Skins‘ third generation return in truly rebellious style with a drug-fuelled summer holiday to Morocco.

To the gritty pound of Azealia Banks’ ‘212’ on the soundtrack (Skins is still as on trend as ever, at least musically), we see the class of 2012 riding in from the horizon on motorbikes, screeching their lungs out. Beautiful bitch Mini, tomboy Liv, loveable loser Alo and cocky hunk Nick make their appearances, alongside Nick’s unbearably obnoxious friend Ryder, who has managed to get them a secluded, exotic villa just outside of Marrakesh… but just how exotic is it?

Metalhead Rich and charming Grace are loved up to the eyeballs. A newly indie-looking Rich is still sullen and sulky, refusing to buy new clothes for the holiday, borrowing his gay (probably) cousin’s summer wardrobe (disappointing, as it would’ve been a hoot to see him attempt to wear his normal attire in 40 degrees Celsius). Grace has a small role, but she lights up every scene she is in. When Rich says “you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen”, you are looking at the screen inclined to agree.

Our favourite ‘glorious mindfuck’ duo of Matty and Franky, having already had a holiday of their own in Tunisia, arrive at the Morocco villa with Franky hurling abuse at Matty, who is baffled at to why she is suddenly repulsed by him. It seems that through a relationship, the meek, self-doubting Frankie from Series 5 has become a touchy, angry, self-concerned young madam, and Matty is the hopeless lovesick one.

Matters only get more complicated for the pair when the team stumble upon another villa full of party nuts, including the stunningly good looking Luke (played by heartthrob newcomer Joe Cole) who takes an interest in Frankie immediately, and the bored, irritated Franky suddenly lights up. It’s difficult to like the selfish, impulsive side we see to Franky in this episode, which is surprising considering how much we warmed to her last year.

However, this Luke is bad news, and ends up inviting our lot to a beach party, where he convinces Franky to run away with him and leaves Matty with a big decision… one that results in a dangerous car chase and a terrible accident.

Abruptly, we are back in Roundview College, where it seems the accident has changed everything. One member of the group has been alienated from the others, one is nowhere to be seen, two are missing the people closest to them… and one is in hospital.

As far as setting up a dramatic final series for the group, Series 6 is looking like we could see a much darker side to each one of these already dark, confused teenagers.

Aired at 10pm on Monday 23rd January 2012 on E4.

> Buy the Series 5 DVD on Amazon.

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