Ep 2. Episode 2

Shaun and his friends continue to navigate their way through the ups and downs of life in Thatcher's Britain in This Is England '86 season 1 episode 2. After the events of the first episode, tensions are still high between the young group of skinheads as they struggle with issues of loyalty, identity, and betrayal.

The episode opens with Shaun and his girlfriend Smell still trying to come to terms with the death of their friend Combo. Shaun is struggling to process his grief while Smell is dealing with a more tangible problem - a pregnancy scare. As the pair try to figure out what to do, tensions between them build and the cracks in their relationship begin to show.

Meanwhile, the other members of the group are trying to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of Combo's death. Woody is trying to keep things under control as the de facto leader of the group, but tensions between him and Milky - the newest member of the group - are also starting to surface. Milky's laid-back attitude and lack of knowledge about the culture of the skinheads is causing friction with Woody, who sees him as a threat to the group's unity.

As the group tries to stay together, they are also dealing with outside pressures. Smell's family is starting to suspect that she might be pregnant, putting her in a difficult position. Meanwhile, Combo's mother is still trying to come to terms with his death and is lashing out at anyone she feels might have contributed to his downfall - including the group of skinheads who were once her son's friends.

Throughout the episode, the characters are forced to navigate the difficult terrain of their relationships with one another. They are grappling with issues of class, race, and identity in a country that is undergoing massive social and political upheaval. As they try to find their place in this changing world, they are also forced to confront their own demons and the darkest parts of their own personalities.

This Is England '86 season 1 episode 2 is a gripping portrayal of life in Thatcher's Britain. It offers a raw and unflinching look at the challenges of growing up in a culture that is steeped in violence and distrust. The characters are complex and nuanced, and their struggles feel deeply personal and immediate.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the episode is also laced with moments of humor and tenderness. The interactions between the characters are filled with a sense of camaraderie and loyalty that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Overall, This Is England '86 season 1 episode 2 is a powerful and thought-provoking installment in a series that is unafraid to tackle difficult topics head-on. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the social and cultural landscape of Britain in the 1980s, and a must-see for fans of gritty, realist drama.