Skins – “Mini & Franky” (S6 Ep9)

I’m feeling confused and worried about where Franky’s storyline is going in a way that is terrifyingly similar to how I felt in series 4 when Effy went mental. I sincerely hope this series won’t be similarly ruined by a ridiculous conclusion.

Having said that, Dakota Richards acting is still incredible. Alex Arnold also had a winning episode! All of his scenes made me weepy. I wish he’d been featured more this season.

At least they’re back to the standard set mid-season. Kyle Lynd, the Skins music director has really delivered the past few weeks, this episode included the gem below.

 

Skins – Liv (S6 Ep8)

Someone please give Liv’s little sister her own show. She’s hilarious. Some credit should probably go to whoever wrote this episode, as Franky’s one-liners had me in stitches also.

Score: Franky - 1, Liv - 0

Overall, I liked what this episode tried to achieve. I think a lot of people can relate to struggling with grief, making this episode impactful. Unfortunately, like the scene below, some of it was just too awkward.

It just made me want to cringe...and not in a good way...

Though, I don’t think Freya Mavor and Laya Lewis can be faulted for bad acting. This episode just tried too hard to resolve many of the issues that have been building up all season.

Skins – Alo (S6 Ep7)

Why would you start with that Neverland party? It is possibly the coolest scene they’ve ever conceptualized on Skins. I like how they carry the theme through, but honestly, the rest of the episode flickers lamely as the embers of that roaring fire of a scene.

Someone clap that art department on the back. I would’ve killed someone to be an extra in that scene. Look at these costumes.

Laya Lewis, dressed as I imagine Tiger Lily.

Alex Arnold, as...could be Captain Hook? Maybe a lost boy?

The music was heaps better than last week. Example below.

Overall, I found “Alo” disappointing in comparison to the last three episodes. Mini’s anti-climactic silence being the last nail in the coffin.

Skins – Nick (S6 Ep6)

It’s official; this generation of Skins earns “Most Improved” from their first season. Every week I grow more impressed by these kid’s acting chops.

I won’t lie, I didn’t expect a lot from Sean Teale. And, boy, did he prove me wrong! I was so impressed by how he played Nick, who is clearlylosing it as the world crashes down around him, without turning him into the weepy “woe-is-me” cliché that befell Jack O’Connell in Season 4. And he made a Franky/Nick pairing believable?!

Unfortunately, every awesome scene was ruined by the accompaniment of terrible instrumental music. For example…

This scene. The music is so kitschy you forget to listen to the dialogue.