Archie Simpson
Encyclopedia
Archibald Rupert "Snake” Simpson is a fictional character
on the Degrassi series portrayed by Stefan Brogren
. His first appearance in the series was as an eighth grade student on Degrassi Junior High
(DJH). As of season 10 of Degrassi
(formerly known as"Degrassi: The Next Generation"), he is the only regularly credited character from either beginning of the continuity in 1987 or the re-launch in 2001.
His older brother Glen Simpson (portrayed by Montgomery Randal) is revealed to be gay
in the Degrassi Junior High episode, "He Ain't Heavy" (DJH ep. 306). On Degrassi: The Next Generation
(D:TNG), Snake is an adult, teaching media immersion (and possibly other computer classes) at Degrassi Community School, where he also has some network administration responsibilities, until season 10, where he has become Principal. His wife is Christine “Spike” Nelson (played by Amanda Stepto
). His son is Jack Simpson
and his stepdaughter is Emma Nelson
(portrayed in Snake's youth by both Samantha Morrison & Ashlee Henricks; and in his adulthood by Miriam McDonald
).
Snake's father is portrayed by Clarke Mackey
in "Trust Me" (DJH ep. 211) and then on Degrassi High
(DH), by Ingvar Brogen in "Home Sweet Home" (DH ep. 208). Snake's mother is portrayed by Vivian Palin in "Trust Me" (DJH ep. 211) and by Maggie Thomas in both "He Ain't Heavy" (DJH ep. 306) and "Home Sweet Home" (DH ep. 208). Vivian Palin also portrayed an unnamed 'teacher #2' in "Star-Crossed" (DJH ep. 308).
and Derek "Wheels" Wheeler
(portrayed by Pat Mastroianni
& Neil Hope), with whom he forms a band called The Zit Remedy (later, simply, the Zits, alternatively spelled Zitz); their only song is "Everybody Wants Something". Responsible and observant of rules, Snake is usually the one to oppose the others' shenanigans. Nevertheless, the first time that Snake's parents leave him home alone for a weekend, Joey and Wheels convince him to let them sleep over ("Trust Me", DJH ep. 211). When the boys oversleep the next morning and realise that Wheels will be late for an appointment, Joey drives him there in Snake's parents' car despite lacking a license to drive. The resulting minor accident leads Snake's parents to discover what had happened and lose confidence in him (Id). Snake receives his driver's license a year later ("Little White Lies", DH ep. 110). It is with these two friends that Snake makes his first (failed) trip to a strip joint ("Little White Lies", DH ep. 108), sneaks into the closed school to try to see favourite rock band, The Savages, filming a music video ("Extracurricular Activities", DH ep. 209), and hires older student Clutch (portrayed by Steve Bedernjak) to buy them beer before being caught by the police ("Pa-arty!", DH ep. 315).
The boys' interest and availability to rehearse their music wanes, but Joey keeps bringing them back ("Sealed With a Kiss", DJH ep. 208; "Pass Tense", DJH ep. 213; "He Ain't Heavy", DJH ep. 306, "The Whole Truth", DJH ep. 307; "A New Start Part 1", DH ep. 101; "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do", DH ep. 103). The Zits convince their budding filmmaker classmate Lucy Fernandez
(portrayed by Anais Granofsky
) to shoot a music video for their only song, "Everybody Wants Something" ("Breaking Up Is Hard To Do", DH ep. 103; "Everybody wants Something", DH ep. 105) and they also convince Clutch to let them use his car as a prop (Id). In return, they appear in Lucy's feminist horror film
, It Creeps ("It Creeps", DH ep. 114).
Snake doesn't quite know how to talk with Wheels after the death of Wheels' adoptive parents (portrayed by Timm Zemanek & Nancy Sinclair), and their relationship suffers ("Can't Live With 'Em, Part 2", DJH ep. 302). Wheels is hurt by what he perceives as Snake's abandonment of him, but Joey mediates a reconciliation between the two ("A Big Girl Now", DJH ep. 303). Snake exhausts his sympathy for Wheels's loss of his parents to a drunk driver, and so does Joey, when Wheels incessantly lies, steals, and refuses to accept responsibility for anything ("Home Sweet Home", DH ep. 208). While Snake is saving a life, Wheels, in contrast, has a serious motor vehicle accident with another car, as he is drunk driving to get more beer for a party (Degrassi: School's Out
(DSO)). Snake refuses to visit or write to Wheels in jail because he is disgusted by Wheels' refusal to accept responsibility for killing a child in the other car. He is also angry with him for temporarily blinding and severely injuring Lucy, who was riding with Wheels. His outrage is heightened by the fact that Wheels had lost his own parents to a drunk driver years earlier. Although Wheels eventually pleads guilty to the charges against him, Snake refuses to forgive him, and does not, for twelve years (Id.) "Mother and Child Reunion", Part 2; Degrassi: The Next Generation (DNG) ep. 102; "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" DNG ep. 307).
Snake is an excellent swimmer but is inept at soccer ("The Great Race" DJH ep. 105). A tall boy, he enjoys basketball but does not have his older brother Glen's (Montgomery Randal) legendary prowess on the court; he is uncomfortable with the revelation of Glen's homosexuality, but does not share their father's hostility toward it ("He Ain't Heavy", DJH ep. 306).
Upon entering a Degrassi High School lavatory one day, he discovers the corpse of classmate Claude Tanner (played by David Armin-Parcells) who had recently shot himself in the head. Snake dashes to the administration office and guides Assistant Principal Raditch (Dan Woods) to the scene ("Showtime Part 1", DH ep. 210). The incident leaves Snake noticeably shaken and he withdraws to his parents' home, away from school for a couple of weeks ("Showtime Part 2", DH ep. 211; "Three's A Crowd", DH ep. 212).
Though liked by nearly everyone as a friend or pleasant acquaintance, Snake is generally unsuccessful with women, owing largely to his lack of self-confidence and desire to be the "good guy". Nevertheless, he periodically gets dates with various girls, though none develops into a relationship. Among his failed adolescent pairings are Melanie Brodie
(portrayed by Sara Ballingall), Michelle Accette (portrayed by Maureen McKay
), and future wife Christine "Spike" Nelson (portrayed by Amanda Stepto
) ("Making Whoopee", DJH ep. 313; "Loyalties", DH ep. 203; "Three's A Crowd", DH ep. 212).
Snake is paired with Spike Nelson for what is to be one of their final class assignments of grade 11; studying in the Nelsons' kitchen. Spike watches Snake playfully carry her young daughter Emma
(portrayed by toddler Ashlee Henricks) ("Three's A Crowd", DH ep. 212). Unbeknownst to Snake, this triggers romantic feelings in Spike toward him, and she daydreams of him initiating a passionate kiss. Snake accepts Spike's invitation to attend the prom together, believing that Spike wants to go simply as friends. Upon learning that Snake really likes Michelle Accette and would rather go with her, Spike backs out and keeps her disappointment secret from Snake (Id).
During the summer following his graduation from Degrassi High School, Snake takes a job as a lifeguard in the hope of impressing a bikini-clad woman to take his virginity. Unfortunately, he only succeeds in impressing children (Degrassi: School's Out
). Having finally taken enough of Joey's teasing over his virginity throughout the summer, Snake angrily denounces Joey for his infidelity toward Joey's girlfriend Caitlin Ryan
. Ironically, in this exchange, the traditionally "good boy" Snake becomes the first character on Canadian prime-time television to utter the word "fucking". Moments later, traditionally "good girl" Caitlin becomes the second character (and first female) to do so when she overhears Snake and confronts Joey with: "Tessa Campanelli? You were fucking Tessa Campanelli?!" (Id).
Immediately after unintentionally breaking up Joey and Caitlin, Snake realises that his former classmate Alison Hunter (played by Sarah Holmes) is drowning, and he rushes into the lake to rescue her. Everyone congratulates him as a hero, but he breaks down in a flood of emotion and anxiety (Id). Two months later, at the wedding reception of classmates Alexa and Simon Dexter (Irene Courakos & Michael Carry), Snake is accompanied by his girlfriend Pam, whom he met at university, and he appears considerably more self-assured. Like Caitlin, Snake is receptive to Joey's apologies for the way he had behaved toward both of them, and they look forward to going out to shoot pool while Snake is in town (Id).
Snake attends the wedding of Joey to Julia Manning, a divorcé approximately six years their senior. Among the other attendees are Spike, her young daughter Emma, and Julia's young son Craig Manning ("When Doves Cry" Part 1, DNG ep. 201; "White Wedding" Part 1, DNG ep. 212). The wedding likely occurs sometime on the order of three years after School's Out (based upon the age of their daughter, Angela Jeremiah).
Snake remains acquainted with Spike over the years (judging by the interaction and familiarity between the two in "Mother and Child Reunion", DNG eps. 101-102). He does not, however, see Emma for several years; evidenced by the fact that neither recognises each other on sight, just days before she enters the seventh grade. (Id).
Snake receives a teaching appointment at his alma mater which, at some point, is reconfigured to educate students in grades 7-12 and redesignated Degrassi Community School. Among the subjects he teaches is Media Immersion. ("Mother and Child Reunion" Part 1, DNG ep. 101).
Snake becomes the administrator of the Degrassi alumni database. ("Father Figure" Part 1, DNG ep. 301). He coordinates the combined reunion of his graduating class and the class a year behind them; even preparing displays of photographs and personal memorabilia solicited from the alumni. ("Mother and Child Reunion" Part 1, DNG ep. 101).
Spike, whilst dashing about her home and preparing to leave for the high school reunion, explains her nervousness to Emma, "I feel like I'm going to the prom I never got to go to." It is later revealed that she is attending the event with Snake, her abortive prom date from a decade earlier. Upon learning that Emma is in danger and held captive by a pedophile, Snake speeds Spike to the hotel where Emma is being held. Snake holds the predator against a wall until the police arrive, promising to snap the man's neck if he tries to move.
), et al., Snake is seen spending time with his peers.
Snake's teaching of Emma renews Spike's interest in him and the two begin dating. Among their outings is an Elvis Costello
concert, as the two share a love of his music. ("Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", DNG ep. 203).
After a few months, Spike proposes marriage and Snake accepts. Spike picks out her ring herself. He and Emma deal with the typical conflict between prospective stepparents and stepchildren, complicated by his role as "Mr. Simpson", her teacher and those of her friends. ("Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", DNG ep. 203; "Weird Science", DNG ep. 205).
Unaware that Spike is pregnant with their son Jack, Snake makes an off-hand remark, to the effect that becoming Emma's stepfather is hard enough and he does not want to start a family of their own yet; this prompts Spike to consider keeping the pregnancy a secret from him and aborting the pregnancy. Emma, knowing that she herself began as a prime candidate for being aborted, is vehemently pro-life and races to Snake's bachelor party to warn him. Snake argues with Spike about not being consulted and having to learn about the situation from Emma. Angry with each other, two initially stay away from the church the following morning, reluctant to marry. They reconcile in time to dash to the ceremony in casual clothes, and change into their wedding attire before the reception. ("White Wedding" Parts 1-2, DNG eps. 212-213).
For a change, Emma finds herself relating better to her stepfather, Snake, than she does to her mother, Spike. (Id). At the end of the same episode, Snake's and Spike's son, Jack, is born, and Emma addresses Snake as "Dad" for the first time. (Id). Going forward, she alternates between "Snake" and "Dad", depending upon her mood and the situation; continuing to address him as "Mr. Simpson" in class.
Also in Season 3, Snake learns he has leukemia
and battles with it throughout the entire season, with the help of Spike, Emma, friends, and family. ("Pride" Part Two, DNG ep. 305; "Gangsta Gangsta", DNG ep. 306; "Should I Stay or Should I Go?", DNG ep. 307).
Spike compels Snake to get out of the house and go bowling with Joey one evening, whereupon Joey reunites Wheels with Snake, who initially wants nothing to do with him. The two talk, however, while Joey fetches refreshments, and Snake confides wanting to die. Wheels assures him that had the same desire after learning that he had killed a child. Snake seeks Wheels' advice in dealing with his feelings. Joey returns and remarks that their heads are all now as bald as the bowling balls surrounding them. Snake lost his already thinning hair as a result of the chemotherapy and the other two presumably lost theirs more gradually in their twenties. The three old (and now bald) friends loudly sing Everybody Wants Something as they drive Snake home. ("Should I Stay or Should I Go?", DNG ep. 306).
Snake advises Dan Raditch, not to take the unimportant things so seriously, noting it was a lesson he learned in dealing with the leukemia. ("Take On Me", DNG ep. 316).
Snake loses his new laptop to theft by Sean Cameron
. Sean eventually confesses his misdeeds and offers to make amends. The incident ironically leads to the two having genuine fondness and respect for each other.
He is shocked to realise that Emma, whom he had viewed as virginal, has contracted gonorrhea
by performing fellatio on Jay Hogart
. Nevertheless, he remains stoic and supportive of her.
, is thrown out of her family's house by her father. Despite having often viewed her as a bad influence on Emma, Snake takes pity on Manny and invites her to stay in the Nelson-Simpson home until she can reconcile with her father.
Emma discovers Snake in an empty movie theatre, passionately kissing Principal Daphne Hatzilakos; a woman approximately ten years his senior and his superior on the Degrassi faculty. Ms. Hatzilakos is the mother of Peter Stone
, who happens to be Emma's secret boyfriend at the time. When Snake comes home the following day, he announces that he has sold his motorcycle
for airfare to Mexico
for Spike and him. Spike then remarks that she does not “deserve such a perfect husband.” Emma angrily tells them to stop it and forces Snake to confess, for which Spike expels him from the house. Snake later gets Spike to take him back, under the condition that he never cheat again. Being so happy to be back with his wife, he says he's going take the family (including Manny, who is still living in the Simpson home) to New York. The trip was canceled, however, because of Emma's battle with anorexia nervosa
.
Later, around the time that Sean comes home on leave from the Army
and before he ships out to Afghanistan
, Snake comes back home. Snake and Spike invite Sean to stay in their home during his brief leave. Snake is returning to teach at Degrassi the next week, but remarks that he has put on some weight that he would like to lose, having lounged around most of the time he was away. An appreciative Sean offers to coach Snake in the gymnasium and develop a training regimen for him. While coached by Sean, Snake begins to feel like he's being pushed farther than his body will allow. After complaining to Sean about this, Sean yells at Snake, unintentionally expressing his frustration with the Army's aggressive training and his fear of going to Afghanistan, after which Snake comforts him.
Snake and Spike watch as Emma graduates from the same high school as they did.
is diagnosed at precisely at the right moment to save him from expulsion for a violent outburst. Also helpful is Snake's temporary appointment as Acting Principal during Mr. Shepard's sudden mandatory sabbatical for sensitivity retraining.
Throughout the season, Snake is seen in almost every episode, teaching Media Immersion and giving advice to his students. He teaches the students to find a profile about each other by putting them in a line and stating random facts to find one's profile.
When Emma returns for a short visit, Snake and Spike discover she has dropped out of Smithdale. He is not sure if Emma is making the right choice, but both he and Spike support her in the end.
That summer, he and Spike return from a camping vacation and learn that Emma has married Spinner, and they want to recommit themselves in front of family and friends. They agree and they walk Emma down the aisle, and watch their daughter at her wedding.
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
on the Degrassi series portrayed by Stefan Brogren
Stefan Brogren
Stefan Brogren is a Canadian actor and director. He is best known as Archibald "Archie"/"Snake” Simpson in the Degrassi franchise of television shows.-Career:...
. His first appearance in the series was as an eighth grade student on Degrassi Junior High
Degrassi Junior High
Degrassi Junior High is a Canadian CBC Television teen drama series that was produced from 1987-1989 as part of the Degrassi series. The show followed the lives of a group of students attending the titular fictional school...
(DJH). As of season 10 of Degrassi
Degrassi: The Next Generation
Degrassi: The Next Generation is a Canadian teen drama television series set in the Degrassi universe, which was created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979. Degrassi is the fourth fictional series in the Degrassi franchise, and follows The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, and...
(formerly known as"Degrassi: The Next Generation"), he is the only regularly credited character from either beginning of the continuity in 1987 or the re-launch in 2001.
His older brother Glen Simpson (portrayed by Montgomery Randal) is revealed to be gay
Gay
Gay is a word that refers to a homosexual person, especially a homosexual male. For homosexual women the specific term is "lesbian"....
in the Degrassi Junior High episode, "He Ain't Heavy" (DJH ep. 306). On Degrassi: The Next Generation
Degrassi: The Next Generation
Degrassi: The Next Generation is a Canadian teen drama television series set in the Degrassi universe, which was created by Linda Schuyler and Kit Hood in 1979. Degrassi is the fourth fictional series in the Degrassi franchise, and follows The Kids of Degrassi Street, Degrassi Junior High, and...
(D:TNG), Snake is an adult, teaching media immersion (and possibly other computer classes) at Degrassi Community School, where he also has some network administration responsibilities, until season 10, where he has become Principal. His wife is Christine “Spike” Nelson (played by Amanda Stepto
Amanda Stepto
Amanda Stepto is a Canadian actress. She is best known for her role as Christine "Spike" Nelson in the Degrassi series.-Personal life:...
). His son is Jack Simpson
Jack Simpson
Jack Simpson was a Scottish golfer.Simpson was born Earlsferry, Fife, and was one of six golfing brothers. He played his golf out of Carnoustie. He was a powerful but erratic player. He won the 1884 Open Championship at Prestwick with a score of 160 for 36 holes, despite taking a nine at his...
and his stepdaughter is Emma Nelson
Emma Nelson
Emma Nelson is a fictional student on the Degrassi: The Next Generation television series, having originated in the series' precursor, Degrassi Junior High. She is portrayed as an adolescent and adult by Miriam McDonald....
(portrayed in Snake's youth by both Samantha Morrison & Ashlee Henricks; and in his adulthood by Miriam McDonald
Miriam McDonald
Miriam Katherine McDonald is a Canadian actress and occasional dancer. She is best known for playing Emma Nelson on the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Career:...
).
Snake's father is portrayed by Clarke Mackey
Clarke Mackey
Clarke Mackey is an award-winning Canadian filmmaker, author and educator. His 1971 feature film The Only Thing You Know is considered a key film in the early period of Canadian cinema....
in "Trust Me" (DJH ep. 211) and then on Degrassi High
Degrassi High
Degrassi High is the third television show in the Degrassi series of teen dramas about the lives of a group of kids living on or near De Grassi Street in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It first aired from 1989 to 1991 and followed the kids from Kids of Degrassi Street and Degrassi Junior High through...
(DH), by Ingvar Brogen in "Home Sweet Home" (DH ep. 208). Snake's mother is portrayed by Vivian Palin in "Trust Me" (DJH ep. 211) and by Maggie Thomas in both "He Ain't Heavy" (DJH ep. 306) and "Home Sweet Home" (DH ep. 208). Vivian Palin also portrayed an unnamed 'teacher #2' in "Star-Crossed" (DJH ep. 308).
Snake, the youth
Snake's best friends are Joey JeremiahJoey Jeremiah
Joseph "Joey" Jeremiah is a fictional character from the Degrassi series portrayed by Pat Mastroianni. His first appearance in the series was as a grade 8 student on Degrassi Junior High. Since his first appearance up to Degrassi High, he has been the main focus character and arguably the most...
and Derek "Wheels" Wheeler
Derek Wheeler
Derek Wheeler, aka Wheels, is a fictional character on the Degrassi series, portrayed by Neil Hope. His first appearance in the series is as a grade 8 student at Degrassi Junior High School where he is best friends with Joey Jeremiah and Archie "Snake" Simpson...
(portrayed by Pat Mastroianni
Pat Mastroianni
Pasquale "Pat" Mastroianni is a Canadian actor best known for his role as Joey Jeremiah on the Degrassi series of television shows.- Biography :...
& Neil Hope), with whom he forms a band called The Zit Remedy (later, simply, the Zits, alternatively spelled Zitz); their only song is "Everybody Wants Something". Responsible and observant of rules, Snake is usually the one to oppose the others' shenanigans. Nevertheless, the first time that Snake's parents leave him home alone for a weekend, Joey and Wheels convince him to let them sleep over ("Trust Me", DJH ep. 211). When the boys oversleep the next morning and realise that Wheels will be late for an appointment, Joey drives him there in Snake's parents' car despite lacking a license to drive. The resulting minor accident leads Snake's parents to discover what had happened and lose confidence in him (Id). Snake receives his driver's license a year later ("Little White Lies", DH ep. 110). It is with these two friends that Snake makes his first (failed) trip to a strip joint ("Little White Lies", DH ep. 108), sneaks into the closed school to try to see favourite rock band, The Savages, filming a music video ("Extracurricular Activities", DH ep. 209), and hires older student Clutch (portrayed by Steve Bedernjak) to buy them beer before being caught by the police ("Pa-arty!", DH ep. 315).
The boys' interest and availability to rehearse their music wanes, but Joey keeps bringing them back ("Sealed With a Kiss", DJH ep. 208; "Pass Tense", DJH ep. 213; "He Ain't Heavy", DJH ep. 306, "The Whole Truth", DJH ep. 307; "A New Start Part 1", DH ep. 101; "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do", DH ep. 103). The Zits convince their budding filmmaker classmate Lucy Fernandez
Lucy Fernandez
Lucy Fernandez is a fictional character in "Degrassi Junior High;" "Degrassi High;" the Degrassi High follow-up movie, "School's Out;" and "Degrassi: The Next Generation." She is portrayed by the actress, Anais Granofsky in all of the Degrassi series....
(portrayed by Anais Granofsky
Anais Granofsky
Anais Granofsky is a Canadian actress, screenwriter, producer and director. She is best known for portraying Lucy Fernandez in the Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High series.-Early life and career:...
) to shoot a music video for their only song, "Everybody Wants Something" ("Breaking Up Is Hard To Do", DH ep. 103; "Everybody wants Something", DH ep. 105) and they also convince Clutch to let them use his car as a prop (Id). In return, they appear in Lucy's feminist horror film
Horror film
Horror films seek to elicit a negative emotional reaction from viewers by playing on the audience's most primal fears. They often feature scenes that startle the viewer through the means of macabre and the supernatural, thus frequently overlapping with the fantasy and science fiction genres...
, It Creeps ("It Creeps", DH ep. 114).
Snake doesn't quite know how to talk with Wheels after the death of Wheels' adoptive parents (portrayed by Timm Zemanek & Nancy Sinclair), and their relationship suffers ("Can't Live With 'Em, Part 2", DJH ep. 302). Wheels is hurt by what he perceives as Snake's abandonment of him, but Joey mediates a reconciliation between the two ("A Big Girl Now", DJH ep. 303). Snake exhausts his sympathy for Wheels's loss of his parents to a drunk driver, and so does Joey, when Wheels incessantly lies, steals, and refuses to accept responsibility for anything ("Home Sweet Home", DH ep. 208). While Snake is saving a life, Wheels, in contrast, has a serious motor vehicle accident with another car, as he is drunk driving to get more beer for a party (Degrassi: School's Out
School's Out (film)
School's Out is a 1992 Canadian television movie featuring the characters of the popular Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High series. The show's longtime team of writers scripted this feature-length movie and shot it during the summer of 1991 to be shown on CBC Television during the new year...
(DSO)). Snake refuses to visit or write to Wheels in jail because he is disgusted by Wheels' refusal to accept responsibility for killing a child in the other car. He is also angry with him for temporarily blinding and severely injuring Lucy, who was riding with Wheels. His outrage is heightened by the fact that Wheels had lost his own parents to a drunk driver years earlier. Although Wheels eventually pleads guilty to the charges against him, Snake refuses to forgive him, and does not, for twelve years (Id.) "Mother and Child Reunion", Part 2; Degrassi: The Next Generation (DNG) ep. 102; "Should I Stay or Should I Go?" DNG ep. 307).
Snake is an excellent swimmer but is inept at soccer ("The Great Race" DJH ep. 105). A tall boy, he enjoys basketball but does not have his older brother Glen's (Montgomery Randal) legendary prowess on the court; he is uncomfortable with the revelation of Glen's homosexuality, but does not share their father's hostility toward it ("He Ain't Heavy", DJH ep. 306).
Upon entering a Degrassi High School lavatory one day, he discovers the corpse of classmate Claude Tanner (played by David Armin-Parcells) who had recently shot himself in the head. Snake dashes to the administration office and guides Assistant Principal Raditch (Dan Woods) to the scene ("Showtime Part 1", DH ep. 210). The incident leaves Snake noticeably shaken and he withdraws to his parents' home, away from school for a couple of weeks ("Showtime Part 2", DH ep. 211; "Three's A Crowd", DH ep. 212).
Though liked by nearly everyone as a friend or pleasant acquaintance, Snake is generally unsuccessful with women, owing largely to his lack of self-confidence and desire to be the "good guy". Nevertheless, he periodically gets dates with various girls, though none develops into a relationship. Among his failed adolescent pairings are Melanie Brodie
Melanie Brodie
Melanie Brodie is a character in the original Playing With Time series Degrassi Junior High. Melanie was a friendly girl who seemed to have a wide circle of friends at Degrassi...
(portrayed by Sara Ballingall), Michelle Accette (portrayed by Maureen McKay
Maureen McKay
Maureen McKay is a Canadian television former actress who played Michelle Accette on Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High. She starred in a few Degrassi episodes and made a few other television and film appearances, but no longer acts.She is a 1995 graduate of the University of Toronto and...
), and future wife Christine "Spike" Nelson (portrayed by Amanda Stepto
Amanda Stepto
Amanda Stepto is a Canadian actress. She is best known for her role as Christine "Spike" Nelson in the Degrassi series.-Personal life:...
) ("Making Whoopee", DJH ep. 313; "Loyalties", DH ep. 203; "Three's A Crowd", DH ep. 212).
Snake is paired with Spike Nelson for what is to be one of their final class assignments of grade 11; studying in the Nelsons' kitchen. Spike watches Snake playfully carry her young daughter Emma
Emma Nelson
Emma Nelson is a fictional student on the Degrassi: The Next Generation television series, having originated in the series' precursor, Degrassi Junior High. She is portrayed as an adolescent and adult by Miriam McDonald....
(portrayed by toddler Ashlee Henricks) ("Three's A Crowd", DH ep. 212). Unbeknownst to Snake, this triggers romantic feelings in Spike toward him, and she daydreams of him initiating a passionate kiss. Snake accepts Spike's invitation to attend the prom together, believing that Spike wants to go simply as friends. Upon learning that Snake really likes Michelle Accette and would rather go with her, Spike backs out and keeps her disappointment secret from Snake (Id).
During the summer following his graduation from Degrassi High School, Snake takes a job as a lifeguard in the hope of impressing a bikini-clad woman to take his virginity. Unfortunately, he only succeeds in impressing children (Degrassi: School's Out
School's Out (film)
School's Out is a 1992 Canadian television movie featuring the characters of the popular Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High series. The show's longtime team of writers scripted this feature-length movie and shot it during the summer of 1991 to be shown on CBC Television during the new year...
). Having finally taken enough of Joey's teasing over his virginity throughout the summer, Snake angrily denounces Joey for his infidelity toward Joey's girlfriend Caitlin Ryan
Caitlin Ryan
Caitlin Ryan is a fictional character from the Degrassi series portrayed by Stacie Mistysyn. Caitlin is a main character on both Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High, which chronicle her maturation from a seventh grader to a high school graduate...
. Ironically, in this exchange, the traditionally "good boy" Snake becomes the first character on Canadian prime-time television to utter the word "fucking". Moments later, traditionally "good girl" Caitlin becomes the second character (and first female) to do so when she overhears Snake and confronts Joey with: "Tessa Campanelli? You were fucking Tessa Campanelli?!" (Id).
Immediately after unintentionally breaking up Joey and Caitlin, Snake realises that his former classmate Alison Hunter (played by Sarah Holmes) is drowning, and he rushes into the lake to rescue her. Everyone congratulates him as a hero, but he breaks down in a flood of emotion and anxiety (Id). Two months later, at the wedding reception of classmates Alexa and Simon Dexter (Irene Courakos & Michael Carry), Snake is accompanied by his girlfriend Pam, whom he met at university, and he appears considerably more self-assured. Like Caitlin, Snake is receptive to Joey's apologies for the way he had behaved toward both of them, and they look forward to going out to shoot pool while Snake is in town (Id).
Interim
Snake's relationship with Pam does not last. ("Mother and Child Reunion" Part 2, DNG ep. 102).Snake attends the wedding of Joey to Julia Manning, a divorcé approximately six years their senior. Among the other attendees are Spike, her young daughter Emma, and Julia's young son Craig Manning ("When Doves Cry" Part 1, DNG ep. 201; "White Wedding" Part 1, DNG ep. 212). The wedding likely occurs sometime on the order of three years after School's Out (based upon the age of their daughter, Angela Jeremiah).
Snake remains acquainted with Spike over the years (judging by the interaction and familiarity between the two in "Mother and Child Reunion", DNG eps. 101-102). He does not, however, see Emma for several years; evidenced by the fact that neither recognises each other on sight, just days before she enters the seventh grade. (Id).
Snake receives a teaching appointment at his alma mater which, at some point, is reconfigured to educate students in grades 7-12 and redesignated Degrassi Community School. Among the subjects he teaches is Media Immersion. ("Mother and Child Reunion" Part 1, DNG ep. 101).
Snake becomes the administrator of the Degrassi alumni database. ("Father Figure" Part 1, DNG ep. 301). He coordinates the combined reunion of his graduating class and the class a year behind them; even preparing displays of photographs and personal memorabilia solicited from the alumni. ("Mother and Child Reunion" Part 1, DNG ep. 101).
Season 1
Snake meets Emma again, for the first time in several years, when she delivers boxes of memorabilia from Spike to him at school. He is still vocally angry with Wheels and dismayed by his release from prison. Notwithstanding that, he is eager to catch up with his old classmates who have come to their high school reunion. Snake is still friends with his recently widowed pal Joey, and tries to pull him out of his proverbial shell at the pre-reunion gathering. ("Mother and Child Reunion", DNG ep. 101/102).Spike, whilst dashing about her home and preparing to leave for the high school reunion, explains her nervousness to Emma, "I feel like I'm going to the prom I never got to go to." It is later revealed that she is attending the event with Snake, her abortive prom date from a decade earlier. Upon learning that Emma is in danger and held captive by a pedophile, Snake speeds Spike to the hotel where Emma is being held. Snake holds the predator against a wall until the police arrive, promising to snap the man's neck if he tries to move.
Season 2
With the show's reintroduction of Joey as a regular character, and additional guest appearances by Caitlin, Lucy, Yick Yu (Siluck SaysanasySiluck Saysanasy
Siluck Saysanasy is a Laotian-Canadian television actor.Saysanasy is best known for playing "Yick Yu", a character from the Degrassi series...
), et al., Snake is seen spending time with his peers.
Snake's teaching of Emma renews Spike's interest in him and the two begin dating. Among their outings is an Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello , born Declan Patrick MacManus, is an English singer-songwriter. He came to prominence as an early participant in London's pub rock scene in the mid-1970s and later became associated with the punk/New Wave genre. Steeped in word play, the vocabulary of Costello's lyrics is broader...
concert, as the two share a love of his music. ("Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", DNG ep. 203).
After a few months, Spike proposes marriage and Snake accepts. Spike picks out her ring herself. He and Emma deal with the typical conflict between prospective stepparents and stepchildren, complicated by his role as "Mr. Simpson", her teacher and those of her friends. ("Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", DNG ep. 203; "Weird Science", DNG ep. 205).
Unaware that Spike is pregnant with their son Jack, Snake makes an off-hand remark, to the effect that becoming Emma's stepfather is hard enough and he does not want to start a family of their own yet; this prompts Spike to consider keeping the pregnancy a secret from him and aborting the pregnancy. Emma, knowing that she herself began as a prime candidate for being aborted, is vehemently pro-life and races to Snake's bachelor party to warn him. Snake argues with Spike about not being consulted and having to learn about the situation from Emma. Angry with each other, two initially stay away from the church the following morning, reluctant to marry. They reconcile in time to dash to the ceremony in casual clothes, and change into their wedding attire before the reception. ("White Wedding" Parts 1-2, DNG eps. 212-213).
Season 3
In the season premier, "Father Figure, parts 1 and 2", Emma discovers that her father, Shane McKay, is brain damaged and confined to a sanitarium; rather than working as a physician, as she had believed. She lashes out at Spike for hiding the truth and for "allowing" Shane's parents to commit him, but Snake consoles Emma and acknowledges her sense of betrayal, while also providing her exposition as to what had happened:
Shane wanted to be part of Emma's life but was largely prevented by his parents. ("Eggbert", DJH ep. 201; "Dinner And A Show", DJH ep. 204). When going to a concert, Shane tried the hallucinogen LSD and either fell or jumped from a bridge, suffering severe head trauma. Whether the fall was intentional was and remains unknown. ("Taking Off Part 2", DJH ep. 312; "It Creeps", DH 114). Spike took Emma to visit Shane when she was three years old, but Shane became agitated and began a tantrum. This frightened Spike, who worried that Shane might inadvertently hurt Emma. She therefore prevented their further contact. ("Father Figure" Part 2, DNG ep. 302).
For a change, Emma finds herself relating better to her stepfather, Snake, than she does to her mother, Spike. (Id). At the end of the same episode, Snake's and Spike's son, Jack, is born, and Emma addresses Snake as "Dad" for the first time. (Id). Going forward, she alternates between "Snake" and "Dad", depending upon her mood and the situation; continuing to address him as "Mr. Simpson" in class.
Also in Season 3, Snake learns he has leukemia
Leukemia
Leukemia or leukaemia is a type of cancer of the blood or bone marrow characterized by an abnormal increase of immature white blood cells called "blasts". Leukemia is a broad term covering a spectrum of diseases...
and battles with it throughout the entire season, with the help of Spike, Emma, friends, and family. ("Pride" Part Two, DNG ep. 305; "Gangsta Gangsta", DNG ep. 306; "Should I Stay or Should I Go?", DNG ep. 307).
Spike compels Snake to get out of the house and go bowling with Joey one evening, whereupon Joey reunites Wheels with Snake, who initially wants nothing to do with him. The two talk, however, while Joey fetches refreshments, and Snake confides wanting to die. Wheels assures him that had the same desire after learning that he had killed a child. Snake seeks Wheels' advice in dealing with his feelings. Joey returns and remarks that their heads are all now as bald as the bowling balls surrounding them. Snake lost his already thinning hair as a result of the chemotherapy and the other two presumably lost theirs more gradually in their twenties. The three old (and now bald) friends loudly sing Everybody Wants Something as they drive Snake home. ("Should I Stay or Should I Go?", DNG ep. 306).
Snake advises Dan Raditch, not to take the unimportant things so seriously, noting it was a lesson he learned in dealing with the leukemia. ("Take On Me", DNG ep. 316).
Snake loses his new laptop to theft by Sean Cameron
Sean Cameron
Sean Cameron is a fictional high schooler on the television show Degrassi: The Next Generation. He is portrayed by Daniel Clark. He left the show in season four, but returned for season six..-Personality:Sean is the token bad boy at the school...
. Sean eventually confesses his misdeeds and offers to make amends. The incident ironically leads to the two having genuine fondness and respect for each other.
Season 4
After Emma is threatened by a gun wielding Rick Murray and witnesses the boy's death by gunshot, Snake is frustrated by Emma being forced to wait in a classroom to be interviewed by the police, and shouts at Mr. Raditch. He is often shown thereafter supporting Emma, as she deals with the aftermath. Emma is not shown as having any awareness of the Claude Tanner incident, but he is aware that Sean's actions likely saved Emma's life.He is shocked to realise that Emma, whom he had viewed as virginal, has contracted gonorrhea
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The usual symptoms in men are burning with urination and penile discharge. Women, on the other hand, are asymptomatic half the time or have vaginal discharge and pelvic pain...
by performing fellatio on Jay Hogart
Jay Hogart
Jason "Jay" Hogart, played by Mike Lobel, is a fictional character on Degrassi: The Next Generation. He is usually portrayed as the school bully and bad boy, but later throughout the series he displays instances of conscience that make him more of an anti-hero...
. Nevertheless, he remains stoic and supportive of her.
Season 5
In season 5, Emma's best friend, Manuela "Manny" SantosManny Santos
Manuella "Manny" Santos is a fictional character portrayed by Cassie Steele on the television show Degrassi: The Next Generation.-Season 1:...
, is thrown out of her family's house by her father. Despite having often viewed her as a bad influence on Emma, Snake takes pity on Manny and invites her to stay in the Nelson-Simpson home until she can reconcile with her father.
Emma discovers Snake in an empty movie theatre, passionately kissing Principal Daphne Hatzilakos; a woman approximately ten years his senior and his superior on the Degrassi faculty. Ms. Hatzilakos is the mother of Peter Stone
Peter Stone
Peter Hess Stone was an American writer for theater, television and movies.-Life and career:Stone was born in Los Angeles. His mother, Hilda , was a film writer, and his father, John Stone was the writer and producer of many silent films, including Shirley Temple and Charlie Chan movies...
, who happens to be Emma's secret boyfriend at the time. When Snake comes home the following day, he announces that he has sold his motorcycle
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
for airfare to Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
for Spike and him. Spike then remarks that she does not “deserve such a perfect husband.” Emma angrily tells them to stop it and forces Snake to confess, for which Spike expels him from the house. Snake later gets Spike to take him back, under the condition that he never cheat again. Being so happy to be back with his wife, he says he's going take the family (including Manny, who is still living in the Simpson home) to New York. The trip was canceled, however, because of Emma's battle with anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Although commonly called "anorexia", that term on its own denotes any symptomatic loss of appetite and is not strictly accurate...
.
Season 6
When J.T. Yorke, is murdered by Lakehurst student Drake Lempke, the school holds a memorial for him. Mr. Simpson officiates and tells everyone that he is among the many affected.Season 7
Darcy begins to confide in Mr. Simpson and he becomes worried for her. Later, when he brings Ms. Hatzilakos and Darcy's mother together to talk about Darcy's situation, Darcy charges him with molesting her and Mr. Simpson is suspended from his job. Darcy, dealing with this new drama, eventually tells the truth and apologizes to Snake, who has come to realize that Darcy is merely troubled. When Mr. Simpson is cleared of Darcy's charges, he comes back to Degrassi and finds that a malicious website has been created, degrading him and his situation with Darcy. Spike and Simpson's relationship begins to fall apart. She doesn't trust him and isn't sure if he did do anything with Darcy or not. He assures her that he did absolutely nothing wrong. The next day she decides that they need sometime apart, so she takes Jack and goes to stay with her mother, but Emma this time stands up for Snake and stays there with him.Later, around the time that Sean comes home on leave from the Army
Canadian Forces Land Force Command
The Canadian Army , previously called Land Force Command, is responsible for army operations within the Canadian Forces. The current size of the Army is 19,500 regular soldiers and 16,000 reserve soldiers, for a total of around 35,500 soldiers...
and before he ships out to Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
, Snake comes back home. Snake and Spike invite Sean to stay in their home during his brief leave. Snake is returning to teach at Degrassi the next week, but remarks that he has put on some weight that he would like to lose, having lounged around most of the time he was away. An appreciative Sean offers to coach Snake in the gymnasium and develop a training regimen for him. While coached by Sean, Snake begins to feel like he's being pushed farther than his body will allow. After complaining to Sean about this, Sean yells at Snake, unintentionally expressing his frustration with the Army's aggressive training and his fear of going to Afghanistan, after which Snake comforts him.
Snake and Spike watch as Emma graduates from the same high school as they did.
Season 8
Snake and Spike take in Snake's god-son, Connor, in order to allow the boy to enroll in Degrassi's programme for gifted students. Serving in loco parentis, Snake takes Connor for psychological examinations, where his Asperger syndromeAsperger syndrome
Asperger's syndrome that is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. It differs from other autism spectrum disorders by its relative preservation of linguistic and cognitive development...
is diagnosed at precisely at the right moment to save him from expulsion for a violent outburst. Also helpful is Snake's temporary appointment as Acting Principal during Mr. Shepard's sudden mandatory sabbatical for sensitivity retraining.
Season 9
Snake introduces Jenna Middleton to Alli and Clare. Later, looking at Bruce's phone Snake sees a nude image of Alli and tells her she should go to the principal's office. He expresses shock at having seen a nude picture of one of his young students.Throughout the season, Snake is seen in almost every episode, teaching Media Immersion and giving advice to his students. He teaches the students to find a profile about each other by putting them in a line and stating random facts to find one's profile.
When Emma returns for a short visit, Snake and Spike discover she has dropped out of Smithdale. He is not sure if Emma is making the right choice, but both he and Spike support her in the end.
That summer, he and Spike return from a camping vacation and learn that Emma has married Spinner, and they want to recommit themselves in front of family and friends. They agree and they walk Emma down the aisle, and watch their daughter at her wedding.
Relationships
- Melanie BrodieMelanie BrodieMelanie Brodie is a character in the original Playing With Time series Degrassi Junior High. Melanie was a friendly girl who seemed to have a wide circle of friends at Degrassi...
- Michelle Accette
- Start Up: Three's a Crowd(DH 5.12)
- Break Up: Prior to School's Out (Degrassi Movie)
- Reason: Unexplained
- Pam
- Start Up: School's Out (Movie)
- Break Up: Between School's Out and Mother and Child Reunion (1) (D:TNG 1.01)
- Reason: Unexplained
- Christine “Spike” Nelson
- First Relationship
- Start Up: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (2.03)
- Break Up: The Lexicon of Love (2) (5.12)
- Reason: EmmaEmma NelsonEmma Nelson is a fictional student on the Degrassi: The Next Generation television series, having originated in the series' precursor, Degrassi Junior High. She is portrayed as an adolescent and adult by Miriam McDonald....
told Spike that she saw Snake kissing Ms. Daphne Hatzilakos.
- Reason: Emma
- Second Relationship
- Start Up: Our Lips Are Sealed (1) (D:TNG 5.15)
See also
- Degrassi: The Next Generation characters