I would have to agree with you there. The first series was something so fresh, so in-your-face, and just had a different vibe that the other series couldn't quite replicate.

I understand that feeling at the end of the second series (4th season(?), second generation). For me, that might have been the straw that broke my back, but I felt the rest of that series somewhat validated such an ending (emphasis on "somewhat"). The third generation, however... I don't know. I still watched, but something was missing.

Effy was so intriguing in the first generation, but making her the focus in the second generation and having a love triangle be the focal point was a terrible idea.

I wouldn't have minded Effy as central character (or as central as you can get with this type of show) had the love triangle not happened. Like at all. So I agree with you there.

First generation! I watched 2nd generation (cos of Effy) but stopped halfway just hard to care about them. Plus the friendship feels forced like all of a sudden they were hanging out. Heard the very last generation was great towards the end but not sure if I wanna give it a try.

I have to say, gen 2, and it's because JJ was what drew me in, as I have Aspergers like him, and he also looks like me

1st generation was definitely the best of its kind and truly unique:

First of all, this bunch had dynamic relationships with real ups and downs, they had known each other for a long amount of time, during which friendships can actually flourish into something deep, so at the end of the day, even though they grew apart for whatever f*cked up reason, we knew that the unruly nature of that part of Bristol would pull them towards each other. As very different individuals but connected to each others' lives on some level, their problems mattered to each other, and to the viewers as well; when they make up, we could be sure that their friendships were ever stronger, because even though they lacked any basic human decency in so many occasions, when it comes to a certain point where there would be no return, their friendships allowed them to bring about a reconciliation.

Sure, they weren't true role models to look up to, but that's kind of the point of this series, that people, especially in teenage years, can't be degraded down to being either good, or bad. Human nature should be something that's much more complex, TV characters should have other layers to their personality, which made Skins worth watching. None of the central characters from the 1st generation was a typical jock, a heart-broken & socially-incompetent geek, a mean blonde, or a cheerful, overly-flamboyant gay lad. You have Tony, who you might mistake for a stereotypically "cool" kid, but you soon find out that he has his own quirks, freakishly manipulative (nearly dark) behaviors, and many insecurities surrounding his love-life, which brings us to Michele. She is absolutely beautiful, but with one boob bigger than the other, that little twist, even that small of a detail is enough to exemplify Skins' success in creating "multiple-layered character"s, which to me, is some sort of a physical representation of "Even the most beautiful has its imperfections" sort of idea.

I won't go deep into each and every character's details, but Maxxie is worth talking about. There is probably no other homosexual character like Maxxie known to US-UK TV, or the wider anglophone TV. His character isn't defined by his musical skills, his stylish clothing or being "gay". What he is, is that he's well-mannered, mature, sweet, ambitious (in a healthy and productive way), and confident of his way of life & sexuality. His sexuality isn't even an "issue". That's the kind of "empowering" I'm fond of, embracing one's sexuality so completely and can inspire others to follow and find the strength in themselves to tackle the issues they come across in their lives. These are just little personal "traits" that's all. Even if there were characters that represent those typical TV tropes, they were out of the main friend group, which created a delightful contrast between the central "gang", which is not your typical Hollywood friend group. and the "others", who try to damage the main characters' friendships to gain some sort of benefit out of it, so we hold onto the main group even more in a world of awkward, unpleasant cliches.

Now, for the sake of comparison, let's compare gen 2nd to the 1st: The friendships are forced out of nothing, nearly all the relationships are created out of thin air, all before the viewer's eyes, no room for imagination, just a group of people jumbled up together who doesn't even know why they're hanging out together in the first place. The authentic feeling of peace and quiet i nearly non-existent, every scene is filled with a catchy, or alt-rock&punk teen tune, which leaves little room for the viewers to be alone with the characters, just memorable scenes piled up together in which the character tends to swagger along the streets, shop for items, or raid the school. By the way, raiding the local school, (I mean, setting the teachers' car on fire kind of raiding) just feels a bit superficial, odd and unnecessary, with no actual contribution to the plot (This is a scene from Vol.3) Naomi-Emily: There was some potential there, but all that is wasted, to a magical revelation scene in a ball that feels out-of-place and superficial, where everyone happens to gawk at their conversation and listen to it in awe and amazement, typical of a 2000s teen movie. Katie-Effy meeting for the first time on the school corridor: What the heck? The Effy I know wouldn't even listen to someone who's throwing the idea that "they should hang out because they're the prettiest of all" right at her face, she'd ignore it but she manages to put up with it for an entire season? (minus the psychological breakdown parts) Feels wrong. Also, Katie being introduced as a typical arrogant & mean boyfriend's girl and growing into a slightly better version of herself is painful to watch. Thomas: Tempting, but no. His coincidental encounters with other characters from the main group and surprising success in the world of drugs is something to be happy for, but again, feels unreal, artificial and forced, just to create an inspiring immigrant tale. The reality is much harsher.

... The examples can go on.

The point is, the 1st generation of Skins is what makes the series authentic in all its crudeness and glory. It feels like life, not an alternative "version" of reality.