for the test results.

Mmm... I'd still expel him.

I mean, the kid's a loose Cannon

and this is not his first incident.

I'm sorry, my decision's final.

(Vehicle whirs by)

Okay, so, there's this girl at school.

(Mimicking father) You're grounded. For life.

This is serious, Alli.

What's serious?

Uh, dad, uh...

There's something I wanna talk to you about.

That doesn't involve Alli.

Go on, son.

Uh...

Before you married mom,

were you ever interested in other girls?

(Laughs) You mean was I 17 once?

Yes.

Okay, um, but you never dated any of them,

right?

No proper girl would be allowed.

In India.

But it's different here. I mean, everyone dates.

And there's this girl that I like - Anya.

I like her a lot.

Please say something.

Well, if you're serious about this girl,

we should meet her.

Why don't you invite her over to dinner?

Seriously?!

Dad, you're the best.

(Chuckles)

You can't go home. Not yet!

If I'm not in gifted at Degrassi,

my parents won't let me stay.

But we're not done fighting this.

We haven't gone to the school board...

Or the media.

You just have to apologize for pushing Alli.

She took my pencil!

I'm a freak, okay?!

Everyone thinks so!

Shep, Alli, KC.

Even Mr. Simpson.

That's why he keeps taking me for tests.

Tests?

What type of tests?

All your clothes,

they're the same.

Connor: You wear the same thing every day.

But I have other clothes at home.

You think I'm a freak too!

Get out!

Get out! Get out!

Get out! Now!

(Objects clatter)

(Hum of chatter)

Holly J: Shep can spot a leader.

He didn't make me run for school president,

he just appointed me.

Pretty sure that's not a good thing.

We'll just cut around the "appointed" part.

Connor gets expelled; Clare gets a new wardrobe.

Leave it alone, Alli.

Are you okay?

Connor was just so...

Weird?

I went over last night

and he had some sort of meltdown.

There's something wrong with him.

Simpson: Clare.

Can I speak to you for a moment?

Since you're his friend,

Connor wanted me to tell you.

He's been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome.

Asperger's syndrome?

It means his brain is wired differently.

Social rules that we all know,

he has to learn.

But there's some sort of cure, right?

Like medication or something?

No.

But with counselling he can live a normal life.

He's really scared;

he could use a friend right now.

I should get started on my assignment.

Ms. Dawes: "Romeo and Juliet":

An epic love story

or the tale of two hormone-addled teenagers?

What is this artist's interpretation?

And more importantly, what would your interpretation be?

I want each of you to create a piece

that represents Shakespeare's play...

You're making this harder.

Just open it.

Ms. Dawes: ...water colours, pastels, pencils,

the choice is yours.

Take your time with this assignment.

Am I missing something?

You'll need it,

for when you come to my house for dinner tonight.

You told your parents about us.

Yeah. And they wanna meet you tonight.

(Elated breath)

I love you.

Thank you.

Ms. Dawes: Okay?

Oh, love.

Enjoy it while you're young and beautiful.

Kids: (Snickering)

(Lawnmower engine rumbles)

(Door opens and shuts)

(Knocks three times)

Mr. Simpson let me in.

Is that an X-23 model?

Yeah,

but I replaced the electric motor

with a hydraulic system.

To give it more power. Smart.

I didn't think you'd visit before I left.

I guess I needed some time to digest your news.

They say that Einstein might've had Asperger's.

He used to wear the same outfit everyday

just like you.

Mr. Simpson told me I'm really smart.

You are.

But he said that not everyone is interested

in what I'm interested in.

So, I have to be careful not to bore people

about robots and moths and stuff.

Well, you don't bore me.

So you don't think I'm a freak?

No. I think that you belong in the gifted program

at Degrassi.

Isn't the burfi Anya made delicious?

Might even rival your mother's.

I'm just so excited to meet you both.

And we're happy to have the chance

to talk to both of you, together.

We're happy Sav has a friend as lovely as you.

But you need to know,

Sav's future will be with someone...

-...more like him. -Ma!

Mrs. Bhandari: None of this should come

as a surprise to you, Savtaj.

You let Anya come for dinner.

It's important Anya hear the truth.

Neither of you should be in a relationship

that has no future.

Anya: Um, I can become Muslim.

I've been reading the Qur'an and everything.

It's not just about religion.

When you leave your home, it's easy to lose your roots.

It's up to our children to maintain them

with Indian spouses.

I thought you said you were 17 once.

Mr. Bhandari: I'm sorry, Sav.

But your mother and I are united on this front.

I appreciate your honesty,

and I think I should go.

Enjoy the burfi.

Uh... I'll walk you out.

Uh, that's okay.

Chantay: A new football team,

a revamped power squad...

Since principal Sheppard joined Degrassi,

spirit has been at an all-time high.

Yay Shep!

Wow. Great job, kids.

Now, let's shoot my intro

and we're done.

Right here?

-Sure. -Okay.

(Camera button clicks, record button beeps on)

Action.

Principal of the year?

Wow. I can't tell you what an honour this is for me.

You need to let Connor come back to Degrassi.

(Scoffs) the only thing I need to do

is finish this video, okay?

Clare: Kids with Asperger's can do well

at regular schools.

If you kick him out, he'll...

Degrassi's better off with one less of you weirdos.

(Snickers)

One less of us weirdos?

Should we just kick out everyone who's not a jock?

Don't tease me.

You're a terrible principal!

And you're a little bitch.

You know what?

Forget my intro. I'll do it live.

Are you trying to get expelled?

If that man runs the school, I don't care.

What do you say we show the school

the real principal of the year?

♪ Hey! Come on! ♪

(Music plays, low hum of chatter)

Simpson: Guys, guys. Everyone, please take your seats.

Ceremony's about to begin.

(Everyone applauds)

Shep: Thank you, school board president,

trustees, teachers and students,

this award is truly an honour.

Every day, I try and make Degrassi

the kind of school I'd like to attend.

And I think I'm doing an okay job

because some students asked to put together

a tribute video for me.

Please. Watch.

Clare: (On video) Kids with Asperger's can do well

at regular schools. If you kick...

Shep: Degrassi will be better off

with one less of you weirdos.

Clare: One less of us...

Turn that off, please. I said turn it off!

Clare: ...everyone who's not a jock?

Shep: (On video) Don't tease me.

Clare: (On video) You're a terrible principal!

Shep: (On video) And you're a little bitch.

(Stunned gasps and murmurs throughout gym)

Still think he deserves principal of the year?

Someone who thinks that Degrassi'd be better off

without kids who are a little different?

KC: Because we don't.

You know why.

(Low murmuring throughout gym)

Shep: Wait a minute. Hey!

Stop now and you won't face disciplinary action.

I mean it. What is this, a joke?!

No more Shep!

Students: (Chant) No more Shep! No more Shep!

No more Shep! No more Shep!

No more Shep!

No more Shep! No more Shep!

No more Shep! No more Shep!

I'm the president of the school board

and I understand that you're the student

responsible for this.

Yes, I am.

Care to explain?

Well...

It all started with a desk lamp...

(Paper rustles)

(School bell rings)

PA announcement: Attention, students.

It's pizza day in the caf...

For what it's worth, I'm sorry.

How could you even put me in that situation?

I... (Sighs)

Wanted to believe that my parents

would be okay with you, with us.

You didn't even stand up for me.

I did. I...

I just might've done it a little too late.

What're you talking about?

I told my parents that I wouldn't stop seeing you.

You did?

Yeah, um...

They were upset...

But it's my life and I want you in it.

This isn't gonna be easy.

I know.

But uh...

I love you

and I'm pretty sure my parents will too.

Well, I'm gonna make them love me.

Both: (Chuckle softly)

So I'll be acting principal for the next month,

while principal Sheppard attends

a very important... workshop.

He's not getting fired?

My dad said it's almost impossible

for teachers to get fired.

Even a bad one.

And I heard the "important workshop"

is really sensitivity training.

Are we really back to that for good?

I changed for the wrong reasons.

I think she looks nice.

Simpson: Can Clare Edwards, Alli Bhandari and KC Guthrie

please come to the MI room?

You're back!

I got a desk lamp, and it's safety-proofed.

the school board insisted that Connor come back.

He'll have sessions with a counselor

where he'll learn new techniques

on how to deal with social situations.

Like knowing when to apologize.

I'm sorry I pushed you.

Me too.

KC: So... how does it feel?

You know...

To have Asperger's?

Relieved...

To know it's not my fault that I'm the way that I am

and that there are other people just like me.

And I'm not just some weirdo anymore.

Hey, we're all weird.

At least you have an excuse.