Character Analysis: Skins

Character Analysis: Maxxie Oliver "Big Gay Night Out"

When we first met Maxxie in the first episode of Series 1 we see an extremely happy, confident, creative, and openly gay character. When I was re-watching Series 1 with my friend she asked me if Anwar and Maxxie were younger than the rest of the gang. The truth is there is something quite innocent about Anwar and Maxxie compared to the rest of the gang. Anwar manifests it in worrying primal needs and Maxxie expresses this naivete in the way he approaches others.

In Series 2 we are introduced to his family. This is where we see that he comes from a loving house hold with two parents who adore and accept him. His father is seen threatening the neighborhood kids who were trying to give Maxxie grief showing that his father has a protective love for his son. Maxxie is the first openly gay character we've been introduced too. He is out and proud and quite confident in his sexuality. He doesn't hide it and even when people try to bully him he tends to handle it with a laugh. As if it was a game and the people who are chasing him are morons who cannot touch him. That was one thing that struck me about Maxxie. He is bullied for being gay by the neighborhood kids; however, it doesn't effect him. He laughs it off and rolls his eyes as if it is just an annoying part of his day instead of human beings hating him for who he is.

The only time that Maxxie shows sadness over his sexuality and how other people feel about him is with Anwar. His best mate is Muslim and in many ways this is in conflict with who Maxxie is (or so Anwar thought.) It hurt Maxxie to think his best mate would pick religion over him. However he took a stand with Anwar and told him that he would not go to his birthday party unless he was honest with his father about who he is. He wanted to go and he missed his best mate; however, he was not going to be closeted by anyone. Not even Anwar.
Maxxie is also a talented dancer and an extrovert. He is confident in his dancing and he wants to be a professional when he gets older.. This created conflict with his father who wanted him to stay close to home and help with the family business.

Something Maxxie didn't want. His confidence, good looks, and talent made him quite desirable especially for a loner who we know as Sketch. Maxxie definitely has magnetism. He is quite charming and definitely gets his fair share of admirers. Whether it is Sketch, one of his bullies, and of course James.
Another thing about Maxxie is that he does not have a forceful or complicated personality. He does not have control issues and he takes life as it comes to him. He reached a deal with his Dad that he would chase his dreams if he stays to finish school for the year. He forgives Anwar for saying insensitive things about his sexuality. He sees beauty in people and even shows Sid the beauty of Cassie. He is quite adaptable and optimistic. Goes with the flow. Which is why he was the perfect person to help Tony through his accident in Series 2. He was able to be patient and encouraging while Tony worked through his frustrations.

Even when we see Maxxie for the last time at the end of Series 2. We see a young man boarding a bus with his new boyfriend to chase his dream. He has no real plan and he has no back up plan. He just has tons of charisma, talent, and confidence to his name. His best mate Anwar also has no plan and does poorly on his exams. Instead of fretting or trying to lecture Anwar to get his shit together. He tells Anwar to come with him and to "fuck the future." He just goes with the flow and wants to see where life takes him as he follows his dreams.