Ep 4. Pandora

Pandora is the fourth episode of Skins' third season and revolves around the character of Pandora Moon, played by Lisa Backwell. Pandora, a naive and sheltered girl, is over-protected by her parents, who control her every move. Her parents are overbearing, and they do not allow her to interact with boys or attend parties.

The episode opens with Pandora's parents hiring a professional photographer to take her graduation picture. This is followed by a series of flashbacks that highlight her personal struggles. She is often ridiculed and bullied by her classmates because of her innocent nature. In fact, her classmates nickname her 'Pandora Moonchild' because of her peculiar personality.

During a lunch break, her friends Effy and Thomas encourage her to stand up for herself. Pandora is hesitant at first, but eventually, they convince her to take action. That evening, Pandora asks for permission to attend a party that her crush, Thomas, is invited to. Her parents refuse and instead give her a book as a birthday gift.

Later that night, Pandora sneaks out of her house to attend the party. There, she is mocked by party-goers for her awkwardness and lacks confidence in socializing. Eventually, she begins to open up and has a conversation with Thomas.

As the party comes to an end, Thomas tries to kiss her, but Pandora is uncomfortable and resists. This upsets Thomas, and he leaves. The party-goers, on the other hand, try to steal a photograph of Pandora taken by Thomas. In the ensuing chaos, Pandora's expensive earrings are stolen.

Pandora, with her self-esteem shattered, crashes a formal event that her parents are attending. She confronts them about their over-protective nature, and they eventually realize that they have been unfair to her. They gift her a new pair of earrings, and Pandora finally gains the confidence to stand up for herself.

The episode is an exploration of Pandora's character, who appears to be caged in a golden prison. Her parents, although well-meaning, have restricted her from living her life. They keep her in a bubble, determined to protect her from harm. However, it is clear that they do not understand the extent of her needs and desires.

Pandora is the embodiment of an awkward teenager who is trying to find her place in the world. She is self-conscious and has very little confidence in socializing, but she has a kind heart and is willing to befriend anyone. Her naivety is often taken advantage of, but her inner strength is slowly revealed in this episode.

Overall, the episode is an exploration of teenage angst and growing up. It is about the struggles of standing up against societal norms and family expectations. The message is universal, and it encourages viewers to embrace their individuality and find their voice. Pandora is a charming and relatable character that viewers will root for, making this episode one of the most memorable of the season.