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Where do I begin? I should really start off by saying that I am a huge fan of Skins. There is something very enjoyable about watching the lives of these Bristol-based teenagers. Of course, I am aware it's not that realistic, but I don’t think that’s the point.
I’ve been watching ever since it started; I love the direction it’s taken and I’ve come to love all the characters involved. I guess it’s rare to hear it but I don’t really miss the first generation of cast members. Their story lines are over. I got over it. Also contrary to what most would say I think the new cast are great anyway. I was very excited about the fourth series of this show. I absolutely believe it is a gem of British television and this opener does not have me thinking any differently.
The reason I hold Skins in such high regard is that it does what I wish so much more TV would do: it gives you characters with real depth, they’re believable and simply a joy to watch. The sometimes muddled storytelling (quick switches between odd humour and raw emotional moments) is made up for by these characters, all portrayed by brilliant young acting talent. Skins isn’t afraid of approaching some very important issues and it would be pretty naive of me to say that it doesn’t have a didactic aim. Yeah, it’s saying that drugs are bad...no big shock there.
The opening scene to this episode is beautifully conceived. It begins in a nightclub - we follow a character we’ve never seen before as she walks past all the characters we’ve come to know so well. The sequence of her walking from the toilet (after taking MDMA) to a balcony ends suddenly in her throwing herself from said balcony to her death. Half the club react in shock and the other half carry on dancing unfazed. As a way to begin the series that scene was just fantastic; it was loud, bright and confusing - you can just tell this event is going to dictate the drama ahead. Throughout the episode, Merveille Lukeba takes centre stage as Thomas (who was running the club that night). He really convinces as his character deals with the guilt and pain of what happened. This is a really consistent episode for Skins, and it has definitely shaped up on some of its more clumsy storytelling from last season.
I know that Skins isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it is very well-produced television, which is certainly more than some shows can say. I love that each episode is character-centric and that here we were able to see more of someone largely elusive for the duration of last season. This episode has set up for some really dramatic story lines and the events of the final ten minutes I doubt anyone could have predicted (all I’ll say is I feel very sorry for Naomi). Skins is still one of my favourite things on television and I can’t wait for next week’s episode.
Skins is on Thursdays at 10pm on E4 - it can also be caught up with on 4OD.
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