DISCLAIMER: This recap of the Letterkenny season finale episode, “Degens,” contains spoilers. Figure it out, bud, and proceed at your peril.
How’re ya now? Good, ‘n you? We’ve reached season finale territory, and “Degens” delivers Season 11’s one and only scrap. I can always go for a scrap. We reunite with Tyson and Joint Boy (who are woefully underutilized this season) and Anik. “Degens” pokes fun at internet culture and social media speak, namely among millennials. It’s such a mood. It’s everything, and it gives me life. (Sarcasm forever.)
Ready to delve into “Degens”? Let’s get to it.
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We begin with a cold open featuring Wayne (Jared Keeso), Daryl (Nathan Dales) and Squirrely Dan (K. Trevor Wilson). The fellas are smoking darts and talking about the last time they truly enjoyed one. Dary mentions savoring a cigarette the first time he had sex. They say it’s terrible for you, but why do they get to dictate what the hicks do with their lives?
Then, the boys and Katy (Michelle Mylett) sit at the kitchen table while giving Jivin’ Pete a performance review. A brief montage plays out with Wayne informing JP (Ian Ronningen) about all the times he’s been late to work. Everyone else seems keen on firing him except Wayne, who doesn’t like to kick anyone when they’re down. Katy inadvertently showcases her new Doc Martens, resulting in the guys poking fun at her for being that guy. I love them teasing a woman’s damn near annual urge to cut her bangs and not following through with it.
Katy notices Wayne’s been squinting more than usual, so she threatens to schedule an optometrist appointment for her big brother. Hey, don’t threaten Wayne with a good time. After visiting the eye doc, Wayne walks away with a pair of snazzy new sunglasses, complete with his prescription. His future’s so bright he needs shades. The hicks tease Wayne for being that guy.
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At MoD3an’s, Reilly (Dylan Playfair) and Jonesy (Andrew Herr) ask the gang, plus Gail (Lisa Codrington) and Rosie (Clark Backo), to attend Reilly’s birthday week party. Yes, he celebrates his birthday for a week. He’s that guy. After lovingly poking fun at him, everyone vows to attend. Anik (Kim Cloutier) arrives for work, taking Daryl by surprise. Naturally, he looks smitten with her, as he always does.
Meanwhile, Wayne tells Jivin’ Pete that his performance leaves something to be desired. His punctuality is nonexistent. Wayne understands JP’s turning a new leaf, but he encourages the latter to take time off. Jivin’ Pete mistakes this for Wayne firing him and storms off. After that encounter, Stewart (Tyler Johnston) and Roald (Evan Stern) bike to Wayne’s farm to deliver the news: Jivin’ Pete’s spreading gossip in town. He told the skids that Wayne purportedly called them a slur. STRT and Roald know this didn’t happen, though.
McMurray (Daniel Petronijevic) and Mrs. McMurray (Melanie Scrofano) are hot on the skids’ heels with another development. McMurray informs Wayne that Jivin’ Pete claims our hick wants to fork Mrs. McMurray. But that’s not all! Katy, Squirrely Dan and Daryl arrive to reveal that JP is spreading vile lies. I love how Letterkenny leans into comedy’s “rule of threes.” It’s especially evident in this scene.
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Then, at MoD3an’s, everyone gives Daryl sh*t for being that guy. Why? Because he’s sporting a top knot. It’s what all the guys in Québec are doing. He wants to impress Anik. The gang starts bickering over the various instances where everyone was that guy, from Katy’s Docs to Squirrely Dan’s “I am a Feminist” baseball cap and STRT’s bowler hat. Anik tells Dary his top knot reminds her of her cousins. Ouch.
Meanwhile, Wayne “f*cks this pig” by heading to Jivin’ Pete’s house to confront the latter. JP encourages Wayne to return with his buddies for a good ole-fashioned scrap. He reminds Wayne he’s been chorin’ for two decades. He poured his heart and soul into working for Wayne. Thus, Wayne assembles the hicks, McMurray, Tyson (Jay Bertin) and Joint Boy (Joël Roger Gagné) to head back to Jivin’ Pete’s for a proper brawl. Tyson and Joint Boy! We haven’t seen them since the beginning of last season.
Reilly and Jonesy drive to MoD3an’s for the former’s birthday week party. Rosie, the skids, Gailer and Bonnie McMurray (Kamilla Kowal) help decorate for the shindig while Katy drives the boys to their degen fight. We watch the guys lay the smackdown on JP and his crew while Reilly celebrates his birthday at the pub. After Wayne and the gang successfully put Jivin’ Pete and the degens in their place, he and the hicks sit in the dark and drink instead of attending the festivities at MoD3an’s.
“Degens” doesn’t go out with a bang, and it’s somewhat of a letdown on the season finale front, but it’s still an enjoyable outing. I love the “that guy” jokes and the cameos. I also adore the community and camaraderie fostered over the past 11 seasons. There’s not much development in general (that’s part of its charm; it feels like a time capsule piece), but Letterkenny has excelled at bringing these different groups together in the name of friendship.
All in all, Season 11 is consistent with past seasons. There are certainly highlights and standout moments. I love that we got more of Glen, for example. That said, this season needed more Tanis. She’s one of my favorite characters. Perhaps Season 12 will yield more Tanis fruit. In addition, I hope we get at least a few scenes with Tyson and Joint Boy next season. I suppose that’s the issue with a large cast and only six episodes per season — it’s a challenge divvying up screen time.
Still, I’ll forever love this series. I’m stuck on the Letterkenny train, and I’m not getting off. It’s unbeatable regarding clever, mind-bogglingly creative wordplay, fast-paced dialogue, whip-smart running gags and top-tier comedic performances. And I suggest you let that one marinate.
Letterkenny Season 11 is now streaming on Hulu.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
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HI hi! Do you have an idea why the hicks went back home after the fight rather than joining the birthday party? With all the community-comes-together vibes in this story, it was a jarring end to the episode – and season – fo me. Did I miss something? Thanks!
Hi! I agree, it was definitely a jarring way to end the season. I’m not sure why, to be honest. It also feels out of character for them. Any other time they’ve fought, degens or otherwise, they’d usually go out and party afterward. Maybe because the hicks were poking fun at Reilly earlier for having a “birthday week”? Or maybe they were tired? They also just…sat in the dark and drank, lol.