The character of Anne Shirley, from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved “Anne of Green Gables” series, has been brought to life in various adaptations over the years. When searching for “Anne Shirley – Episode 17,” the results point to different series, each offering a unique portrayal of Anne’s journey in that particular episode. It’s important to note that episode numbering and plotlines vary significantly between adaptations.
“Anne with an E” (Netflix/CBC) – Season 2, Episode 4: “The Painful Eagerness of Unfed Hope”
While not directly titled “Episode 17,” the fourth episode of the second season of “Anne with an E” aligns with a similar point in Anne’s evolving relationships and personal discoveries. Titled “The Painful Eagerness of Unfed Hope,” this episode focuses on the tension between hope and desperation as Anne confronts challenges and hard truths about herself. Anne engages in “agent of romance” letter writing, while Diana pursues training to become a lady. A significant encounter also steers Gilbert Blythe towards his destiny, suggesting a focus on his future aspirations. The episode also delves into themes of friendship and self-discovery, particularly as Anne grapples with her feelings for Gilbert. Anne also attempts to meddle in Matthew’s romantic affairs by replying to unanswered letters on his behalf, though this doesn’t anger him as much as it disappoints him. Gilbert, in his search for direction, helps a woman deliver a baby, leading him to consider a career as a doctor, possibly influenced by his mother’s death in childbirth.
“Anne Shirley” (Anime) – Episode 17: “Love is the Power That Transforms Everything”
A more recent anime adaptation, simply titled “Anne Shirley,” features a direct “Episode 17” with the title “Love is the Power That Transforms Everything.” This episode, released on July 26, 2025, focuses on Anne’s return to Green Gables after a period at Redmond College. She receives a warm welcome and is back among her loved ones, including the mischievous Davy. A significant plot point in this episode is Gilbert expressing his feelings for Anne, indicating a progression in their relationship. The episode also explores Anne’s romantic ideals, with a character named Prissy assuming Anne has been in love with a real person since childhood, when Anne is still seeking her romantic ideal.
Historical Adaptations: “Anne of Green Gables” and “Anne of Avonlea”
Older adaptations, such as the 1985 “Anne of Green Gables” miniseries and its sequel “Anne of Avonlea” (which comprises the second season of “Anne of Green Gables”), also have their own episode structures. The 1979 “Anne of Green Gables” series, for example, lists an “Anne Returns to School” as its 17th episode. The well-known “Anne of Green Gables” (1985) miniseries consists of two parts, with the second part focusing on Anne reconciling with Diana and her academic pursuits at Queen’s college, where her relationship with Gilbert intensifies. The “Anne of Avonlea” miniseries, which effectively serves as the second season of the 1985 series, has four episodes. In this adaptation, Anne, at 18, becomes a teacher at Avonlea School and later attends Kingsport Ladies’ College, eventually returning to Avonlea.
“Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series” – Season 1, Episode 17: “A Walk in His Shoes”
The animated series, “Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series,” has an episode 17 titled “A Walk in His Shoes,” which aired on January 20, 2002. This further highlights the differing episode counts and narratives across the various adaptations of Anne Shirley’s story.
