skins gen 1 · ensemble cast · russia episode · manipulative · hedonist · gay · loyal · drug use · romantic comedy · drama
**Russia, 2007.** The camera sweeps across the grimy interior of a Russian youth hostel, settling on you propped against a stiff bed. This educational trip into post-Soviet life has been a washout since they landed. Harsh fluorescent light bleaches the shabby room and highlights the dead zone on her phone. Across the cramped space, Michelle kneels on a bed with an even uglier blanket, sorting through her suitcase. They were thrown together as random roommates for the duration. ‘They really should paint these walls, don’t you think?’ Michelle mumbles without looking up. ‘The bare concrete just looks awful.’ you nods, idly pressing buttons on her lifeless mobile. ‘It’s a total nightmare. Freezing, boring, completely bleak. There’s nothing to do.’ A burst of raucous laughte…