Chris (Skins series 1)
"Chris" | |
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Skins episode | |
Episode no. |
Season 1 Episode 4 |
Directed by | Adam Smith |
Written by | Jack Thorne |
Original air date | 15 February 2007 |
Guest appearance(s) | |
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"Chris" is the fourth episode of the British teen drama Skins. It was written by Jack Thorne and directed by Adam Smith.[1] It premiered in the UK on E4 on 15 February 2007.[2] It is told from the point of view of main character Chris Miles.
Plot synopsis
Chris wakes up one morning sporting a priapism as he took an entire packet of Viagra the previous day. Chris feeds his fish speed and heads for downstairs. He finds a note from his mum saying she has left 'for a few days', and an envelope full of money (£1000 in total). Chris decides to blow the money, of course, on a wild house party. He invites all of his friends, and the love of his life, his psychology teacher, Angie. Initially irritated that Chris lied to her about other teachers coming, Angie eventually gives in and agrees to dance with him. She leaves in disgust, however, when she feels his Viagra-fueled erection.
The next day, searching for money to pay for a pizza delivery, Chris discovers that all of his mum's clothes are gone, that she has moved out of the house. In dire need of money, Chris tries to return a recently purchased DVD player despite it having a pop-tart stuck in the disc drive. He eventually sells the player to a scrapyard, but depressed by his new financial situation, accepts the payment for it in ecstasy. One morning, after further partying when Chris's house is in ruins, Chris finds a squatter asleep in his bathroom. Chris tries to kick him out, but the man protests and eventually claims squatters' rights. He locks a naked Chris out of his own house, informing him he will only let him in if they can come to an agreement. Chris, however, wanders off. At college, Chris's friends find clothes for him. Jal convinces him to go to his dad, but Chris is reluctant. At his dad's house, Chris's step-mother is pleased to see him, although slightly awkward, and reveals that he has a new baby half-brother, although Chris is not thrilled at the idea. Chris's step-mother shows him a photo of himself when he was a baby, but Chris corrects her, telling her that it was his older brother, Peter. Chris's dad arrives home, but refuses to see him, so Chris runs away, miserable. Jal catches up to him in a graveyard, and he tells her of a fond memory he has of his brother when they were kids. Jal, it seems, had no idea that Chris even had a brother. Chris tells Jal that he knows his mother is still around because she left flowers by Peter's grave.
Now, more depressed than ever, Chris is surprised to find that Angie has found him a place, Roundview College Student Accommodation. He moves into his new flat graciously with his few possessions, and gets a new goldfish which he keeps in a pint glass.
Main Cast
- Joe Dempsie as Chris Miles
- Larissa Wilson as Jal Fazer
- Nicholas Hoult as Tony Stonem
- April Pearson as Michelle Richardson
- Mike Bailey as Sid Jenkins
- Hannah Murray as Cassie Ainsworth
- Mitch Hewer as Maxxie Oliver
- Dev Patel as Anwar Kharral
Arc significance and continuity
Chris's home life
- Chris had an older brother who died when Chris was small.
- Chris's parents divorced and his father abandoned him. Though his step-mother is quite fond of him and offers him money, his father wants nothing to do with him because of his drug abuse.
- Chris's mother has now also left him, but her true motives are not explained until next season.
- Chris loses his house and moves into student accommodation.
Series relevance
- Chris telling Jal about his brother when none of their other friends know is a foretelling of their relationship.
Soundtrack
- Standing in the Way of Control by Gossip
- Kelly Brown by The Earlies
- Diwali Rhythm by Steven "Lenky" Marsden
- Prince Charming by Adam and the Ants
- The Gonzo by Lost
- Hey Boy Hey Girl by The Chemical Brothers
- Up Where We Belong by Jennifer Warnes and Joe Cocker
- Hocus Pocus by Focus
- Lost Weekend by Fat Segal
- Wigwam by Bob Dylan
- Total All Out of Water by Add N to (X)
- Do it All Over Again by Spiritualized