Skins MTV

Chuck Barney: MTV’s ‘Skins’ pushes the teen-drama boundaries

“Skins,” the Americanized version of an edgy British hit drama about hard-partying teens obsessed with sex, booze and drugs, debuts on MTV tonight. That presents a tricky proposition for this critic, who happens to be several decades removed from high school and is, simultaneously, a parent of a teen.

Here’s the deal: Come down too hard on a teen soap and you risk being labeled a curmudgeonly spoilsport. Even worse, there’s a chance you’ll be viewed by youngsters (including your son) as hopelessly out of touch — a clueless old dude who just “doesn’t get it.”

But even clueless old dudes are able to see (with their bifocals on) when a show is poorly acted, clumsily executed and overflowing with dreary characters. Unfortunately, that’s the problem plaguing “Skins.”

The series revolves around an adolescent working-class clique led by Tony (James Newman). He’s handsome, cocky and manipulative — the kind of kid who gets away with way too much. Some may find his shtick endearing. Others will find it grating.

Also in the group are Stanley (Daniel Flaherty), a slovenly, shaggy-haired virgin, and Michelle (Rachel Thevenard), Tony’s totally hot girlfriend. Naturally, Stan has a secret crush on Michelle.

Skins MTV

Then there’s Tea (Sofia Black-D’Elia), a cute cheerleader who likes girls, Abbud (Ron Mustafaa), a not-so-devout Muslim, Cadie (Britne Oldford), a spaced-out druggie, Chris (Jesse Carere), the party-loving goofball, Eura (Eleanor

Zichy), the mysterious silent-type, and Daisy (Camille Cresencia-Mills), the most responsible member of the gang.

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http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_17098035?nclick_check=1

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