Skins: Series 3

After a depressing end to Series 2 of Skins, and a goodbye to all but one of its characters, Series 3 takes a brave step forward with a completely new cast of characters. This is a series hell-bent on delivering pre-university youth culture and the producers took an incredibly brave decision to keep the brand but get rid of the 'oldies', making room for an all new cast (other than a peripheral character from the previous season taking centre stage).

For the first few episodes, hard-core fans were pretty unforgiving (the first crew were a hard act to follow) but by the end, according to the message boards on the E4 website, viewers were eventually won over.

My own teenage daughters (who are HUGE fans of the series) still hang on to the glory of the first two seasons but reluctantly admit that Series 3 was pretty good too. Just not quite as good as the first two seasons which is a trend the producers will want to address with Series 4. But when you set high expectations it's sometimes difficult to deliver on them.

Overall though, Series 3 still has all the essential ingredients that made the first two series so popular amongst an audience officially too young to watch or buy the DVD.

So Series 3 is also full of sixth form philosophising, drug taking, plenty of sex and bedroom drama, teen angst and soul searching, violence, rebellion and misunderstanding. And though it has its bleak moments, there are quite a few laughs to be had too.




More than 'Waterloo Road', or any of the countless US Teen soaps (The O.C. etc), 'Skins' has both reflected and shaped teen culture in Britain today. With its intelligent mix of dance, trance, punk and post-punk soundtrack, this feels like a carefully considered show. It was fantastic to hear Joy Divison's 'She's Lost Control' in the 'Effy' episode for example.

The Class of 2009 is headed up by the beautifully weird and mysterious Effy (Kaya Scodelario), and her best friend, Pandora (Lisa Backwell) who is a little crazed in a cute way.



Twins Katie (Megan Prescott)and Emily (Kathryn Prescott) are drifting apart, with one desperate for independence whilst the other is cripplingly shy.

Naomi, (Lily Loveless) a beautiful idealist who is politically right-on and completely passionate about her beliefs.

Cook (Jack O'Connell - This is England, Eden Lake) heads up the boys, cool and daring and a natural leader, he's always there for his mates.

Then there's Freddie (Luke Pasqualino)who's the kind of kid who likes to hang loose, skateboarding and smoking a little weed with his mates.

Jonah Jeremiah Jones (aka JJ) (Ollie Barbieri),is a master illusionist and is the guy most likely to conjure up some hair-brained scheme that's going to land Freddie and himself in trouble.

And last but not least is Thomas (Merveille Lukeba) who is from the Congo and is struggling to settle in.



There are also some great cameo guest spots from Harry Enfield and Morwenna Banks as Effy's parents as well as other periodic 'celebrity' appearances including Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, Mackenzie Crook, Sally Phillipsand Geoffrey Hughes.

What's pretty remarkable is that Skins is full of young actors doing television (and sometime acting) for the very first time. The Series 3 casting call asked for young people from 16 to 18 (but NO older) who had finished GCSE's and who lived in the Gloucestershire / Bath / South Wales area only. I notice (from an insider source) that the casting for Series 4 and a related spin off is inviting talent from all over, with casting sessions in London. I wonder if they feel they have exhausted the local talent or - more likely - the series is about to get relocated. We'll see soon enough whether this is mere rumour mongering or not. I guess the world will keep turning either way.

'Skins' is also perhaps one of the first TV series to really make the most of non-traditional broadcast, with a massive web-presence, offering up additional 'linking episodes' online as well as inspiring millions of words from fans across forums and blogs. Even initial casting is carried out by encouraging fans to upload their own videos for consideration by the young producers who seem to want to cast the net wide, involving the very fans the programme is aimed at.



So back to the Series 3 DVD. In common with the previous two sets, it not only has every broadcast episode from the season, but has a healthy dose of extras too. There are behind the scenes featurettes for every episode as well as some fun casting tapes. There are also several video diaries where you get to see all the hard work and fun that goes on to get the results - including a blue screen 'jump' that manifests in the final programme as the girl's leaping from the roof of a burning pub.

The picture quality here is excellent, despite the quantity of material squeezed onto these dual layer discs. Audio is fantastic with a scorching musical bed for every episode where tracks vary from the latest and greatest, to an eclectic mix of classic rock, punk, post-punk, grunge, reggae, dance and classical. In fact, music is so important to the show that I've listed the track-list for every episode, along with a cut 'n paste synopsis. So look away if you don't like spoilers.

Skins Series 3 Episode Synopsis and Music Track-list

1.Everyone

It's the first day of term at Roundview College and a new gang is forming: the class of 2009. Best friends Freddie (Luke Pasqualino), JJ (Ollie Barbieri), and Cook (Jack O'Connell) are en-route to college. Their world collides with Effy's (Kaya Scodelario), and Cook is intrigued - this trouble maker has met his match. However, both Freddie and JJ are equally smitten.

Identical twin sisters, Katie (Megan Prescott) and Emily (Kathryn Prescott), prepare for their first day; as per usual, Katie walks all over her sister Emily. Once at college, Effy and Katie clock one another immediately, whilst Effy's best mate Pandora (Lisa Backwell) tells Effy she wants to lose her virginity "asap".

At college, Cook tries to charm the girl sitting next to him but instead winds her up. Naomi (Lily Loveless) doesn't suffer fools gladly and grasses Cook up. Effy issues smitten Freddie, JJ and Cook with a challenge to be completed by the end of the day. The winner will get to 'know her' better. And so the first day at college begins...

Music Track-list

F***ed Up - Son the Father
Fat Segal - Freddie Theme
Fat Segal - Cook Theme
Asobi Seksu - Lions and Tigers
Timothy Victor - Lady Belles
Beyonce - Ring the Alarm
Britney Spears - Womanizer
Wu-Tang Clan - Shame on a n*****
Method Man - Release Yo'Delf
Eugene McGuinness - Monsters Under My Bed
Timothy Victor - Roundview College
Wilco - I'm The Man Who Loves You
Fat Segal - Freddie Theme
Santogold - Shove it
Fat Segal - Cook Theme
Liquid Liquid - Optimo
Soeur Sourire - Mets Tons/ Dominique
Fat Segal - Freddie theme/ Cook theme and Drums
Klaxons - Magick
Asobi Seksu - Nefi and Girly



2. Cook

It's Cook's (Jack O'Connell) 17th birthday, and half the college have been invited to his uncle's pub to witness a night Cook believes will go down in history. The girls get are about to leave when Freddie (Luke Pasqualino) gets a phone call from his sister Karen (Klariza Clayton). She's at her best friend Kayleigh's (Amy Burnett) engagement party and they want to get the party started. The gang head off uninvited.

Cook attracts the attention of Kayleigh's dad, notorious local gangster Johnny White (Mackenzie Crook). The party is a timid affair, so - ignoring Freddie's warnings about Johnny White - Cook decides to do as the Cookie monster does and up the tempo, and the evening takes a turn for the worst.

Music Track-list

Motorhead - Ace of Spades
U2 - I Will Follow
Pink Floyd - Great Gig in the Sky
Queen - Don't Stop Me Know
101ec6 - Counter Stroke
Pink Floyd - One of These Days
Skallywags - It's Dead
Robbie Williams - Millennium
Eve - Tambourine
Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
Fleetwood Mac -Songbird
Billy Idol - White Wedding
Marillion - Kayleigh
Fat Segal - Lake Control
Son Lux - Break



3. Thomas

Thomas (Merveille Lukeba) arrives alone in the UK from the Congo. His family are due to join him in a few days, and he has to find somewhere for them to live. He finds an abandoned flat on an estate, but little does he know that local gangster Johnny White (Mackenzie Crook) is his new landlord, and there's no way Johnny's going to let him live there for free.

Thomas has to fend for himself, but a chance encounter at a bus stop, and a mutual love of donuts brings him together with Pandora (Lisa Backwell) and Effy (Kaya Scoledario).

It's fate for Pandora and Thomas, who hit it off immediately - she takes him to see her Aunt Elizabeth (Maureen Lipman), who just might have the answer to Thomas's insolvency, with a rather unconventional money-making scheme.

Music Track-list

Mapaputsi - Kleva
DJ Zhao - Kwaito
Buraka Som Sistema - Luanda Lisboa
Kanda Bongo Man - Lela Lela
Skinned Teen - Pillow Case Kisser
Barry White - Gonna Love You
Toumani Diabate - Bi Lamban
Mamadou Cissokho - Kora composition
Kanda Bongo Man - Sango
Kanda Bongo Man - Isambe
Fat Segal - Desperate Housewives
Fat Segal - Class Drumming
Gregory Isaacs - Rumours
Tom Tom Club - Genius of Love
Buraka Som Sistema - Sem Makas
Various Production - Diver
Aphex Twin - Untitled 10
Bhundu Boys - Ring of Fire
Mapaputsi - Kleva
Eye Adaba - Dramatico
Buraka Som Sistema - Yah


4. Pandora

With the first and only boy Pandora's ever fancied having been deported, Pandora is desperate for some fun and decides to throw a party. Unknown to Pandora, Katie has used some special ingredients in the chocolate brownies, which take the party to another level. Effy knows, but hasn't warned Pandora or her mum Angela (Sally Phillips), who is munching happily on the choccie treats. Effy can only look on while her best friend's mum's behaviour gets increasingly bizarre. Pandora grabs the fun where she can, and towards the end of the evening lets her heart rule her head… but will she regret it in the morning, and will her best mate forgive her? Also guest starring (David Baddiel) as Steve, and (Harry Enfield) as Jim Stonem.

Music Track List

Ida Maria - See You Through
Fat Segal - Teddy Bear's Picnic
Fat Segal - On Blue
Lil Wayne- A Milli
Dr Dre - Next Episode
Fat Segal - On Blue
Henry Mancini - Moon River
London's Burning
The Singing Kettle - One Finger One Thumb
Nancy Sinatra - Sugar Town
Kelis - Milkshake
Britney Spears - If You Seek Amy
Steely Dan - Do It Again
Bon Jovi - Living on a prayer
Sugababes - Red Dress
The Saturdays - If This is Love',
Lily Allen - The Fear
Girls Aloud - Jump
Ice Cube - Giving Up The Nappy (dug out)
Beastie Boys - Ch-ch check it out
DJ Kool - Let Me Clear My Throat.



5. Freddie

Freddie's the black sheep of his family, and seen as a waste of space. His big sister Karen (Klariza Clayton) has ambitions - she's reached the final of a TV talent show to find a new member of girl group Da Sexxbombz. Freddie despises her lust for celebrity but is emotionally blackmailed into sticking to the story she and their Dad, Leo (Simon Day), are spinning about their dead mother, all to look good in front of the cameras, and thereby increase her chances of success. He cringes at the whole thing. If this wasn't bad enough, living in the shadow of the increasingly reckless Cook is becoming too much to bear. When Effy turns up at his shed, Freddie doesn't know what to do with himself. There's a connection between them, there always has been, but this is shattered when Cook and JJ arrive. He feels torn between his family,his friends, and his heart, and the isolation is overwhelming. Will Freddie start to put himself first, or will he retreat to his shed, and beloved skateboard, as he always has before? Featuring a special guest performance from DJ Scott Mills.

Music Track-list

The Early Years - A Little More
Fat Segal - Sexxbombz Theme Tune
Timothy Victor - Juicing Down
Fat Segal - Tension Music
The Clash - Bankrobber - Sony BMG
Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Chile - Universal
Phosphorescent - At Death A Proclamation - Secretly Canadian
Boards of Canada - In a Beautiful Place Out in the Country
Sparklehorse - It's A Wonderful Life
Carla Bruni - Le Ciel Dans Une Chambre - Naïve
Notwist - This Room - City Slang
Electrelane - Gone Under The Sea
Devendra Banhart - Now That I Know
Fat Segal As Yet Untitled Freddie Being Sick Ambient Composition
Stephen Fretwell - Darlin' Don't
Phosphorescent - I Am A Fully Grown Man (And I Will Lay Down in the Grass)
Fat Segal - Rim Licking - 1st song
Timothy Victor - Ass2Ass
David Holmes - Love Reign Over Me

6. Naomi

Naomi (Lily Loveless) thinks she has the world worked out, and puts people into pigeonholes: her hippy mum (Olivia Colman); adoring Emily (Kathryn Prescott); Cook's (Jack O'Connell) insulting misogyny; and her politics teacher Kieron's (Ardal O'Hanlon) flattery. She thinks she has them all sussed, and that only she can see the truth. But the impending student elections leave her at a loss, and her insecurities get the better of her. The trust and confidence inspired by a friend encourage her to stand up to her arch rival, the antithesis of everything she stands for, as she and Cook go head to head, but Naomi learns that nothing is black and white any more.

Music Track-list

Vashti Bunyan - Diamond Day
Audio Networks - Hard Rock
The Human League - Love Action
Art Brut - Good Weekend
Experimental Dental School - Oakland Lake Legz
Asobi Seksu - I'm Happy But You Don't Like Me - One Little Indian
Diskettes - Art
Tujiko Noriko - White Film - Mego
High Places - Jump In - Thrill Jockey
Susanna and the Magical Orchestra - Believer
Electrelane - After The Call
John Lennon - Instant Karma
Dodos - Walking
Liars - Mr You're on Fire Mr - Mute
Robert Wyatt - Just As You Are
Grouper - Heavy Water/I'd Rather Be Sleeping
Gloria Jones - Tainted Love



7. JJ

JJ's (Ollie Barbieri ) feeling lost and confused. The upset within the gang has taken its toll on him, and his fine balancing act has come unstuck. When he visits his psychiatric clinic, he just gets given more drugs.

At home, his mother (Juliet Cowan) is worn out with it all, and away from the home, JJ can see his friends coming apart at the seams. With Effy (Kaya Scodelario) at such a low ebb, and the chance discovery of Cook (Jack O'Connell), Freddie (Luke Pasqualino) and Pandora's (Lisa Backwell) secrets, he feels the burden to be overwhelming. But an unlikely member of the gang - Emily (Kathryn Prescott ) - proves to be the true friend at his time of need

Music Track-list

Claude Debussy - Claire De Lune - recorded by David McGuiness
Claude Debussy - La Plus Que Letnte - recorded by David McGuiness
Claude Debussy - The Little Shepherd - recorded by David McGuiness
Claude Debussy - Golliwog's Cakewalk (!) - recorded by David McGuiness
Claude Debussy - The Snow is Dancing - recorded by David McGuiness
Velvet Underground - Sweet Jane
Claude Debussy - Reverie - recorded by David McGuiness
Claude Debussy - Estamps Pagodes - recorded by David McGuiness
Claude Debussy - Nocturne - recorded by David McGuiness
Little Richard - Lucille
Claude Debussy - Nocturne - recorded by David McGuiness
Amy Sawers - Free Like The Sun
Da Hood - Go Go Gurrll
Fat Segal - Cracked Black Pepper
Claude Debussy - Golliwog's Cakewalk (!) - recorded by David McGuiness
Roisin Murphy - Overpowered
You Love Her Coz She Is Dead - Superheroes - Kitsune Maison
Vitalic - Le Rock 01
DJ Krush - Duck Chase
Claude Debussy - Arabesque 1 - recorded by David McGuiness
Claude Debussy - Claire De Lune - recorded by David McGuiness
Bon Iver - Flume



8. Effy

Effy (Kaya Scodelario) is at the lowest point, but this time there's no older brother at home to notice; and home life has deteriorated so much that it's even harder than ever for her to communicate.

Katie (Megan Prescott), having usurped Effy as Queen Bee, takes every opportunity to rub in her superiority and highlight the fact that Freddie (Luke Pasqualino) is her man, and Effy is to keep her hands off. She invites Effy to a party in the woods, but there are stipulations - Effy has to drive, and Cook is not welcome.

As they all head off, the car strains with tension - as secrets and rivalries build. Their paranoid state increases when they have a frightening run in with some poachers. Freddie manages to lighten the mood, and as they arrive at the campsite, they recover themselves and start to have fun.

Effy finds some magic mushrooms, and they experiment. Katie's jealousy of Effy returns, as Effy becomes the centre of the action. The fun and excitement intensify, that is until it becomes clear someone has been tampering with their stuff. Hearing gun shots, they realise someone is charging towards them. The atmosphere darkens and any fun they were having disappears in an instant. Later, Effy gets the opportunity to follow her heart, but a decision she makes may be difficult to ever recover from.

Music Track-list

Ashley Chambliss - A Little More Of You
Esser - Satisfied
Snoop Dogg - Drop It Like It's Hot
Portishead - Machine Gun
Susan Cadogan - Nice and Easy
Lacrosse - You Can't Say No Forever
Fat Segal Tiv Knife
Esser - Love Runs Out
Fat Segal Carl Gustav
Travelling Band - Only Waiting
The Fall - Spoilt Victorian Child
Gang Gang Dance - Princes
High Places - Banana Slugs
A Guy Called Gerald - Voodoo Rage
Fat Segal Different Gravy
Joy Division - She's Lost Control
Fat Segal - Darren
Fat Segal - Byrd
Bon Iver - Woods
Alela Diane - The Rifle
Florence and the Machine - Dog Days Are Over
Maps - When You Leave



9. Katie And Emily

Katie (Megan Prescott) won't leave the house. Fortunately, Emily (Kathryn Prescott) is able to disguise herself as her sister, and sits an exam for her, facilitating the self-imposed house-arrest.

Emily and Naomi (Lily Loveless) get closer, but when Emily asks Naomi to accompany her to the college ball, she says no - breaking Emily's fragile heart. Against her better judgement, and under duress, Emily agrees to partner Katie to the ball, and they plan their outfits together. Out shopping, though, Katie sees a way of regaining her hard-sought status at college.

When Freddie inadvertently drops the bombshell about Emily and JJ, Katie hatches a plan - making her sister the ultimate victim. Katie's scheming results in the mother of all show-downs. But she's the one who has to face her fears and accept some hard truths - she's not in control any more.

Music Track-list

Lady Gaga - Beautiful, Dirty Rich
Fat Segal - Diver Revive
Lady Gaga - Brown Eyes
Passion Pit - Sleepy Head
Andre Herman Dune - Smalltown Boy
Steve Reich - Music for 18 Musicians
Born Ruffians - Little Garcons
Millionaires - Alcohol
Passion Pit - Better Things
Au Pairs - It's Obvious
Wilco - Radio Cure
Born Ruffians - Red, Yellow and Blue
Little Boots - Meddle
Louis La Roche - Warning Mass Murder
Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight
Elbow - Mirrorball
Ting Tings - That's Not My Name
Glen Campbell - All I Want Is You
Glasvegas - It's My Own Heart That Makes ME Cry

10. Series 3 Finale

Cook (Jack O'Connell) and Effy (Kaya Scodelario) are in self-imposed exile from the gang, having gone to stay with Cook's father. Effy is running away from everything she's ever known and Cook enables her escape. Problem is, Cook is slowly falling out of lust, and in love.

Back in Bristol, JJ (Ollie Barbieri) tries to snap Freddie (Luke Pasqualino) out of his depressed stupour, down about the loss of both his best mate, and the girl he loves.

Freddie and JJ force Effy to confront who she is and what she really wants. She has to make amends for the damage she's caused. She also has to decide whether to follow her heart. Can the four friends find a way forward together?

Music Track-list

Original Gabber - Pump That Puzzzzy
M Ward - Transfiguration Number One
Department of Eagles - In Ear Park
Dr Hook - Sexy Eyes
Mogwai - Waltz for Aidan
Iron and Wine - Freedom Hangs Like Heaven
Norma Fraser - First Cut Is The Deepest
Laura Marling - Crawled out of the Sea
Brian Jonestown Massacre - The Ballad of Jim Jones
Fleet Foxes - Quiet Houses and Ragged Wood
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - 2 Kindsa Love
Fat Segal - Freddie Theme Redux
Phosphorescent - Joe Tex These Taming Blues
Fat Segal - Imagine This f Forever and Ever
Deerhunter - Twilight at Carbon Lake
The Felice Brothers - Frankie's Gun