Ep 4. Chris

Chris is the fourth episode of the first season of the British teen drama series, Skins. In this episode, the show shifts its focus to Chris Miles (Joe Dempsie), a carefree, party-loving teenager who is constantly looking for new ways to have fun and avoid the difficulties of reality.

The episode starts with Chris waking up on the morning of his 17th birthday, hungover and surrounded by empty bottles of champagne. As his friends greet him with birthday wishes, Chris tells them about his plan to borrow a car from his brother and drive to Scotland to find his estranged mother who left his family when he was young. His friends are skeptical, but Chris seems determined to follow through on his plan.

Throughout the day, Chris spends time with his friends, throwing a party and trying to hook up with a girl he likes. However, his plans are continually derailed by his erratic behavior and tendency to make irresponsible decisions. Despite his best efforts, Chris finds himself unable to escape the complexities of his life, including his strained relationship with his father and his struggles with substance abuse.

As the day progresses, Chris begins to unravel, becoming increasingly manic and unstable. He drinks too much, takes drugs, and has a series of reckless encounters, including an ill-fated attempt to steal a car. Despite his wild behavior, Chris maintains his sense of humor and charm, endearing himself to those around him even as he spirals out of control.

As the night wears on and Chris's behavior becomes increasingly erratic, his friends grow worried for his safety. They attempt to intervene, but Chris refuses to listen, insisting on carrying out his plan to drive to Scotland. Eventually, his friends reluctantly agree to go along with him, believing that it's the only way to keep him safe.

The episode ends with Chris and his friends driving off into the night, the fate of their journey unknown. Despite the chaotic nature of the day, Chris's wild spirit and irreverent humor shine through, leaving an indelible impression on those he encounters.

Overall, the episode is a powerful exploration of the complicated and often tumultuous nature of adolescence, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that can often feel overwhelming. Through Chris's story, Skins offers a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.