Ep 7. Michelle

In Skins season 1, episode 7, titled "Michelle," we are introduced to the titular character in greater depth as her relationship with Tony starts to unravel. Michelle is an ambitious and driven young woman with big plans for her future. She is fiercely independent, confident, and knows exactly what she wants. Her personality is in sharp contrast to that of her boyfriend, Tony, who is manipulative, selfish, and prone to reckless behavior.

The episode begins with Tony and Michelle kissing in bed, but it becomes clear that there is tension between them as Tony tries to make excuses for his past behavior. Michelle is not impressed and tells him that she doesn't want to be with someone who has been unfaithful and lies to her. Tony seems genuinely remorseful, but Michelle remains noncommittal about their relationship.

Meanwhile, the rest of the gang is dealing with their own issues. Sid is worried about his father's drinking problem and tries to help him out, but things spiral out of control when his dad ends up in the hospital. Cassie is still struggling with her eating disorder and tries to get help from her therapist. Meanwhile, Jal is dealing with the pressure of her upcoming music exam and feels like she is not living up to her potential.

As the episode progresses, we see more of Michelle's life outside of her relationship with Tony. She is shown at work, where she is a waitress at a fancy restaurant. Michelle takes her job seriously and works hard, but she is also aware of the power dynamic between her and the customers. She has no qualms about turning on the charm to get a bigger tip but also knows when to draw the line. Michelle is shown to be a competent and professional worker, which is a stark contrast to some of the other members of the gang who are struggling to find their place in the world.

Later, Michelle attends a college open day with Sid and Cassie. While there, she shows her competitive side, arguing with a rival student about who will get into the best university. Michelle is determined to succeed and wants to prove that she is better than anyone else. This drive is a hallmark of her personality and is what sets her apart from the rest of the gang.

However, Michelle's cool exterior starts to crack when she receives an unexpected surprise from Tony. He has organized a surprise birthday party for her at his house, complete with all of her friends. Michelle is clearly touched by the gesture, but she is also conflicted. She knows that she doesn't want to be with Tony but is also afraid of being alone. As the party progresses, Michelle becomes increasingly drunk and emotional. She confides in Sid about her fears and anxieties, which he tries to reassure her about.

In the end, Michelle decides to break up with Tony and move on with her life. She realizes that she doesn't need him to be happy and that she can achieve her goals without him. The episode ends with Michelle looking out at the night sky, ready to take on whatever comes next.

Overall, Skins season 1, episode 7 is a deep dive into the character of Michelle. It shows us her strengths, weaknesses, and fears, making her a more fully-realized character. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to tackle complex, real-world issues and emotions, and it sets the stage for future episodes to explore the other members of the gang in greater detail.