Sixty Second Review

There is very limited information about Season 3 of Skins as it is only in the early stages of planning. The producers are current holding auditions to find new cast members in the UK. As the previous cast have been axed and will be replaced every two years.

But as previously tipped: Jamie Brittain has informed us that the third season will definitely include Effy (Tony's sister).

He has also said:

"...that the new cast will be quite different from the original cast, but people may see some similarities..."

The season will also centre around a character in which he describes as "A nasty piece of work". A character from eastern Europe will take centre stage and in a interesting story arc a set of twins.

The producers of Skins are hoping to capture a new generation of Skins fans and keep the following they have built up so far. Its set to air in early 2009. We'll keep you informed.

Spoiler Warning : If you haven't watched Skins Season 2 Episode 9 don't continue reading.

In our first post we were close, but last night`s episode revealed the truth.

In this weeks episode we have confirmed the exact illness that Chris from Skins was suffering.

Chris in his own words revealed the sickness he was suffering was a "genetically acquired
subarachnoid hemorrhage". He also stated that he was taking pills to lower his blood pressure.

Wikipedia says:

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), or subarachnoid haemorrhage, is bleeding into the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain, the area between the arachnoid membrane and the pia mater. The bleeding may occur spontaneously, usually from a cerebral aneurysm, or may result from trauma. Regardless of the cause, it is regarded as a medical emergency. Symptoms include an intense headache with a rapid onset, vomiting, and an altered level of consciousness.

Chris displays all of this symptoms in the episode. Although, I couldn't find any strong evidence that it is a hereditary condition. Only that you have a increased risks of the disease compared to the general populace if you're parents had the condition.

So in episode 8 he had a bleeding on the brain which most likely clotted causing increased pressure on the brain. Then he had an operation to remove the clot by placing a wire into the vein on his inner leg.

Lucky this is Skins we're talking about and not a medial drama like E.R.

Related Information: Google | Wikipedia

Spoiler Warning : If you haven't watched Skins Season 2 Episode 8 don't continue reading.

The post you are reading was posted after episode 8. In episode 9 everything was confirmed. You can find updated details here @ an UPDATED POST: Chris's Illness Confirmed.

We're receiving a few emails from savy viewer's of E4's series Skins. All attempting to make sense of the turn of events in the last episode where Chris's illness was revealed. Everyone is asking "What condition did Chris have?" heres our take on it:

The only clues that we are given during the episode is that it is a hereditary illness, that his brother died from the same illness, he has to undergo an operation because there is a blood clot in his brain and they are keeping him in a drug induced coma to prevent brain damage. It was also revealed that he has been taking pills in an effort to deal with the sickness.

With these in mind there are a few conditions in which Chris could be suffering. The most likely is Hereditary Thrombphilia which matches the symptoms and drugs are offer used to thin the blood to prevent clotting.

We might be given more details next episode.

I was unlucky enough tonight to witness the episode which launched "The Moment of Truth" into the headlines. The beginning of the episode had been edited to even increase the tension, and probably the money making ability via hype. With the host of the show reading from the Teleprompter that he didn't want this episode to air.

Is this what Television has evolved into, people putting a price on their privacy and dignity? We all know that Television networks have their sights set on profits and people are always out to make a quick dollar. But isn't this going a little too far?

I couldn't help but cringe as the "contestant" was bombarded with personal questions until something had to give. With her whole family & husband of two years looking onwards. They dropped bombshell after bombshell. Releasing all of the skeletons she had in her huge closet.

She came with the aim of getting rich, the network rubbed its hands together and her husband learned the truth about her wife all in front of millions.

She left with no money, a marriage in pieces and a very red face. Truly car crash television.

Related News Post : Skins Cast Axed.

There has been mixed emotions since the announcement was made that show creator Bryan Elsley has plans to axe the current cast of Skins and replace them every two years. Now this throws everything that we have come to know and understand about Television into question.

Do we value the show's style or the characters more? Do you tune in and watch Skins for the stories or for the people in the stories? The answer is both. its the characters that make the stories. This is quite a daring punt on Elsley's part, will Skins continue to be a raging success? But Skins has always been different. The overall style and writing of the show is far from mainstream. We should have almost expected this from Elsley.

The good news is the show we love will continue and based on the talks of replacing the cast every two years. But having to bid farewell to the current cast members will no doubt be a sad affair. I hope that Elsley can give us a worthy farewell.

We shouldn't be that surprised with Tony taking in an open day in Episode Six. It was clear that University is the next step. The challenge for any show is having continued interesting story lines, replacing the characters gives the writers some new avenues to work with.

It is also a great opportunity for new young actors to earn some experience. Its a risky move, and it will be hard to replace the existing cast of Skins but I look forward to what the future holds.

If you strongly believe that the show will not be the same with a different cast there has been a petition started for you to display your opinion. At the time of posting, it had 258 signatures with a goal of 3,000.

I believe that its Elsley's creation and I'm just along for the ride. But if you're interested sign the petition here.

What has happened to great home grown Australian produced Children's Television? During one of my recent internet stumbles I was reminded of the original series Round the Twist which was one of my favourite shows growing up.

It had a four season run starting in 1989. I remember the actors changing a few times over the years, but the stories were original, extremely funny and children friendly.

The most memorable episodes would have to be: "Without my Pants" and "The Spaghetti Pigout".

Where have all the great Australian produced Children television shows gone? My generation grew up with such creative wonders. Looking at a TV Guide today and nothing even compares.

The Australian Government and Networks need to pour some more funding towards offering the children of today some decent entertainment.

Related Links: Youtube Clip of Without My Pants | Wikipedia | IMDB

Rant / Farewell Jericho

Jericho was built on a refresh concept, something that television had been lacking. Season one took us on a ride of putting the pieces together of what had happened. Finding ourselves in a small town with little news from the outside world was excellent.

The twists and turns were creative, the characters real and captivating. Season one was excellent television. Then CBS pulled the plug. Fans were outraged that things were left in such a state. CBS green lighted 7 new episodes.

Season two was not so well executed but the season finale redeemed itself. If the show could have held on to its original themes things could have been so different.

Farewell Jericho, it was good while it lasted.