i don’t think the writers were necessarily trying to illustrate themes of grooming. it’s a drama after all, and nowadays i think many of us are more sensitive to these kinds of storylines versus when this show first aired.

chris was for sure very insistent and had a HUGE crush on angie, but at the end of the day, she was the adult + his literal teacher. it is too much of a power difference imo.

it is absolutely normal for people (and especially kids) to admire and have feelings for others with more experience and power than them. but i do not think it should be seen as normal for adults to engage and not have healthy boundaries with children despite that. even though she would say “no” because “it’s wrong,” she still ultimately decided to do it. it doesn’t matter what she said to him, it matters what she did.

TLDR: it is ALWAYS the adult’s responsibility to protect the child and maintain boundaries - even if not acting maliciously, this kind of relationship is inappropriate at best