It’s always difficult for television show to introduce new cast members. I for one, rarely care as much about new characters than I do for the originals. You start to draw comparisons, “Oh this character is just Jane or John 2.0,” I’m guilty of this. I hardly appreciate the introduction of new characters, even though it’s often a necessary move. Writers can try, but subsequent casts will always be compared to the ones who started it all. Skins is one such show that has semi-mastered the art of introducing fresh faces every two seasons. Sure there are archetypes: The Bad Boy, The Bitch, The Outsider, etc., but each generation of Skins brings something new and different.
Generation One will forever be my favorite. I liked every character and their storylines, Sid and Cassie ruled my world and even assholes like Tony managed to win me over. Things went a little downhill with Generation Two. The only saving grace for me was the Freddie/Effy relationship. Come at me with your torches and pitchforks: I heartily disliked Naomi, but I really wanted the relationship between her and Cook to be explored. I’m all for Naomily, but I thought Cook & Naomi had serious chemistry. And the swan song for Generation Two left the worst cliffhanger I have ever experienced. Seriously, the season four finale rivals Inception. I just want to know, WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED WITH COOK & JOHN FOSTER?!
Generation Three pales considerably in comparison to the former two. Okay, Rich & Grace are adorable together, Nick does makes for some eye-candy and HBIC Mini has easily become one of my favorite characters. But that’s really it. And no, it’s not because this cast is significantly less attractive…well, it might be a minor detriment. Rich and Grace bore me when they’re not together. Liv reminds me too much of Jal (Gen.1) and Jal got a much better storyline and Alo…I’m quite indifferent towards him. I want to like Franky, I do. She’s what I would consider the central character of this Generation, following in the footsteps of Tony and Effy. I just haven’t found her to be a likeable character yet. Maybe it’s because she’s got a thing for Matty and that dude is a molestation charge waiting to happen. And he’s got the creepy ass eyes to boot. I’m also not a fan of the newest version of the Skins theme. It’s a bad blend of the original and techno that’s been barfed on by bagpipes. No me gusta.
Again, what sucks about British television is that we only get eight episodes before the yearlong hiatus. I’m left with an unsatisfactory television experience and that makes for unhappy tv fan. Granted, however horrible this season was, it’s probably miles better than whatever crap MTV threw together. I can only pray for a much-improved season six. Bring it on.