Ep 3. Pure: Part 1

Skins (UK) is a gritty, provocative teen drama that explores the lives of a group of teenagers living in Bristol, England, as they deal with complex issues such as dysfunctional families, mental illness, substance abuse, sexuality, and the burdens of young love. The show is renowned for its raw portrayal of adolescence and for not shying away from controversial topics. The seventh season, unlike the previous six, follows several characters from previous seasons into their young adulthood, focusing on the more sobering aspects of their lives as they leave the hedonistic rush of teenage years behind.

Episode 3 of Season 7, titled "Pure: Part 1," marks the start of a two-part story that revisits Cassie Ainsworth, one of the original characters from the show's first generation. Having left the adolescent cocoon where the only concerns revolved around parties and school drama, Cassie is now navigating a vastly different London from what she once knew. This season breaks from the ensemble format and rather than multiple interwoven storylines, each episode zeroes in on a single character's current life, allowing a deep dive into the emotional landscape of adulthood that's just as tumultuous as their teenage years, if not more so.

The London Cassie inhabits is a stark contrast to her previous life; it is a city rife with anonymity where loneliness amongst the masses is the new norm. Struggling with the remnants of her past and the challenges of her present, Cassie has to chart a course through an existence that feels alienating and disconnected. The episode captures her attempts at creating a semblance of normalcy, doing her best to lead a life as any young adult would, balancing work and personal issues.

As the episode unfolds, viewers witness the unsettling quietness that has descended upon Cassie's life. Her environment is now defined by a monotonous routine and an absence of the close relationships that once defined her existence. The viewers delve deeper into her psyche, exploring the emotional fallout from her tumultuous teenage years and how they've contributed to the woman she's become.

Cassie's journey in "Pure: Part 1" is seen through a reflective lens as she grapples with the lingering effects of her earlier traumas. She seeks out purity in her life, striving for simplicity and clarity amidst the chaos that seems to have followed her into adulthood. The theme of 'purity' is an exploration of her desire to find something untainted and real, an anchor she desperately needs in the turbulence of her current reality.

The cinematography and visual aesthetics of the episode are worthy of mention as they play a significant role in telling Cassie's story. The look and feel are evocative, aiming to mirror her internal state. The use of color, lighting, and the general ambiance adds layers to the narrative, emphasizing Cassie's sense of isolation and her struggle to connect in a city that's both vibrant and indifferent.

Character-driven and somber, this episode challenges the audience to see Cassie in a new light. It's a powerful meditation on growth and the persistence of the past, dealing with the themes of identity and alienation. In "Pure: Part 1," viewers can expect to find moments of poignant introspection and a portrayal of an existential quest for meaning in the life of a character they once knew as a teenager, now standing on the precipice of true adulthood.

Cassie's character, known for her ethereal and sometimes detached demeanor, battles the demands of adult responsibility and the pursuit of emotional stability. As "Pure: Part 1" progresses, moments of Cassie's past creep into her present, blurring the lines between memory and moment, each flashback revealing a piece of the puzzle that is her current mental state.

Intimacy plays a crucial role in "Pure: Part 1," not just in the relationships Cassie attempts to forge or maintain but in the way the episode brings the audience closer to her internal dialogue. The viewers are invited to become silent confidants to the whispers of her mind, bearing witness to her vulnerabilities and innermost thoughts. Skins has always featured strong internal narratives, and this episode is no exception; it's a striking and immersive look at a solitary figure against the backdrop of a bustling cityscape.

In summary, "Pure: Part 1” is an intimate portrait of a young woman at a crossroads, trying to navigate the complexities of adult life while reconciling the shadows of her childhood. It’s a thoughtful and introspective entry in the Skins universe, promising a study of character evolution and the search for clarity in a convoluted world.