Ep 5. Stanley

In Skins season 1 episode 5 entitled “Stanley,” viewers are introduced to the character of Stanley, played by actor Oliver Lee. Stanley is a reclusive, socially awkward teenager who lives with his overbearing mother and younger sister.

The episode begins with Stanley working at a local donut shop, where he spends most of his time daydreaming about his crush, Michelle. Michelle is a popular girl at school who barely knows Stanley exists, but that doesn't deter him from pining after her from afar.

After work, Stanley returns home to find that his mother has arranged for a family dinner with their new neighbors. Stanley is horrified at the thought of having to socialize with strangers, but his mother insists that it will be good for him to get out of his shell.

At dinner, Stanley struggles to make conversation and feels even more alienated than usual. However, his spirits are lifted when Michelle unexpectedly shows up at the dinner party with her friend Tony. Stanley is overjoyed at the chance to spend time with Michelle, but his excitement is short-lived when he begins to feel like a third wheel.

As the night progresses, Stanley's awkwardness becomes more and more apparent, and his attempts to impress Michelle only seem to make her more uncomfortable. Eventually, a frustrated Michelle storms out of the house, leaving Stanley humiliated and alone.

Feeling defeated, Stanley retreats to his room and begins to delve deeper into his own fantasy world. The show takes on a dream-like quality as Stanley imagines himself as a heroic figure, fighting monsters and saving damsels in distress.

However, Stanley's escapist fantasies are interrupted when his drunken father unexpectedly shows up at the house. Stanley's father left the family years ago and has been estranged from them ever since. His arrival triggers a tense confrontation between him and Stanley's mother, which ends in a dramatic exit.

The episode ends with Stanley back at work in the donut shop, where he overhears Michelle and Tony making fun of him. Crushed by the realization that Michelle will never see him as anything more than a friend, Stanley retreats further into solitude, convinced that he will never fit in with the rest of the world.

Overall, “Stanley” is a poignant and powerful episode that explores themes of social isolation and teenage angst. Oliver Lee delivers a standout performance as the titular character, perfectly capturing Stanley's awkwardness and vulnerability. While the episode is definitely a downer, it's also a reminder of why Skins was such a groundbreaking show that resonated with so many young viewers.