Out in the Open
| "Out in the Open" | |
|---|---|
| renegadepress.com episode | |
 | |
| Episode no. |
Season 1 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Robert de Lint |
| Written by | Robert de Lint |
| Original air date | January 18, 2004 |
"Out in the Open" is the very first episode of the APTN teen drama renegadepress.com. The series revolves around a group of Canadian teenagers who write for an e-zine that addresses teen issues. The website was originally started by aboriginal teen Jack Sinclair as a way of showcasing his music. His best friend, Zoey, soon began writing for the site.[1] The first episode aired on January 18, 2004.
Starring
- Bronson Pelletier as Jack Sinclair
- Ksenia Solo as Zoey Jones
- Ishan Davé as Sandi Bhutella
- Barbara Mamabolo as Carmen Rodriguez
- Nolan Funk as Ben Lalonde *
- Rachel Colwell as Crystal Sinclair
- Shawn Erker as Oscar Cherniak
* = credit only
Recurring Stars
- Ingrid Nilson as Patti Gislason
- Camille Devine as Lynn
- Marie-Claire Marcotte as Meg
- Dan MacDonald as Principal Taylor
Guest Starring
- Erin Patterson as Ashley
- Dacey Harrower as Sarah
- Jade Schierle as Reese
- Kathryn Bracht as Sarah's Mother
- Josh Strait as Mr. Beecher
Plot
While working on the site, Jack and Zoey get an anonymous message from a girl from their school asking for help. The next day, they find out that a student named Sarah was sent to the hospital for failed suicide attempt. Convinced that Sarah was the girl who sent them that message, Zoey believes they should write about the school's bullying problem for their site. Thinking the subject is too intense, Jack seems reticent. However, Zoey goes ahead with the story anyway, discovering that Sarah was being bullied by a girl gang led by Reese. When Zoey tries to get answers from one of the members, Ashley, Ashley ends up betraying Zoey by telling Reese what Zoey is trying to uncover. Zoey is physically and emotionally taunted by Reese and Ashley. Zoey is shaken by the whole experience.
Later, Zoey and Jack are able to trace the anonymous message back to Ashley. When Zoey confronts Ashley again, Ashley admits that she wrote the message. In a video diary for the site, Ashley admits that both she and Reese bullied Sarah. Ashley was afraid to say anything because Reese was threatening Ashley. In the end, Reese is suspended and Sarah transfers to a new school.
Meanwhile, Sandi asks Jack if he could write an advice column for the site. Jack playfully tells Sandi to ask students about when's the right time to have sex. Through a series of embarrassing misadventures, Carmen gets Sandi to admit to whole school that he's a virgin. Later, Carmen apologizes and Sandi is given his own "Truth and Rumors" column for the e-zine.
Reception
Rob Bryanton, Jeff Hamon, Evan Rust, and Warren St. Onge were nominated for a Gemini award for Best Sound in a Dramatic Series.