SKINS RECAP: FREE STANLEY !
In honor of Valentines Day and my undying love for MTV's Skins, I'm doing a very special recap. This week, we finally learned who the real Stanley is. Aside from being an unambitious underachiver who is in love with his best friend's girlfriend, Stanley is a vulnerable character. Stanley is the type of guy that allows people to walk all over him -- especially his friends. He dosen't strive to accomplish things and as far as his parent's are concered, he's a lazy good for nothing teenager. However, in this episode we get to see another side to Stanley. Stanley untimately steps up to the plate and makes a change for the better. He finally stands up to Tony and takes some steps in the right direction. Stanley's future looks bright. I cannot wait to see what's next for him...
This Monday was different from my typical Monday. Why you ask? Well, I was was fourtante enough to get an oppurtunity to watch Stanley's episode with the creator of SKINS -- Bryan Elsley. I also got to spend some quality time with Sofia Black D'elia (Tea), Blaine Morris (Betty) and Britne Oldford (Cadie) . I was able to meet some of the editing/writing team and of course I was graced by Matt FX's pressence for the second time. Unfourtnely Daniel Flaherty wasn't in attendance but he tweeted his regards and he was there in spirit. After getting over the initial shock of being in an intimate room with people that I admire, I realized that there just like me and although they are in the spotlight --- they are as down to earth as it gets. Sofia is the sweetest EVER. Her commentary during the episode and commercial breaks had me laughing so much. Blaine, Britne and Sofia commented on everything from 'Jersey Shore' to 'I Used to Be Fat'. There wasn't a dull moment. I admitted to Sofia that me and my friend Tabitha (another SKINS super fan) felt awkward. She told me not to worry and that their 'all a little awkward'. This made me feel so much better and I felt less nervous. I did feel slightly embarssed though because I have a huge picture of Sofia as my phone's background . Everytime I went to tweet, my screen would light up. I hope she was flattered rather than creeped out.
Blaine and Britne are sweet aswell and they were nothing but kind to me. It was an interesting experiance. How many people can say that they watched Mtv's Skins with cast members from the show? I feel blessed to be given a chance like this. It's a night I won't soon forget. I even was able to join in on the live chat and answer some questions. It's really surreal. I keep thinking that I'm going to wake up and this will all be in my imagination.
Stanley's episode was amazing. I was beyond impressed. This episode was SKINS at it's best. From the music selection (Props to Matt FX) to the cinematography; I was blown away. Daniel Flaherty has been impressing me more and more as the season progresses. His acting comes across as very natural and I feel like it's effortless. He is truly talented. The episode was hilarious. All the characters were at their best. Even James Newman who I've been disapointed with, redeemed himself in this episode. James was actually hilarious. Sofia thought this was James' best episode yet acting wise and Britne agreeded. James and Danny on screen together is like fireworks. They compliment each other nicely. The scene when Stanley's dad's car goes up in flames was a brillant scene. James Newman earned my respect tonight. I only hope that he can keep up the impressive work.
I really love Stanley... I think that he has potential to evolve into an incredible character. There's something about Danny that pulls you in. I'm not sure if it's his golden locks or his heart warming smile, but he has it. He had my emotions up and down throughout the episode. At one point I wanted to kick Stanley for being so reckless and letting Tony walk all over him. But then I found myself wanting to hug him and never let him go. There's no denying it, Danny is adorable.
It's really difficult for me to say what I loved most about this episode, because I loved everything about it (Even though Sofia thinks I was just saying that because they were in my presence...) But in all honesty I think Stanley's episode is my favorite so far. I didn't think that any episode could top Tea's but then Cadie's episode blew my mind. Stanley's episode topped them both in my opinion. This season is just getting better and better. I believe that this episode made non believers into believers. I saw a lot of people taking back their past harsh words and praising Bryan Elsley. Bryan is finally recieving the recongition he deserves for Mtv's Skins. What people don't understand is Bryan wants to expand SKINS. Why should SKINS be confinded to the UK? He mentioned in the live chat that he would love to do a French SKINS or even a Japaneese SKINS. I think it's amazing that he wants to give the world their own SKINS journey.
I'm really happy that I finally got the chance to tell Blaine Morris and Sofia Black D'elia how much I loved Tea's episode. I was also able to tell Britne Oldford (who remembered me from the SKINS NYC Party) how much I adored her episode. I hope that some time in the near future, I am able to tell Danny how great he was in his!
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
I loved Stanley's father. He was the comic relief for the episode, not that the episode needed it. It would of been hilarious either way. 
Danny Danny Danny! His acting was incredible. 
Is it bad that I actually enjoy Tabitha's character on the show? A lot... 
Rachel was brillant. Michelle is so fierce. After all 'bitchslapping comes natural' to her. 
Everything about this scene. Especially the random guy sugesting Stanley sell his hair if taken to Juvie. Sofia laughed extra hard during this scene. Partly because of the way Danny's hair is styled..
I felt so bad for Stanley in this scene. He'll always be Michelle's rebound...
I enjoyed this scene very much. I'm happy that Stanley is finally realizing that he cares for Cadie and wants to see where it takes him. I think them being friend first is a good idea. Walk then run. Britne was most excited for this scene. Aw.
A perfect end to a beautiful episode.
What were your thoughts on the episode? Did you tune in for the livechat? If so, did any of your questions get answered? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it!
Don't forget to read my review, same time, same place EVERY MONDAY for the rest of the season!
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