Flow of Madness

Cook has some of the most memorable and I dare say philosophical quotes a Skins character has ever uttered. This is a look at not only the words he says but the actions behind. 

Oh, Eff it’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey.” – Cook (3x10)

He may have borrowed this from countless writers and early Asian grand thinkers, but the sentiment still rings too. Cook is the only character that embraces the feeling of being lost. Most are fighting to be found or fighting to get somewhere better. Cook though he is taking in every moment he can. He does not mind not having direction in fact he thrives on it. 

JJ: If it’s wrong then why are you doing it?
Cook: Cos it’s life, J. You gotta get in there and never fucking stop. Shit’s waiting to be done, man. If you’re not going to do it, you’re a pathetic pussy fart.
JJ: What would be so bad about stopping? What about other people?
Cook: Fuck other people, J. Fuck them. (3x7)

Cook is a character that cares despite the fact that he says over and over that he does not. I say this before saying this though. Cook loves and cares about people. However he does not let people get in the way of what needs to be done and sometimes he does not let people get in the way of what he wants to do. Cook often talks about this sense of “not being a pussy.” Meaning not backing down, taking risks, getting out there, pushing the envelope, and not sitting there watching the world go by. Sometimes when you live people may get hurt, but the act of living is what is most important for Cook. People come and go in our lives. Certain opportunities come once in the time. Go for it. Fuck the consequences. Live. Don’t live by thinking about other people…live instead by what you want to do. 

Cook: You just burn kid. You just burn. You just keep it on the inside. 
Em: Is that possible? 
Cook: Yeah , cause you look a bit stupid if you don’t, don’t you? Look at me, love. Happy! (4x2)

This is an interesting quote and goes well with the element that describes Cook perfectly: fire. He is saying that shit happens in this life that hurts. Really fucking hurts. However Cook is advising Emily to swallow how she feels and let it live inside her instead of letting it take over her entire life. Let it fuel her and then on the outside you can be happy. Cook is advising not to show her emotional cards. Keep your head up. Just move forward. 

Cookie’s got nothin’. Cookies always got nothing. That’s why I do her pal. – Cook (3x7)

And I was thinking, why does everyone got to piss on me? Everybody always fucking pisses on me. My fucking Mom. My Dad is a fucking tosser. And no-one gives a shit. Everybody’s just out for them-fucking-selves. – Cook (4x3) 

This is what Cook lets burn inside him. This feeling that he is nothing and that everyone writes him off. Effy fucks him but loves Freddie. She is afraid of the love so she escapes in Cook. He is aware of this fact. His mother treats him like crap and his Dad is a wanker. Even his best mate Freddie moves away from him and seems to pick a girl over him. He has this feeling that everyone looks out for himself and that is what dictates his life. No one cares so why should he? Why should I think about others when they don’t think about him? Why should he try when no one gives him a chance? He is someone who has been labeled young as a convict or bad. He is aware of this and he acts accordingly. He has this burning feeling inside of him that is toxic and allows him to do the crazy Cook things that he does. 

Deep down though despite the rough, tough, anti-pussy, skirt chasing, and mayhem raising exterior. Is a guy who just wants someone to choose him. To show faith in him.