Flow of Madness

Rich is an absolutely fantastic character. I think it is no secret that Rich is probably my favorite character of the whole series. I have many reasons for this and I hope that I am able to do this character justice.

Generation 3 especially in Series 5 deals with many identity issues. To me the entire band of characters were and are still trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in this world. Rich though his journey is I think reversed. He started in Series 5 as someone who really knew himself and defined himself so narrowly. Coming up with a strict idea of who is good for him and bad for him, what is wrong and right, and what is lame and cool. The reason for this strict and narrow definition could be that he was rejected quite a bit at school. I have a feeling that Rich and Alo have always been loners and only had each other for most of their lives. I reacted in the same way when I was in school. I was a bit of a loner and when people picked on me I decided to become really individualistic. I also think after meeting his parents that Rich also suffers from Middle Class Suburbia syndrome. That also added to Rich becoming so entrenched in his metal music.

When we first meet Rich he is this sulky, arrogant, and cynical metal head guy. Despite this image though Rich is probably one of the most sensitive male character especially in this generation. He is shy, awkward, and incredibly sensitive that I think he uses his metal music to hide that side of himself. He is the type of person who may not be easy to get to know and he may push you away; however, once you enter his heart it is forever. He is a loyal and devoted friend and boyfriend.

I have so many examples (won’t name them all):

- In the “Skins” novel Rich does something incredibly embarrassing in order to keep Alo from getting hurt. 
- At the end of his episode Rich goes to apologize to Alo for being wrong. 
- When Alo asks if he had sex with Grace he replied “Yes, of course with Grace” with absolute distain in his voice. 
- He completes Grace’s music course work, because he knows it is important to Grace. 
- He goes to the hospital every day to see Grace. 
- He tries to cheer up Liv with biscuits. 
- He gives Mini an excuse as to why she is at Gracie’s house to protect Alo and Mini’s secret. 
- Comforting Professor Blood at the end of his episode.

He is a devoted, dependable, and incredibly loyal guy. He also has developed beautifully with the help of Grace. He has become more open to things and has matured quite a bit though he is still the same snarky, moody, and wonderfully stubborn person he has always been. His character also has a perfect mix of humor and drama to him. Even when things get emotionally heavy he still has amazing insults or witty comments that make me laugh despite myself.

In many ways he is basically a classic “Cancer” in regards to astrology. Cancers tend to be very past oriented. Rich is a true old soul and always seems to think the world that exists now is too superficial and fake. Cancer’s tend to be moody and sensitive. They also surround themselves with a thick hard shell to hide a sensitive and romantic side to them. Cancers are also the most loyal of the zodiac signs as well. They also tend to hold old fashioned values including marriage and staying faithful to one’s partner. All of these things describe Rich and make Rich a beautiful character.

The truth is he is a medieval knight. He may snark and snarl, but inside lies a beautiful person and the makings of a wonderful man. 

With that I leave you with these beautiful gifs of Skins’ Metal Man. 

***The perfection of these Gifs comes from the Crusader of Franky frankybluerichards ***