If you had of told me, even a couple of months ago, that I would one day be obsessed with a Norwegian show, so obsessed I would mourn it’s ending so fiercely, I would’ve laughed probably.
Yet here I am, and here are all the other Skam fans witnessing the end of this beautiful Norwegian show.
If you don’t know about Skam, and let’s be honest, it’s a Norwegian show that comes out in real time, I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t know about it. On the surface, it’s a show that is released in real time, with clips, instagram photos, text and facebook messages between characters and even, a youtube channel, about a group of students that go to the Hartvig Nissen school.
But underneath this basic concept it is a show with beautiful messages of self-acceptance, of understanding and communication, of getting past society and it’s downfalls, of getting past internalised misogyny, internalised homophobia, of educating people on prejudice about religion, mental illness and so many other topics, all through the eyes of each main character, which changes throughout the seasons.
In season 1, we follow Eva Kviig Mohn, a girl who is unsure about who she is, and who has no friends after she has a falling out with her ex-best friend. Season 1 is all about the formation of the “girl squad”, a powerful group of friends; Eva, Noora, Vilde, Chris and Sana. Throughout this season, powerful messages of female empowerment and friendship are shown, while also speaking about the importance of having opinions outside of a relationship and finding ones way in the world. Takk for season 1. Takk for showing us powerful and supportive female friendships in our media. Takk for teaching us that no one’s opinion is more important than our own.
Season 2 follows Noora Amalie Sætre, our feminist friend from the first season. Yet she, like all Skam characters, has her issues, and this season shows her falling for the boy she shouldn’t. It’s an important season about following your heart, listening to your friends, and it deals with important issues around eating disorders and sexual assault. Takk for season 2. Takk for Noora, takk for her friends. Takk for teaching us that everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about, be kind. Always.
Season 3 is the season that gained Skam worldwide fame, as it follows Isak Valtersen, a boy from the other seasons who is dealing with his sexuality and trying to find his place. It sees him overcoming internalised homophobia and educating himself on mental illnesses. It’s an important season of representation and gives us important messages of loving and accepting oneself. Of fighting for the right to be yourself and to give everyone that right. Takk for season 3. Takk for Isak and Even, who are a beautiful representation of an LGBT+ relationship. Takk for teaching us, that when life becomes too difficult, we can take it day by day, minute by minute. Takk for teaching us that life is now. Takk for reminding us we are not alone, we are never alone. Alt er love.
Season 4, the last season, focuses on Sana Bakkoush, a Muslim girl who is seen through the seasons as a fierce friend, as a protective and beautiful person to the people she loves. This is the season that brought in the most controversy, with many people not understanding where the story was going, but this was a beautiful end to a beautiful show. It teaches about the isolation Muslims can feel in the world we live in, a world rife with prejudice and misunderstanding. It teaches that everyone is worthy of friendship, of respect, of love. It teaches the importance of understanding and how easily misunderstanding can occur. Takk for season 4. Takk for Sana, the Muslim girl in a faithless country, who found her place and ended the season happily and surrounded by the people she loved. Takk for teaching us that hate doesn’t come from religion, it comes from fear. Takk for teaching that fear spreads, but so does love.
Skam will forever hold a piece of my heart, because of it’s wonderful and realistic characters. Because of its soundtracks that perfectly encapsulate moments and help us relive them over and over. Because of the valuable lessons that it has taught so many people the world over. Because of the beautiful actors. Because of the immersive way it aired. Because of the gorgeous cinematography. Skam wasn’t perfect, it was about teenagers it would never be perfect, but it was, it is a fantastic show.
Takk for alt, Skam. Vi elsker deg og vi vil savne deg.
(Sorry to any Norwegian people reading, it’s probably all wrong.)
