Just like the other European takes on the Norwegian hit Skam , the Italian version stands out as an intense and emotional show that feels very real. It does things a little differently by moving the gay storyline up to Season 2 instead of the usual Season 3. This season focuses on Martino Rametta as he figures out his identity and follows his relationship with Niccolò Fares. It sticks to the same cool format where we get short clips throughout the week showing these teenagers dealing with their daily highs and lows. The season is made up of ten episodes that run about 20 to 30 minutes each. We pretty much know the plot by now, and this version follows the original story closely while adding its own unique Italian vibe. Martino is really confused about his sexuality and tries to trick himself and everyone else into thinking he likes girls by dating a girl named Emma. Everything changes when he meets Niccolò, a charming guy at a party, and falls for him instantly. They have great ch...
We pretty much know the plot by now, and this version follows the original story closely while adding its own unique Italian vibe. Martino is really confused about his sexuality and tries to trick himself and everyone else into thinking he likes girls by dating a girl named Emma. Everything changes when he meets Niccolò, a charming guy at a party, and falls for him instantly. They have great chemistry, but there’s a catch: Niccolò has a long-term girlfriend and isn't sure about leaving her. At the same time, Martino is scared to admit he might be gay and starts pushing his friends away because he's so confused. The two guys finally share a big kiss in a swimming pool, but Martino gets mixed signals because Niccolò keeps wanting to slow down or hanging out with his ex. Eventually, Martino finds the courage to come out to his friends, and they are incredibly supportive. Niccolò apologizes, and they head off on a trip to Milan, but things go south quickly. After a night together, Niccolò has a serious mental health episode, and that’s when his ex-girlfriend tells Martino that Niccolò actually has bipolar disorder. Martino feels lost at first, but after talking to a school psychiatrist and his friends, he realizes he just needs to be there for Niccolò. They end the season at a happy Christmas party with all their friends, deciding to stop worrying about the future and just live life minute by minute.
I had a feeling I’d love this, even though I was a little worried since I've already seen this same story three times in other versions. It only took two episodes for me to get totally hooked, though. The actors playing the leads are great to look at and their chemistry is off the charts. Still, there were a few things I missed from the other versions. For one, Martino lives at home here, whereas in other versions, the lead lived with roommates. I also missed the role of the gay roommate who usually helps the main character come out; while that character exists here, he only has one quick talk with Martino and doesn't really leave an impression. In other versions, that friendship was a huge part of the journey. That said, the group of friends was awesome and as supportive as ever, which really reminded me of my own school days when life was just about hanging out without any stress. I loved watching Martino and Niccolò take their time falling in love. If I had one gripe, it’s that the mental health side of things felt a bit rushed. Once the diagnosis comes out, we don't hear much more about it other than them deciding to take things one day at a time.
Even with those small issues, finding the Skam universe has been the best thing since I saw the original from Norway. I’ve been spacing out the different European versions to keep them feeling fresh, and this is the fourth one I’ve finished. I think there are still a few more versions left for me to check out, as long as they actually made a season about the gay couple—I know the US version never got around to it. (7/10)
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