Fresh Meat

Fresh Meat

Not too long ago, the channel 4 sitcom, Fresh Meat finished its first series. However not without bagging a second series due to popular demand from the audience. The show is set at Manchester Medlock University and focuses on the six fresher students (exception of Howard) living in assigned accommodation and the painful truths of being a student. The show focuses on their farcical events, whether it’s drugs, sex, alcohol, money, education, politics and even death. Yes Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain managed to write a script containing all of these typical topics, yet coating them in a contemporary and even witty spin. At the beginning of the show relationships and friendships instantly are formed.

Vod

(Short violet) Vod concentrates on the social lifestyle of university with a result of almost being kicked out of her course. She is incredible independent and strong minded with a unique style and humor. Her thick skin allows her relationship with the other s to differ from normal. In particular Oregon. The subtle bullying and peer pressure gives her the opportunity to feel empowered. This is particular shown in episode five. Otherwise known as student riots. Their friendship is threatened when she finds out about Oregon’s chosen relationship with professor Shale’s. She takes it personally that Oregon has told the affair and therefore ‘persuades’ her to break if off. Overall Vod is a compulsive, aggressive, intimidating, but she is however, streetwise, individual and entertaining.

JP

JP is a private school boy whose higher education took a turn as his lazy and immature attitude terminated his plans of a Cambridge or oxford university life. He considers himself the commander of the household from a result of his money. The link between money and power isn’t discouraged from the others along as their getting something out of it. Despite this, he shows a genuine side in episode six when id father is a victim of fatal heart attack. The choice of actor to play JP is standup comedian and now actor, Jack Whitehall.  Having non actors play roles can be risky and potentially damaging to their other chosen career. However the character was a perfect combination of his acting ability and celebrity status.       

                                                  Kingsley

After years caring for his sick mum in their Essex council flat, Kingsley is excited to be meet and hang around with friends, Kingsley’s ready to embrace life, love, sex and experience. When it comes to the above, he finds it hard to admit his true feelings. As for that Kingsley never seems to be in the right place at the right time.

Oregon

Secretly really named Melissa. Is anxious to appear cool and in doing so adapts her life in order to feel accepted by others. This is shown throughout the series as she consistently lies about her lifestyle, whether it’s wealth, background or even name. This is her way of reinventing herself as she’s terrified of being boring. Imitating Vod is the perfect excuse for her to abandon her middle class upbringing. Yet this comes at the cost of Vod intimidating her into constantly ‘helping’ her out, with education and personal matters.

Howard

How long to determine the length of Howard stay is hard to recognize. He is most defiantly social inept but seems to be content with his niche and quirky lifestyle. Ending the series by defending and standing up for his friends makes him the most lovable character of all.

Josie

Moving from Wales gave Josie the chance to start a fresh and meet new people. She is anxious to embrace student life. Her carful mind puts a strain on her friendships with the others.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/fresh-meat/video/series-1/episode-6/s1-ep6-power-through