‘Degrassi’ drama sends frank message on date rape to teens

Date rape may cycle in and out of the headlines, but it remains an ugly reality in the lives of women of all ages. Teenage girls, giddy with hormones and pop culture’s sexual charge, are particularly vulnerable.

Crafting a cautionary tale for TV, one that serves ‘tweens and teens as both entertainment and warning without the taint of voyeuristic exploitation, is a delicate proposition. The Canadian-made teen drama series “Degrassi: The Next Generation,” which airs on the Noggin cable channel’s “The N” programming block for teenage viewers, laudably meets the challenge with a special 90-minute episode launching the show’s new season at 8 tonight.

In the frank but carefully executed storyline, one of the series’ young regulars, popular ninth-grader Paige (Lauren Collins), goes through the experience, with all its attendant confusion, shame, guilt and pain, when her flirtation with a high school athlete from a rival school spins out of her control.

Afterward, bravado gives way to painful withdrawal, until a friend, not knowing what has happened, writes an impassioned song about rape and asks Paige and her girl band to perform it at a talent competition. The poignant song is an obvious device, but it serves to spark realistic emotions as Paige finally accepts the need for counseling and, when she realizes that the older boy is likely to prey on other naive girls, decides to press charges.

The show doesn’t lose sight of its younger teen audience. This is no sexed-up “Boston Public” or “Dawson’s Creek,” and the young actors look like kids, not 20-year-olds. But even though it’s a stretch that Paige’s friend Hazel is ready with textbook answers about what a victim of rape should do, the situation rings true. So do the conflicting emotions Collins’ character goes through.

The series’ effort to tackle serious issues with painstaking care is also illustrated in a subplot that marks a turning point for best friends Ellie (Stacey Farber) and Marco (Adamo Ruggiero). In subtle scenes layered with both hurt and trust, Marco realizes that Ellie’s growing attraction to him means that he must be open about his homosexuality.

Parent discussion guides are available at www.discussions.the-n.com.