Skins - A dismal end to a poor series

THE fifth series of E4’s teen drama Skins came to a conclusion last night, and it ended as it started, poorly!

HAPPY?: No wedding, but Grace and Rich seem to have survived the storm

     The whole episode centred on the gang eloping away from Bristol to Southend.  This was to see Rich (Alexander Arnold) tie the knot with Grace (Jessica Sula).  Eventually, Grace’s dad, Professor David Blood, played by the hilarious Chris Addison tracks them down and manages to say enough for Grace to stop the charade.  The other main plot, the ‘love square’ between Franky (Dakota Blue Richards), Matty (Sebastian de Souza), Liv (Laya Lewis) and Mini (Freya Mayor) ended in suspense.  Liv saved Franky from a perilous drop from a cliff in the woods, whilst Mini’s crazy girl crush on Franky nearly spiralled out of control.  As for Matty, he couldn’t seem to decide who he wanted more, Liv or Franky.

     Unfortunately, the whole series has simply failed to live upto expectations.  It was always going to be difficult to follow highly the footsteps of both Generation 1 and Generation 2, but with only eight episodes, it was going to be tough to stamp their authority on the new Skins.  The writing only seems to get worse, and this time, the acting quality, unlike series four, couldn’t save their blushes.  It wasn’t the actors fault.  Dakota Blue Richards aside, none of the cast had any proper acting experience, especially on television.  However, there certainly isn’t any sign of the potential that has taken the likes of Dev Patel, Kaya Scodelario, Nicholas Hoult, Lily Loveless and Hannah Murray to stardom after Skins.  Some people have taken well to the new generation, but the reaction has definitely been mixed and the viewing figures have dropped on the previous series. 

STARS: Mini (Freya Mayor) and Franky (Dakota Blue Richards) were big hits

     The positives were that there were some more light-hearted stories and group scenes involving the characters.  However, some of the storylines seem to be very repetitive.  Liv seems to be a very plain and basic version of Effy, whilst the Franky/Mini story seemed to have strong echoes to the unique ‘Naomily’ storyline in Generation two.  When storylines keep getting repeated, this suggests that either the writers are running out of new material, or the show is starting to lose its appeal to the teenage viewer.

     I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see Skins being on our screens any longer than the end of the already contracted sixth series.  It definitely is a great stepping stone for budding actors, but the appeal and quality definitely seems to have gone downhill and with the criticism of the American series, I’d hope more focus would go into the delayed Skins Movie now and putting the TV series to bed.  Only time will tell to suggest whether this was just a bad series, but I don’t think the series, nor did the finale do Skins any justice this time around.  The future for one of E4’s biggest shows now has to be called into some serious jeopardy.

Skins - Where are they now?

LAST Thursday saw the launch of the new series of E4’s critically-acclaimed teen drama Skins.  The Bristol bunch are back, but it is a new cast.  As they attempt to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, here is what ten of the stars from the first two generations have done since leaving Skins for pastures new.

Nicholas Hoult

POPULAR: Nicholas Hoult has made a decent film career for himself

Who did he play in Skins: Tony Stonem

What his character was like: Tony was a attractive, popular character who took the lead role of the first generation.  Most of the main storylines in the first two series were centralised around his characters.

What has he done since Skins: Before Bristol life, he featured in the film About a Boy.  Since Skins, he has appeared in the movie A Single Man, has recently been cast in an X-Men movie spin-off which is due for release this summer and was nominated for a BAFTA film award in 2010, although he lost in his category to Kirsten Stewart.

Kaya Scodelario

Who did she play in Skins: Effy Stonem

What her character was like: Effy was the only character to have appeared in all four series of Skins.  She had a back part role in the first generation and barely spoke.  She took the lead role of the second generation, taking the headlines for being caught in a messy love triangle with best friends Cook and Freddie.  Effy’s characters traits were very similar to those of her bigger brother, Tony.

What has she done since Skins: Kaya has also made the move into movies since Skins, starring prominently in the gang movie Shank.  She has also had supporting roles in Clash of the Titans, appeared in two of Plan B’s music videos in 2010 and does a lot of modelling for fashion magazines.  Behind her career, Kaya is currently dating the Shameless star Elliott Tittensor.

Lily Loveless

FIERY: Lily Loveless career promises to be full of passion

Who did she play in Skins: Naomi Campbell

What her character was like: Naomi began out as an outsider in the second generation.  Fiery and a real political activist, she thought she knew who she was, and didn’t care about what anyone thought about her.  This was challenged by Emily, who chased and chased Naomi throughout the third series.  Cue the ‘Naomily’ phenomenon, which despite some rocky patches, ended in two happy endings.  In the fourth series, Naomi is more open towards people, due to having found happiness with Emily. 

What has she done since Skins: Lily Loveless has been very busy since finishing on Skins.  She has appeared on CBBC drama Combat Kids, done some short films, with one due to be screened at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and has just finished filming the Sarah Jane Adventures for BBC.  Her portrayal of Naomi was critically acclaimed by many, and these projects seem to highlight Lily’s high regard to many in the world of television acting.

Mike Bailey

Who did he play in Skins: Sid Elliott

What was his character like:  Sid was Tony’ best friend in the first two series of Skins, but struggled to fit into the stereotypes of the group.  Lacking confidence within himself, his relationship with Cassie was one of the main highlights of the first two series.

What has he done since Skins: Mike is one of the few who has almost disappeared totally since he finished Skins in 2009.  His most recent credit was in the Channel 4 drama; 1066: The Battle for Middle Earth, which was nearly 18 months ago.  

Hannah Murray

PROMISING: Hannah has proved she can do multi-tasking 

Who did she play in Skins: Cassie Ainsworth

What her character was like: Cassie was a very popular character with the Skins fans.  Best friends with Michelle, her on-off relationship with Sid, which went lots of places was a highlight.  The difficult relationship with her parents led Cassie to end up in some very precarious positions.

What has she done since Skins: Since Skins, Hannah is building up a very promising portfolio of work, largely in theatre and TV.  Later this year, she will play the role of ‘Emily’ in her debut movie, Chatroom.

Jack O’Connell

Who did he play in Skins: James Cook

What his character was like: The ‘Cookie Monster’ was one of the leading characters in the second generation.  His charismatic, all thrills attitude towards life saw him in some harassing scenarios.  He fought with Freddie for Effy’s heart in series three, slept with Pandora and ended up in jail for assault.  The whereabouts of whether he survived past series four are unknown, after a final confrontation with Effy’s psychiatrist; Dr John Foster.

What has he done since Skins: Before Skins, Jack had already experience a share of the limelight in Doctors, The Bill and Holby City.  Since Skins finished for him, Jack starred in the critically acclaimed BBC2 drama Dive last summer and played ‘Marky’ in the film Harry Brown.  He also won Best Actor for his role as Cook in Skins at the 2010 TV Choice awards.  Jack has a lot of potential to go a long way in his acting career.

Dev Patel

Who did he play in Skins: Anwar Kharral

What his character was like: A very humorous character, Anwar’s faith is questioned at times, especially as he doesn’t follow most of the Muslim guidelines.  He believed that homosexuality was against his religion, which put a strain on his friendship with Maxxie.  He ends the show boarding a bus to London.

What has he done since Skins: There can be no doubt that Dev Patel has had the most success out of anyone since Skins.  He took the main role as Jamel Malik in Danny Boyle’s hit movie, Slumdog Millionaire.  Patel won a host of awards for his starring role and should a Skins movie take place, Dev will reignite his character as Anwar.

Kathryn Prescott

CHANGES: Kat's character, Emily went from shy to confident in no time

Who did she play in Skins: Emily Fitch

What her character was like: Emily began Skins life as a wet blanket.  She was very shy and often in the shadow of loud twin sister Katie.  As the series progresses, Emily is more sure of her sexuality and develops strong feelings for teen activist Naomi.  They have to overcome many obstacles, including Katie, her pestering mother and Naomi’s cheating in series four.  After attempting to punish her lover back, Emily eventually forgives Naomi in a heart-warming conclusion to series four for ‘Naomily.’

What has she done since Skins: Kat began filming for a pilot show, Goth last year, which is expected to be picked up by Sky1.  She has also filmed a minor part in medical drama Monroe and will make her film debut in the horror movie, Lethal later this summer.  She has her own website and keeps up-to-date with many of her fans on a regular.

April Pearson

Who did she play in Skins: Michelle Richardson

What her character was like: Michelle was a very confident character, with an arrogant side towards herself.  She was together with Tony at the start of their Skins life, but split up when he cheated on her.  Her hedonistic lifestyle takes her to the edge and Michelle, after briefly dating Sid, gets back with Tony, although their future was thrown into question as they planned to head for separate Universities at the end of the second series.

What has she done since Skins: April made a cameo role in BBC medical drama Casualty after Skins and her first movie and last known work was in Tormented, a horror comedy in May 2009.

Luke Pasqualino

BRUTAL: Freddie's death shocked fans, but Luke is carving a leading role.

Who did he play in Skins: Freddie McClair

What his character was like: Freddie likes skateboarding and smokes weed.  He fights his best friend Cook for Effy’s affections, even shagging Katie when he thinks that Effy wants Cook.  When Effy makes her mind up, it’s Freddie who she wants and their relationship is pushed to the limit in series four, when Effy’s mental health takes a turn for the worse.  There is no happy ending for the pair, as Freddie is brutally beaten to death with a baseball bat by John Foster, Effy’s crazy psychiatrist in the penultimate episode of series four.

What has he done since Skins: Like April Pearson, Luke has appeared in Casualty in Skins, starred in an episode of the award-winning comedy Miranda and just recently, has earnt himself a leading role in the new series of Battlestar Galatica. 

As you can see, Skins opens the doors for many actors/actresses and hopefully, the third generation will get the same opportunities as these terrific ten stars.

The fifth series of Skins continues with ‘Rich’s’ episode on Thursday night at 10pm on E4.

Skins - New series, new cast, more pressure!

THE time of year has come again, it’s the end of January and next week sees the much anticipated new series of E4’s award-winning teen drama Skins.  The Bristol based show enters into its fifth series, and although everyone should expect some of the usual stereotypes about Skins, such as hedonistic teenage lifestyle choices, sex, drugs and drink – there is a lot of change elsewhere around Roundview College.

Yes, it is time to welcome the third generation of Skins, as once again, the producers and writers have decided to start with a clean slate.  Unlike the last cast cull, which did have two characters in the form of Effy Stonem (Kaya Scodelario) and Pandora Moon (Lisa Backwell) who provided continuity through Series 1+2 into 3+4, there are no exceptions this time around.  Effy, JJ, Naomi, Cook, Pandora, Thomas, Katie and Emily are no more and have moved onto pastures new.  It’s time for the new cast to fill their boots, and there is no doubt, that the pressure is on.

CHANGE: The new cast of hit teen drama Skins, can they deliver?

This year, there are eight new characters, all with very different backgrounds.  Some of the new actors were chosen from the open auditions held last spring, others with very minor TV credited roles, with only Dakota Blue Richards having a natural acting background.  Dakota starred in The Golden Compass alongside Nicole Kidman and the 16-year old has also been involved in two other high-profile movies.  Now, the London-born actress takes on the role of Franky Fitzgerald and it’s her character that takes the lead as the first episode next Thursday night.  We find out that Franky has moved to Bristol as a last-minute switch from Oxford.  She comes with a lot of emotional baggage, having been bullied at her previous school, and immediately struggles to fit in, especially with the other girls at the college; best friends Mini (Freya Mayor), Grace (Jessica Sula) and Liv (Laya Lewis).  Although Mini takes Franky under her wing reluctantly, she is determined to dig up some home truths that might leave Franky in an even more perilous situation than before.  

The producers have promised that the darker, consequential Series four has been replaced, admitting it didn’t work for the fans.  Skins will return to its hard-hitting approach, with comic appeal and hopefully, some more pleasant endings for the new generation.  To complete the cast, are music mad Rich (Alexander Arnold), rugby captain Nick (Sean Teale), Matty (Sebastian de Souza) and Aloysius (Will Merrick).  After the success of the ‘Naomily’ story in the last two series, there has been speculation of a gay character plot, but the producers and E4 are remaining very tight-lipped about the entire series to date.  Mystery is the best word to describe the goings on.

The lovable and brilliant Doug (Gilles Thomas) returns for a fifth series as head of Roundview and comedian Chris Addison will return in a cameo role as the controversial and cocky college director David Blood.  Model Kelly Brook will also have a guest appearance as a fitness instructor.  Skins has been well renowned for its guest appearances from the likes of Harry Enfield, Ronni Ancona, Pauline Quirke, Paul Kaye, John Bishop, Harry Hill, Morwenna Banks and Simon Day in the past four years, so expect more of the same this time around.

There is undoubtedly going to be more pressure on the third generation, as change has been greeted with a very mixed response from the hardcore Skins fans.  The show continues to remain afresh because of this change in cast every two years, meaning it will still have a place in the TV viewing schedules for a while to come.  With the likes of Dev Patel, Nicholas Hoult and Kaya Scodelario all going onto huge movie roles, Skins has been seen as a brilliant starting point for young actors and actresses to really inspire to.  The jury will be out, but it is only fair to give the new breed some time to settle into the new roles.  Judging them on one episode would be very harsh and unnecessary.

So it’s out with the old, in the new, what impact Generation three will have on us?  Find out when Series 5 of Skins begins next Thursday at 10pm on E4.

National Television Awards - The Shortlist

Tuesday saw the official publication of the shortlist for the National Television Awards.  This year, the public has twelve awards to vote for, with a couple of new awards.  The ‘Best Travel Documentary’ award introduced last year has been axed and has been replaced by the Best Topical Magazine Programme and Best Digital Choice, showcasing the best programme on digital television, which is owned by any of the five terrestrial networks (E4, ITV2, BBC3, Five USA etc)

To get voting now, visit the official NTA website at http://www.nationaltvawards.com/home.  This is the only ceremony which has no critics choice, no judges choice, the only ceremony where you the public decides who wins.  Will Ant & Dec continue their domination of Best Entertainment Presenter?  Can EastEnders hold off the stiff competition from Coronation Street and Emmerdale for Best Serial Drama?  Is Doctor Who going to charge away with the main drama awards?  Can US hit-shows 24 and Lost shake off the stiff competition from E4’s hit treble challenge from Glee, Skins and The Inbetweeners for the new Best Digital Choice award? 

The first round of voting closes on October 11^th, so get voting for your favourite.  The show is live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD from the 02 Arena on Wednesday 26^th January 2011 and is presented by X-Factor host, Dermot O’Leary.

Best of luck to all the nominees!

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