Rich’s centric episode sees Grace waking up after the dramatic car crash in Morocco, but before Rich can snatch her up for himself, she is moved to a clinic in Switzerland by the ever tight-assed and deliciously hateable Mr Blood, played to pursed-lip perfection by Chris Addison.

Since Series 5, Rich has lost a certain part of his original charm. From insecure, defensive metalhead to lovestruck hero, the change seems a little unappealing at first, but it appears that Alex Arnold has the ability to make aspect of the role he plays believable.

It’s also unfair to say we’ve lost the nihilistic side of Rich, shown admirably in the humorous kitchen table scene with his parents. It’s simply that we’ve now suddenly seen his determined side, and pretty soon into the episode, we see that this Rich is just as likeable as ever.

It’s an obvious initial reaction to pine for the metal soundtrack and image of Series 5’s Rich, but it’s clear that with falling in love with Grace, he has matured, and so has the tone of his episode this year, which is laced with tenderness and packs a poignant emotional punch.

Although the characters don’t say a lot to each other, at this early stage of the series, Rich and Grace have the potential to be one of the greatest ever Skins couples. The friendship between Alo and Rich has to be up there also, with some hilarious mid-episode scenes, but also some incredibly believable bust ups over Alo’s new fuck-buddy relationship with Mini.

Despite not being the most believable and tight group of friends we’ve seen in the show, seeing them reunite mid-episode is, as always is the case with Skins, somewhat heart-warming. Skins has a way of making you root for characters that may be underwritten and far-fetched, simply because of the vulnerability and sheer energetic performances of the young cast.

The Mini and Alo plotline might be somewhat contrived, but in an episode where Rich and Alo somehow manage to throw an almighty drug-fuelled party in the Blood house (with remarkably clear sound), it’s clear that this is Skins doing what it does best… suspending disbelief. It’s a fantasy, with flecks of reality, rather than the other way round.

Rich’s episode, following every cliché in the Skins manual, is notable for having one of the most shocking ending twists of any episode of Skins to date, and shows every sign that this series will reach a blisteringly ridiculous climax.

So far, so good. Next week, Liv falls for a weirdo, again. Let’s see how that works out for her.

Aired at 10pm on Monday 30th January 2012 on E4.

> Buy the Series 5 DVD on Amazon.

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