Mike Lobel on his character Jay Hogart

Mike Lobel on Jay Hogart

Mike Lobel, the actor who plays heartless Jay Hogart on "Degrassi: The Next Generation," apologizes on behalf of his fictional alter ego.

Lobel unflinchingly laid out the qualities that make Jay so despicable. He's an opportunist. He stirs up conflicts among his fellow Degrassi High School students. He manipulates people to get what he wants. And he wants it all -- success, girls, money.

"We do see he has some kind of compassion, even though it's weird and twisted," Lobel said.

However, the actor maintains that he is nothing like his character in real life. That's a good thing, in my opinion. I wouldn't mind if I wrote a fictional story about his Degrassi character as a New Mutant from X-Men: Evolution (I love that show too) and he read it. I believe that he would love the idea, and help me out a bit.

The Ghost of Rick Murray

The picture below is exactly what Rick would look like if he came back to Degrassi after more than a few months away on vacation. (Even Spinner, Jay and Alex would be so shocked to see him, as would his tormentors, including J.T. Yorke.)

"Toby, did Rick undergo some kind of...transformation?" J.T. asks in total shock.

Toby smiles and says,

"You got it, J.T."

Then he walks up to Rick and the two hug, as though they're long-lost brothers.

"Welcome back, Rick," he says.

"It's good to be back," Rick replies, slinging an arm around Toby's shoulders.

They then walk into Degrassi, shocked eyes (except Jimmy and now Spinner, who are glad to have Rick back) all on them.

It is short, but I've been thinking of making this into a real story sometime.