Sid (Skins series 1)

Lore & Background

In this episode, Sid Jenkins is grounded by his father Mark after receiving a 48-hour extension to rewrite his failing history paper. Despite being told to go straight home, Sid goes to College Green with Maxxie and Anwar, and later sneaks out to attend Tony's choir concert, hoping to see Michelle. At the concert, Tony shares a scripted kiss with Abigail, upsetting Michelle, and later Sid finds Tony with his hand up Abigail's shirt. Tony admits he orchestrated the situation to help Sid get with Michelle. Sid follows Michelle, who is attacked by chav girls; she slaps Sid and he is also beaten. Returning home bruised, Sid finds Cassie in his room; she kisses him and leaves, saying everything is his choice. Later, Sid arranges to meet Michelle at a club, where Tony arrives and dances with her, forcing Sid to watch. Meanwhile, Cassie attempts suicide via overdose on a park bench. Sid goes to the hospital but is told to leave by Jal. At home, Mark reveals that Liz has abandoned the family. Sid finishes his history paper overnight.

Reader's Guide

This episode is significant for its exploration of Sid's deteriorating home life, as his parents separate due to his father's constant bad mood and behavior. Mark is portrayed as an ill-tempered cretin who bickers with his family and is disappointed in Sid's academic ability. Even at home, Sid lives under Tony's shadow, with his parents admiring Tony's intelligence and looks. The episode also deepens Tony's manipulative streak, as he lures Sid into false hope and hurts Michelle to win her back. Cassie's suicide attempt leads to her readmission to a clinic for depression and self-destructive behavior. Michelle begins to suspect Tony's infidelity with Abigail. The episode's soundtrack includes songs by The Dandy Warhols, The Magnetic Fields, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, among others.

Did You Know?

• The episode was written by Jamie Brittain and directed by Minkie Spiro.
• It aired on E4 on 22 February 2007.
• Cassie attempts suicide via overdose on a park bench in this episode.
• Sid's parents separate in this episode due to his father's constant bad mood.