Ep 6. JJ

In Skins season 4 episode 6 named JJ, we continue to follow the story of the eccentric and lovable character JJ Jones, played brilliantly by Ollie Barbieri. JJ is a young man with autism who struggles with social skills, interpreting social cues, and finding his place in the world. He and his best friend, Thomas (Merveille Lukeba), who is also his caretaker, are on a mission to make JJ's 18th birthday unforgettable.

The episode opens with JJ giving a presentation in his Psychology class about his experiences living with autism. He explains the challenges he faces and how he copes with them. His presentation is informative, poignant, and funny, giving us a glimpse into JJ's unique perspective on life. The scene sets the tone for the rest of the episode, which is a character study of JJ, delving into his personality, relationships, and inner world.

As JJ's birthday approaches, he becomes increasingly anxious about how to celebrate it. He wants it to be perfect and wants to impress Lara (Georgia Henshaw), a girl he has a crush on. Thomas suggests that they throw a house party, but JJ is hesitant, fearing that things will go wrong, as they often do in his life. But Thomas is determined to make it happen, and JJ eventually agrees.

The party preparations provide some hilarious and heartwarming moments, as JJ's friends try to help him with his chores and decorations. However, things take a turn for the worse when JJ's estranged father (Neil Morrissey) unexpectedly shows up. JJ has mixed feelings about seeing his dad, who left him when he was a child and has never played a significant role in his life. The reunion is awkward and emotional, and it brings up unresolved issues between the two.

Meanwhile, JJ's party is in full swing, and Lara has arrived. JJ is over the moon, but his happiness is short-lived when he realizes that Lara is more interested in his friend Cook (Jack O'Connell) than him. JJ feels rejected and embarrassed, and he retreats into himself. He spends most of the party hiding in his room, avoiding the guests and the drama.

In one of the most moving scenes of the episode, Thomas finds JJ in his room, upset and crying. Thomas comforts him and tells him that it's okay to be different and that he loves him just the way he is. Their friendship is one of the highlights of the show, and this scene cements it, showing us the depth of their bond.

As the night goes on, things get even crazier, with fights, drunkenness, and more drama. JJ is overwhelmed, and he wants the party to end. But his dad, who has been observing the chaos from the sidelines, steps in and does something unexpected, creating a moment of redemption and healing.

The episode ends on a hopeful note, with JJ and his dad talking and laughing together, and JJ feeling like he has finally found his place in the world. The character development and emotional payoff in this episode are exceptional, making it one of the best in the series. It's a testament to the show's ability to tackle sensitive topics such as autism with empathy, humor, and honesty.