Skins - Series 1-3 [DVD]

Amazing TV series, well worth the money. A lot of violence and sex scenes, though, and only really suitable for 16+. Good story lines and shows a lot of realistic situations for a lot of teenagers, with a lot of realistic solutions. Some bits are really funny and other bits make you just want to cry and hug the characters! I think Skins is unexplainable unless you've watched it. Good buy though. :)

Skins will do two things to you. It will tell you what you already know about British youth and what you didn't want to acknowledge. It will also make you laugh, and cry.

First shown on E4 in 2007 this teenage drama brought in a brand new array of teenage actors to tell stories of forbidden love, inappropriate partying and illnesses.

As currently these three series have all excelled with viewers bringing a startling revelation about teenage culture into our homes and it truly is blissful entertainment. This is no Hollyoaks, this is proper story telling that is more substantial and thought provoking.

We open series one with Nicholas Holt doing press ups and rescuing his sister through a clever thought out plan. Seeing his middle aged neighbour naked across the street sets the tone for a no holds barred "we don't care about offending the world and confronting realism" agenda. There are colourful montages of sex, hard shots of drug abuse, painful views of violence and all the while there is a light-hearted feeling to series one, containing the best humour out of all its series thus far.

The characters are springy and whilst a few conform to stereotypes they showcase some delightful play acting. Anwar (Dev Patel) is a perfect example with his cheery exterior and enthusiasm for anything that disregards his religion.

The same characters return for series two and after a dramatic finale to the climax of the first series it is understandable why we were all hooked. Many unresolved questions were answered as we saw Tony struggling, Maxxie dancing, Anwar sleeping around, Cassie bickering, Sid worrying, Sketch stalking, Michelle angry, Jal and Chris dating. There was certainly a lot going on and as you can see a more dramatic genre was tackled, diving into a soap style that was great, but sadly the humour and uniqueness had disappeared. Redemption was found come the shocking last two episodes through some tear jerking sequences and thus, the first collection of characters moved on paving the way for a new array of youthful stars to continue representing modern day Britain.

Initially the replacement of cast was an outrage but it was time to move on and through some careful planning the comedy returned to Skins.

The characters create the humour this series through J.J's magic, Panda's quirky personality and the marvellous collection of supporting stars.

From the very beginning we have the main agenda. Three guys like the same girl and the whole series revolves around that outline but thankfully it never tires as new challenges arise and more comedy is generated.

Series three shines the light back onto the youth culture through its youthful playwriting, including more parties, more sex and more love struck scenarios. A quick mention of J.J's episode which contains powerful emotion, charming comedy and some beautiful acting with a touching agenda that if I'm totally honest has been the most memorable television experience I can remember.

Skins also boasts some courageous performances. Joe Dempsie as Chris excels in his shrugging agenda and living life to the full. Ollie Barbieri is a hero in confronting autism for J.J whilst future star Hannah Murray showcases many personalities in her role as Cassie. Kaya Scodelario is a true sensation and yet the only main character to have appeared in all series.

The extras are gripping, taking us behind the scenes, showing music videos and other elements brining the skins universe to your entertainment.

It is hard to express how brilliant this show is. There is something about it that makes you crave more. Its funny, its sad, its provocative, its controversial, its musically sensational, its dramatic and its unique.

It is most certainly worth catching

9/10

Bought for my granddaughter so not seen by me. She's delighted with it. Two defective discs first time but replaced within 48 hrs!