Anne With An E: Cole's Season 1 Deep Dive & Storyline Exploration

Sierra Emmerich 02 May 2025

Why is the character of Cole, from "Anne with an E," often overlooked despite his significant impact and the compelling depth of his story? Cole's character arc, particularly within the first season, offers a profound exploration of identity, acceptance, and the challenges of navigating societal expectations, making him a vital and often underappreciated element of the series.

The series "Anne with an E," a reimagining of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic novel "Anne of Green Gables," has garnered critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling, stunning visuals, and nuanced character portrayals. While Anne Shirley, the spirited and imaginative protagonist, rightfully captures much of the audience's attention, the character of Cole, a quiet, artistic young boy, deserves a deeper examination. His journey, interwoven with Anne's, provides a powerful commentary on themes of individuality, prejudice, and the importance of self-discovery.

Amybeth McNulty stars as Anne, embodying the essence of the character. Anne's story begins with a difficult childhood marked by abuse and neglect in orphanages and the homes of strangers. In the late 1890s, a clerical error leads to her arrival at Green Gables, the home of Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. This seemingly accidental placement becomes a catalyst for profound change in their lives and the lives of those around them. Anne, with her unique spirit, boundless imagination, and sharp intellect, transforms the Cuthberts' world and challenges the norms of their small town.

The series, based on the book "Anne of Green Gables," is an absorbing, poetic series. The story is depicted through multiple viewpoints, providing a more rounded and multifaceted perspective. "Anne with an E" premiered on CBC on March 19, 2017, with the first season consisting of seven episodes. It was later rebranded as "Anne with an E" for its Netflix release on May 12, reaching a wider global audience. Its renewal for a second season was a testament to its popularity and critical acclaim.

Category	Details
Character Name	Cole MacKenzie
Series	Anne with an E
Portrayed By	Cory Gruter-Andrew
Key Traits	Quiet, kind, artistic, loves drawing and sculpting
Significant Relationships	Friends with Anne Shirley and Diana Barry
Key Story Arcs (Season 1)	Struggles with conformity, artistic expression, self-acceptance, societal prejudice.
Significance in the Series	Represents themes of individuality, challenging societal norms, and the importance of finding one's place.
Show's Release Date	March 19, 2017 (CBC) and May 12 (Netflix Release)
Season 1 Episodes	7 episodes
Supporting Characters	Anne Shirley, Marilla Cuthbert, Matthew Cuthbert, Diana Barry, Gilbert Blythe
Reference Link	IMDB - Anne with an E

Cole's introduction into the narrative is crucial, as he embodies many of the themes that the series aims to address, and serves as a contrasting foil to Anne's more outwardly expressive personality. Cole, in contrast to Anne's dramatic flair, is often reserved, observant, and introspective. His artistic talent, particularly his love for drawing and sculpting, provides him with an outlet for his inner world, reflecting his sensitivity and unique perspective on the world around him.

Cole's friendship with Anne and Diana is a cornerstone of his character development. Both Anne and Diana are seen as "different" by their peers and by elements of the community. This shared experience of not quite fitting in fosters a bond that supports Coles growth and courage. They provide him with much-needed affirmation, and he, in turn, offers them unwavering support. In season two, the relationship evolves into an intense friendship.

One of the critical moments in Coles storyline, particularly within the first season, highlights the societal pressures and biases of the era. These pressures are experienced by both Anne and Cole, though in different ways. While Anne battles against the constraints placed on women, Cole navigates the challenges of being different. This culminates in a scene where Cole is ostracized, showcasing the devastating effects of prejudice and the importance of embracing authenticity.

The series doesn't shy away from addressing the harsh realities faced by those who don't conform to societal expectations. While the story is based on a children's book, "Anne with an E" delves deeper into the complex issues of identity, trauma, and the struggle for acceptance. The writers don't shy away from showing the damaging effects of bullying, misunderstanding, and the impact of societal pressures on young people's mental and emotional well-being. While the series also depicts some of the social injustices of that era, the storyline also depicts how the protagonists find support and form friendships with those who empathize with them and are also considered as "different" by society.

The show offers a critical examination of how social norms and prejudices can impact individuals. Cole's experience highlights the challenges faced by those who deviate from societal expectations, a theme resonating with contemporary viewers. The series also looks at the importance of self-discovery, and learning to accept oneself, even in the face of opposition. The show explores themes of self-expression, artistic talent, and the ability to find solace in the creative arts.

Unfortunately, the show's later seasons and ultimate cancellation have left many aspects of Cole's storyline underexplored, leaving many to wish that Cole's storyline in particular got the attention that was deserved. The decision to cut the show short has left viewers craving more, and it is the reason why it is essential that the character be analyzed with the attention and the nuance that he deserves. Coles presence and development are crucial for understanding the shows larger messages about acceptance, individuality, and the impact of societal norms.

In contrast to the initial comedic drama, the series evolves to confront more complex issues. Although the show's early episodes have a lighter tone, the series takes on more complex themes, exploring the impact of prejudice and the importance of self-acceptance. This shift in tone showcases the series' ability to tackle serious issues with sensitivity and nuance. The show makes a statement against societys narrow-mindedness, advocating for open-mindedness, kindness, and understanding.

The creators of "Anne with an E" demonstrate a keen understanding of character development and the importance of allowing stories to breathe and evolve organically. Instead of immediately making Billy the sole perpetrator of the harassment, the show explores the underlying issues contributing to such behaviors. This allows for a more comprehensive portrayal of human behavior. The creators could have easily simplified the narrative by only portraying Billy as the villain, but they opted to explore the complexities of the situation. They showcase the social pressures and group dynamics that encourage such behavior, which has a far more significant impact.

The series portrays an era when biases against women and the poor were prevalent. In the first season, several characters are involved in incidents of bullying, and this serves as a major plot point. The show doesn't just offer a simplistic view of good versus evil; instead, the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions. The impact of these actions is explored with a degree of depth. The series gives a deeper understanding of the complexities of social interactions and shows the damage caused by prejudice.

Even though the focus is primarily on Anne's journey, the show consistently illustrates the importance of these relationships. Anne and Cole's friendship, in particular, highlights the need for acceptance. The series underscores the crucial role of those relationships. The strong bonds they forge with each other become a source of strength and support. The show reminds us that these connections enable individuals to face life's challenges.

The exploration of Cole's character is a reminder that even within the confines of a period drama, it's possible to address modern issues with empathy and insight. His story is a powerful testament to the enduring human quest for self-acceptance. He's a reminder of the importance of challenging societal expectations, and that the most beautiful things in life often come from embracing one's uniqueness.

The show also depicts the social issues of the time, for example, it shows the struggles of the less fortunate. The series explores the challenges faced by individuals who do not conform. This includes issues such as bullying, prejudice, and mental health. The portrayal of Cole's struggles is a poignant example of the series' commitment to confronting these difficult topics. It also highlights the enduring relevance of these issues.

The show emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and encourages its audience to embrace their authentic selves. Coles journey of self-discovery inspires viewers to look inward and embrace their unique qualities. In a world that often demands conformity, "Anne with an E" celebrates individuality. It does so by encouraging each person to be unapologetically themselves. The shows values and narrative offer a timeless message of self-acceptance, courage, and resilience.

The creators could have further explored the impact of Coles artistic endeavors on his sense of self and his relationship with the community. In addition, the show could have expanded on his romantic prospects. If the series had continued, this could have provided further depth to Coles character. Cole's growth in Season 1 hints at the rich potential. A deeper dive into his relationships, his artistic development, and his journey towards self-acceptance would only have enriched the overall narrative.

In a landscape of content where many characters are quickly forgotten, Cole from Anne with an E remains a significant figure. While the series faced an untimely end, the impact of Coles story is still being felt by audiences. His story continues to resonate, encouraging viewers to value themselves. He also encourages people to recognize that in the face of adversity, there is strength in being true to oneself.

The series may have concluded earlier than anticipated, but the legacy of "Anne with an E," and especially the character of Cole, endures. His story is a reminder of the importance of kindness, acceptance, and the enduring power of the human spirit. His quiet strength, artistic talent, and capacity for empathy leave a lasting impression. Coles story is more than just a subplot; its a testament to the fact that every voice deserves to be heard, and every journey is worth exploring. The character of Cole, a sensitive and artistic young man, teaches us to embrace our differences and to find our place in the world.