As Told By Ginger aired on Nickelodeon from 2000 until 2006. The series centered on 7th grader Ginger Foutley (Melissa Disney), who journaled about her chaotic life, friends, and family in Sheltered Shrubs, Connecticut. It was a coming of age cartoon that saw Ginger blossom from a timid junior-high student to an accomplished author by the series finale.
The show distinguished itself from other Nickelodeon animated series (at the time) by aging its characters, frequently changing outfits, featuring story/character arcs, and addressing heavy subject matter, including addiction, slut-shaming, and death. During its run, As Told By Ginger featured 60 episodes and three seasons. Of these episodes, these 10 were voted the highest among others by viewers on IMDb, representing the cream of the crop.
10 "Blizzard Conditions" - Season 1 Episode 14 (7.6)
The civilians of Sheltered Shrubs have been snowed in due to a blizzard. Unfortunately, popular girl, Courtney (Liz Georges), her brother Blake (Kath Soucie), and their butler Winston (John Kassir) are trapped in their limo following a road accident.
Fortunately, Ginger and her friends Dodie (Aspen Miller) and Macie (Jackie Harris), come to their rescue, but they quickly realize they may have gotten more than they bargained for. The comedy in the episode comes from every character reacting to the blizzard in their own way, from Macie hyperventilating, Ginger being the mediator, and Courtney, of course, thinking only about herself.
9 "Far From Home" - Season 3 Episodes 1-3 (7.9)
In this TV movie/three-episode arch, Ginger has (to everyone's surprise) been accepted for a fellowship at a prestigious art school. Away from her friends and family for the first time, Ginger analyzes her life in Sheltered Shrubs and goes through a journey of self-actualization.
The special did an amazing job of exploring the characters' reactions to Ginger leaving, especially Darren (who realized his true feelings for her), and divulging the aspect of change.
8 "Season Of Caprice" - Season 1 Episodes 18-20 (8)
This special saw Ginger, Dodie, and Macie (and Courtney) going to Camp Caprice for the summer. Having gone there since they were children, the trio is in their element, whilst Courtney is struggling to keep up. This completely contrasts their school lives.
The special explored Ginger's first love and displayed another side of Miranda (Cree Summer) that had not been previously shown. This episode followed up "Butterflies are Free" and presented the principal characters' new looks.
7 "Butterflies Are Free" - Season 3 Episodes 7-8 (8)
Ginger and her class are preparing for eighth-grade graduation. However, she and the others have mixed feelings about it, especially Courtney, who has a terrible high school orientation. The episode explored each character processing this change and coming to terms with moving on.
"Butterflies are Free" ends on a positive note, with all the characters looking forward to high school and Ginger reading an eloquent poem about how they started as caterpillars but are now beautiful butterflies.
6 "Hello Stranger" Season 1 Episode 7 (8.1)
This episode marked the first mention of Ginger's absent father. Despite having a reputation for being flaky, Ginger is determined that he will attend her poetry reading at the school's art night event.
Its highlights included the emotional dilemma Ginger faces, wanting to believe her father will come but knowing he won't inevitably show (which he does not), and the scary but hilarious circumstances of Carl being bitten by a monkey and Lois unknowingly ingesting a "chemical snake."
5 "Heat Lightning" Season 3 Episode 9 (8.2)
The trio and Courtney return to Camp Caprice as counselors. Meanwhile, a heatwave is causing further tensions between Ginger's mother Lois (Laraine Newman), and her future mother-in-law.
The episode approached Ginger's confused feelings about her relationship with Darren (Kenny Black) and returning interest in former flame Sasha (J. Evan Bonifant), who also showed up at Caprice. Courtney reassured Ginger and offered some surprisingly insightful advice, "There's nothing wrong with a little electricity. Just as long as you don't get shocked."
4 "The Wedding Frame" Season 3 Episodes 18-20 (8.2)
The series finale could not be more eventful or bizarre if it tried. As Lois is preparing for her and Dr. Dave (David Jeremiah)'s nuptials, his mother is scheming with her cronies to ruin the wedding. Meanwhile, Ginger is apprehensive about starting a relationship with Orion, given that her previous relationship ended abruptly.
This special tied up any loose-ends and previewed the fates of the characters fans have come to love. Many fans felt it was a satisfying conclusion and the series ended on a high note.
3 "Come Back Little Seal Girl" Season 1 Episode 12 (8.4)
For years, the trio has performed a musical number from a children's film called The Little Seal Girl for their school's talent show. However, Dodie and Ginger later back out, afraid they will be humiliated. Macie, however, sticks to her guns and goes on to perform alone that night.
The pinnacle moment of the episode comes when the music cuts out unexpectedly during Macie's number, but nonetheless, she persists and continues singing, eventually winning over the crowd and top prize.
2 "A Lesson In Tightropes" Season 3 Episode 13 (8.5)
Arguably, this is one of the most gut-punching episodes of the series. Darren finally comes clean to Ginger about his relationship with Simone and effectively breaks up with her. Distraught, she cries herself to sleep, only for her mother to find her unconscious and with a fever.
Ginger is then rushed to the hospital and emotion erupts on all fronts, including Ginger's family and friends, herself, and Darren. The episode was authentically suspenseful and the characters' reactions felt genuine.
1 "And She Was Gone" Season 2 Episode 23 (8.6)
After Ginger writes a bleak poem, her teacher, Ms. Zorski (Elizabeth Halpern), is worried about her emotional state, so she sends her to the school counselor. Soon, everyone learns of the news and thinks Ginger is depressed, despite her protests.
The episode also marked the first appearance of Noelle Sussman (Emily Kapneck). The overall message of the episode was poignant and resonant, as Ginger pointed out that the poem concerned Ms. Zorski and others so much because they could relate to it.
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August 06, 2020 at 05:30AM
