Skins 1 & 2 Box Set [DVD]

Skins is set in and around the lives of a group of friends who live in Bristol. In their late teens, and each at sixth form college, this compelling drama then follows the various problems and challenges that its characters face.

What stands Skins apart from many other shows that have tackled similar ground is the sheer down-to-earth of it. The first series dedicates its individual episodes mainly to a certain character each, although that doesn’t stop the assorted story arcs of the others from building too. And amidst them all is some terrific acting, quality writing, and gritty, grounded drama, albeit not without humour.

Given the age of the characters within Skins, it’s clearly a show skewed towards a reasonably young late-teen demographic, and that’s going to leave some who sample the programme a little cold. But there’s still little getting away from the fact that this first series is some achievement, and the many who do embrace the show aren’t going to be disappointment by this terrific DVD collection. --Jon Foster

Skins: the critically acclaimed drama about a group of pill popping, dope smoking, off the rails 17-year-olds, that’s a mixture of humorous, heartbreaking and sometimes shocking stories.

Tony, the most popular boy in town, a born leader, he likes a laugh and always at someone else’s expense – that was until he got hit by a bus and ended up in intensive care for six months.

Sid, forever lusting after his best mate Tony’s gorgeous girlfriend and even when he does fall for the total nutty but adorable and single Cassie, she moves to Scotland.

Michelle, quick witted and stunning she keeps everyone on their toes, except for Tony who runs rings around her, but would she really have it any other way?

Chris, the original party animal, always game for a laugh, he doesn’t need a family or a home as long as he has something to smoke, pop, screw and rob.

Super bright and sharp Jal, Michelle’s best friend, and talented classical clarinet player. But does that make her boring? Maybe it’s time she let her hair down.

Maxxie, the school sweetheart, can have any boy he wants and he wants most of them. He dreams of escaping Bristol to follow his passion of dancing.

Anwar’s family want him to study the Koran. Anwar likes tequila, dope, pills and breasts. End of.

Tony’s little sister Effy tends to keep her mouth shut, but gets up to more than anyone would care to know about, and she knows how to get what she wants too.

Dead posh, pretty and pumped full of prescription medication, Abigail, Michelle’s nemesis, lives in a world of imported carpets, private school and constant therapy.

Posh Kenneth offers us a rare mix of upper crust elocution and street bangin' language. What no-one knows is that the Big K is a big hit with the ladies too.

Sketch dreams only of Maxxie and in her world dreams do come true. Even if you have to force them a little.