Skam

I discovered this amazing and unique Norwegian series, set around an Oslo high school, this summer (2017) with S3 (Isak & Even), which got more global attention and was published on more platforms and more commented on by fans because of its appealing and destined-to-be-classic gay teen coming-out love story, and then watched S1 (Jonas & Eva) & S2 (Noora & William), moving on just in time for the current, ongoing S4 (Sana) up to the the end, seeing the final episode of S4 on its actual final real-time day The Eid (Eid al-Fitr ) June 25. The real-time, of- the-moment quality was essential to the authenticity of the series and its proximity to the present teenage generation. (We are told that the series was made up as it went along, with input from teens, and nobody knew during S3 who was going to be featured in S4.)

Amazingly all this that I watched was not officially published but local fans' artisanal publications on various platforms with homemade but spot-on idiomatic English subtitles (including all the text messages and explanations of wordplay, maybe the best subtitles ever). It was easy to get hooked and hunt for more and more wherever you could find them. There was nothing like it ever. It was so good and these kids and their talk were so fascinating it made you study the texts and want to learn Norwegian (which I loved the sound of, but found pretty baffling). All this came at kind of a serendipitous time right after I'd devoured all but the last not yet translated of Karl Ove Knausgård's addictive 6-vol. Series of autobiographical novels, "My Struggle," so I was used to living vicariously in Norway.

Besides being innovatively naturalistic with its real-time scenes and online broadcast, heavy use of SMS etc., it also boldly covers a social range using appropriate actors, notably Tarjei Sandvik Moe as "Isak," who became a global gay heartthrob, yet was a an actual 15, 16, 17-year-old student at the Hartvig Nissens high school featured in the series. And what a compelling, watchable young actor he is! We live through his lies and dodges, double-takes and self-discoveries moment by moment.

Each of the 4 seasons is the love story of one couple, all connected with the others through the school. S1 is an ordinary (cute) couple, and the boy, Jonas (Marlon Langeland of the imposing eyebrows) spoils their love through excessive jealousy of the beautiful Eva (Lisa Teige). S2 is a screwed-up couple, a snobbish, particular girl and a rich, spoiled, damaged top dog. Noora's and William's story is painful and as true as Isak & Even's. When N & W finally connect, it's super-intense, but also fragile. S3 is Isak, the gay-questioning boy who has to come out to himself, while pursued by the older, more sure Even, who yet has psychological issues. Their first dates are romantic, a scene based on Baz Luhrman's Romeo & Juliet. Then, after the requisite heartbreak and Isak's difficult coming out to his (totally accepting) pals, who sort of knew it all along, as did Emma (Ruby Dagnall), the girl he was stringing along and using as a facade, "Evak" wind up moving in together and being the most loving and stable couple of all, a pearl of a romance cultivated in adversity. Also interesting, a microcosm of the school social groupings, is Isak's loyal little posse of Jonas, Magnus and Mahdi and himself, who talk of nothing but sex though only one, Jonas, of S1, may know anything about it so far. Magnus is the one who has to get laid, his naive eagerness a running joke, till he finds a gf, somebody we've been seeing all along, Vilde, the most eager and innocent of the girl posse, which includes Vilde, Noora, Eva, Chris, and Sana.

S4, though it continues with all the former characters, focuses primarily on the most baddass and arguably the most complex and interesting character, the Muslim, hijab-wearing Sana (the excellent Iman Meskini), who as time goes on very much finds a boy she loves, Yousef, who's from a Muslim family, but sadly, her religious beliefs don't allow her to be with him when she discovers his attitude to God.

The joyous party at the end both celebrates the young actor's esprit-de- corps and underlines that "SKAM" is throughout very much an ensemble piece, with no minor characters, because they all count, Chris, Vilde, Isak's gay roommate and scold Eskild, the bus groups, the top dog boys, everybody. Mostly to these kids, adults don't count that much, and are seen only from the neck down,except for Sana's parents, who do count for her, and the hilarious, wise school "nurse", more an offbeat counselor, Dr. Skrulle (Astrid Elise Arefjord), whose little scenes of quirky advice-giving are priceless.

I confess to by now having watched some "SKAM" episodes three, four, or more times. Each time gets better and I marvel more at the wit, adorableness, and how, say, Isak and his posse play off each other when they're together. These kids are incredible. You may think of the UK series "Skins," which is remarkable in its own way, but it is totally different, bent on grimness, and dark humor and absurdity, and not as real and true, or as helpful. Because watching "SKAM" can be healing and enlightening, as well as touching and fun. And it's basically about togetherness and love.

Exceptionally well-done series. Although originally envisioned as appealing to adolescent girls, it has a universal appeal because of its authentic story-line, realistic portrayal of characters, great writing and pacing, but most of all.... its intelligence. Yes, intelligence! Skam doesn't dumb down the lives of the teens it portrays, the challenges and issues that they face, or their own intelligence and motivations. It doesn't exploit them. It treasures them. It is deeply respectful of the lives that they lead, and values their intelligence and authentic striving -- their essential humanity. It's a rare piece of television. And great stuff.

How sad that the US/UK television rights have been bought by Simon Fuller. The US/UK version will undoubtedly miss all that is good and noble about this series and go right to the ratings formulas, giving us a self-absorbed, teeny bopper melodrama that turns characters into stereotypes and sensationalizes (i.e. exploits pornographically) the lives of the young people portrayed. What Fuller will do will have NOTHING to do with what this series is about. But he'll steal the rights, steal the name, and do the teensploitation. Shame on him!!

Skip what will surely be the US/UK abortion. Watch the original - thanks to all those wonderful people who translated and embedded subtitles. Once you watch, you'll have no doubt that Fuller hasn't the intelligence or decency to do what's right by this series.

Season One: 8/10

Season Two: 8/10

Season Three: 10/10

Season Four: 8/10

Themes: Drama, High School, Friendship, Romance, Religion, Lgbtq+, Gay Couple, Coming Out, Mental Health, Cheating, Sexual Assault, Bipolar Disorder, Partying & Norwegian.

Top five characters: 1) Isak Valtersen, 2) Even Bech Næsheim, 3) Vilde Hellerud Lien, 4) Yousef Acar and 5) Jonas Noah Vasquez.

I just love Skam. And I am not alone. Despite being in Norwegian, the show has managed to draw viewers around the world. The target group were initially Norwegian teenage girls, but Skam also has its share of adult fans. Actually, you don't have to be a teenager, Norwegian or Scandinavian to appreciate Skam.

Here are some of the reasons that I love this series: Skam has a tight and well written storyline, as well as lovely, believable faulty characters, that really evolve during their own seasons. The shifting point of view makes us realize that "everyone fights a battle you know nothing about". The show has good, realistic dialogues, fantastic acting and beautiful high-impact visual scenes, we get close to the characters, also visually. At times it is as if we are them, and feel what they feel. The music is great, and fits the scenes perfectly. Skam is playful when it comes to genre and style, it has a mix of realism, drama and comedy, and it works.

The series tackles important issues for the target group and the whole modern society, in a smart, straightforward and not admonishing manner. The issues the show tackles, from Islamophobia and homophobia to date rape, eating disorders and mental illness, feel authentic because they are presented earnestly. The show mirrors all of us, and lets us look at our own hidden fears and prejudices in a clever way.

The fact that we can follow the characters in real time is also fantastic. Skam is pioneering in the way that clips are posted in real time online, as if its characters truly exist. Fans can interact with their favorite Skam characters on Facebook or Instagram. A new clip, Message or Insta can come anytime during the night or day. This also makes the show highly addictive. I also love the show because of all the lovely easter eggs, "messages" to fans and references to literature, movies, music, religion and philosophy that it provides.

And finally there is the one thing that makes this show the best. It aims to reduce the kids' shame, and it uses humor to show that we all are human, we make mistakes. And it's OK.

A teenage drama with a very good soundtrack about friendship, love life, partying, violence, drinking, sex and much more It's funny, charming, realistic and addictive!

So far it's only people in the Scandinavian countries who can easily understand this Norwegian series, and up to now there have been no subtitles

But recently some kindhearted angels did the hard work for free and uploaded it at Dailymotion and Vimeo, so just google "skam English", stream and enjoy ;) Give it a try, you will not regret!

Russ = 3rd year student, some students buy a van together and make it a "russebil", others buy a bus and make it a "russebuss", those vehicles are mainly used between May 1st and May 17th(Norway's Constitution Day) for a 17 day long party