Even though Boy Meets World is supposed to be centered around Cory Matthews, he is the Earth, revolving around Topanga’s Sun. Although she was originally cast as a background actor, Danielle Fishel played Topanga Lawrence, and completely changed Cory’s world. Topanga was also a great role model for young feminists and anyone who ever felt like an outcast.
On the new podcast, Pod Meets World, Danielle Fishel shares the challenges she experienced as a young actress. Much like her character, Danielle does her research, and always asks the podcast’s guest stars, and her two co-hosts Rider Strong and Will Friedle important questions, which lead to moments as memorable as Topanga Lawrence’s quotes on Boy Meets World.
“I Don’t Think I’m Weird, I Think I’m Unique.”
Season 1, Episode 4, “Cory’s Alternative Friends”
When Topanga Lawrence first appeared in Boy Meets World, her crimped hair and new-age philosophies set her apart from the rest of Cory’s classmates. While Cory and Shawn thought Topanga was weird, Topanga believed she was unique, and her strong sense of identity made her a great role model for young people who felt like outsiders.
Topanga’s compassionate outlook on life changed Cory’s perspective after a hair-straightening incident went awry, and his friends (including Shawn), mocked how different he looked. Topanga was able to show Cory that being different isn’t always a bad thing.
“I’m A Damsel, But Not The Distressed Kind.”
Season 2, Episode 6, “Who’s Afraid of Cory Wolf?”
When Cory starts to experience puberty in season 2, he consults a psychic and believes he is experiencing physical changes because he is turning into a werewolf. He begs Shawn to keep Topanga as far away from him as possible during the full moon, for her safety. Since it’s also Halloween, Topanga shows up dressed as a damsel.
But in true Topanga fashion, she makes a point to say that she is not the distressed kind, but one who is “very together and in complete control of her own destiny.” When the full moon rises, Cory doesn’t turn into a werewolf, but he does share a kiss with Topanga.
“You Know What I Want? My Good Name Back.”
Season 2, Episode 7, “Wake Up, Little Cory”
Although it was clear that Cory and Topanga liked each other in season 2, when they accidentally fell asleep at school while working on a project together, the rumor mill took things too far. It didn’t help that the project was a video about Love, Sex, and Slander, assigned to them by Mr. Turner, as a modern take on Much Ado About Nothing.
When the bullies at school congratulate Cory after he spends the night with Topanga, he tells them what they want to hear, which crushes Topanga and ruins her reputation. By boldly confronting Cory, Topanga teaches him a valuable lesson about treating people with respect.
“That’s Destructive, Gender-Biased Thinking, And We Have To Get Beyond That.”
Season 2, Episode 12, “Turnaround”
Cory is desperate for a date to the Sadie Hawkins dance, but since he can’t ask Topanga to go with him, he asks her if she’s going. Topanga states that she’s protesting the dance, because of its gender-biased theme, which is a very modern ideal, that many current students would appreciate, especially if they are non-binary, gender-fluid, or part of the LGBTQ+ community.
While Boy Meets World was ahead of its time in some ways, the blatant examples of sexism and homophobia throughout the series prove that some of the show’s quotes are more offensive than relatable. Thankfully, Topanga shines a light on many important issues.
“You Do Your Thing And I Do My Thing. You Are You And I Am I.”
Season 2, Episode 21, “The Thrilla’ In Phila’ “
While many current teen shows are criticized for romanticizing toxic relationships, Boy Meets World is praised for how nurturing and healthy the relationships are on the show, including Cory and Topanga. While Cory tends to have his head in the clouds and is very idealistic, Topanga always stays grounded and sure of herself.
The quote above is the first part of what Topanga put under her yearbook photo. The second part is, “If in the end, we end up together, it’s beautiful.” At a young age, Topanga knew two people needed to get to know themselves before they could fully commit to someone else.
“I’m Not A Prize, And I Hate It When Guys Chase Me.”
Season 3, Episode 21, “The Happiest Show On Earth”
When Topanga wins an essay contest and gets to go to Disney World, she ends up spending the day with Ronnie Waterman (guest star Andrew Keegan), who tries to make a move on her. Topanga shuts him down and lets him know she is not a prize to be won, and she hates being chased by guys because it’s a real turn-off.
Even though Cory chases Topanga all through Disney World, trying to win her back, Topanga tells him the grand gestures mean nothing if he can’t back them up with his actions. Topanga confidently stands her ground against creeps like Ronnie and knows when to admit she was wrong about Cory’s intentions.
“With This Outfit And This Hair? Hello, Buh-Bye, I Am SO At The Mall.”
Season 4, Episode 2, “Hair Today, Goon Tomorrow”
Topanga has always focused on inner beauty, vocalizing her desire to dismantle sexist dress codes and accepting people who society would typically cast aside because of their weird hair or clothes. So when she tried to prove her point near the beginning of season 4, by cutting half of her long blonde locks off, fans were surprised to see her priorities change.
This quote was comically out of character for Topanga, who never cared about what people thought of her looks. In a subtle callback to Topanga’s first appearance, Shawn reminds Topanga that she never spent time in the mirror before, which helps her realize what is truly important.
“You Yelled At Me. But I’m Topanga.”
Season 5, Episode 13, “The Eskimo”
While Cory and Shawn were often scolded by Mr. Feeny or their parents for causing trouble or getting bad grades, Topanga was always a model student with a strong moral code. So when Mr. Feeny finally yelled at her in season 5, she was legitimately shocked, simply because she wasn’t used to being put in her place.
But Mr. Feeny made a valid point, that Cory and Shawn usually succeed after Topanga intervenes with logic and foresight. While she is a supportive friend and girlfriend, Topanga is also a crutch for Cory and Shawn, which stunts their personal growth.
“Stuart, You’re Making Me Uncomfortable, And I Want You To Leave.”
Season 6, Episode 7, “Everybody Loves Stuart”
A young professor named Stuart crosses the line by making a move on Topanga while she’s alone in her dorm room and quickly becomes one of the worst characters on Boy Meets World. Topanga tells Stuart he’s making her uncomfortable, but he won’t accept it. If Cory didn’t show up a few seconds later, anything could have happened.
This episode tackles difficult issues of power dynamics, consent, and sexual assault. What happened to Topanga, and the threat of escalation was very real for the audience. While it’s not always easy to report an assault, Topanga set an example by speaking up about what happened to her.
“I Wasn’t Sure This Day Would Ever Come, But You Were.”
Season 7, Episode 7, “It’s About Time”
The origin story of Cory and Topanga changed over the years, but their love and connection made many characters treat them like an old married couple, even when they were in high school. While marriage always seemed like a sure thing for Cory, Topanga questioned everything she once knew after her parents got divorced.
For a while, it wasn’t clear if Cory and Topanga would get married, so when they finally made it to the altar, Topanga’s wedding vows highlighted Cory’s unbreakable faith in their union. Topanga knew things wouldn’t always come easy, but her love for Cory endured and led to the spinoff, Girl Meets World.