Skins – Series 2
Reviewer: Tom Leins
Issue 104 June 2008
(1 votes, average: 4 out of 10)
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Skin-up Pin-Ups
The Lowdown: Six months on from the events depicted in the first series, Skins picks up with Tony still struggling with the after effects of his traumatic bus accident. Clearly suffering from serious mental problems, Tony is a mere shadow of his former self, causing much consternation for his hedonistic friends…
Review: Last year Skins burst onto our screens amid a welter of headlines about unruly Skins parties and youth gone wild. Beneath the hype and notoriety Skins was a mixed bag – an interesting window into youth culture that was by its callow posturing and lack of depth. Series 2 is now upon us, worryingly quickly it has to be said, but rather than a hastily put together botch-job of a follow-up, Skins – Series 2 ups the ante and injects some much needed depth into proceedings. The smug, unlikable Tony of Series 1 has been replaced by a troubled young man who seems ill prepared for the world he used to dominate with his charm and ingenuity.
It would be a stretch to say that his portrayal of a mentally defective teen is genuinely moving, but he is convincing enough to alter the balance of the show. With Tony no longer the force he used to be, the other characters are allowed to take centre stage, particularly gay dancer Maxxie, whose Series 1 presence was curiously muted. As well as running the gauntlet of the homophobic yobs on his estate, Maxxie also has Welsh stalker Sketch to deal with, and school play ‘Osama: The Musical’ to prepare for!
Stripped of the irritating hype, Skins is now a far edgier proposition than it once was – effectively everything that the first series should have been. The episodes seem slicker, the direction more ambitious and the wacky excesses kept in check. Amidst the teenage debauchery there are some genuinely uncomfortable moments, which elevate the series above throwaway trash. With the young cast on top form and a whole host of guest stars (Bill Bailey, Shane Richie and John Thompson join Harry Enfield, who reprises his first season role as Tony’s Dad) lining up to join in the fun, Skins is more watchable than ever. The ‘18’ certificate should technically preclude actual teenagers from enjoying Skins, but we all know that that won’t be the case.
As with the first series, 4DVD have included an appealing grab-bag of special features. Whilst nothing is particularly inspiring in itself, the volume of brisk extras will certainly appeal to loyal fans who lap up everything the show has to offer.
It was announced recently that when Series 3 begins in 2009, it will have a brand new cast. With all of the original characters departed for University, Tony’s little sister Effy will step into the breach and be joined by a new set of friends. Whether it can carry on this rich form is anyone’s guess. If not, the first two series of Skins are a fine reflection of the best of what British youth TV has to offer.
FILM: 7 EXTRAS: 6
DVD Info:
Certificate: 18
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Mitch Hewer
Directed By: Various, 2008
Distributor: 4DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0
Visuals: 16:9 Anamorphic Widescreen
Running Time: 470mins
Price: £24.99
Film supplied by: Taylor Herring
Special Features:
Episode Selection
Interviews With Cast & Crew
‘Skins Secret Party’ Featurette
‘Backstage Tour’ Featurette
‘Daniel’s Story’ Featurette
‘Skins In NYC’ Featurette
‘Maxxie’s Dance’ Featurette
Broadcast Trailer
5 Bonus Skins Stories:
‘Cassandra’
‘Christmas With Skins’
‘Audition Day’
‘Tony & Sid’
‘Maxxie’s Love Life’
