despite the writers' irksome obsession with Tony... wondering where he could be, what he is thinking, who he could be with. Tony is a very interesting character but "Cassie" and "Jal" set me up with expectations of what each episode should accomplish... and Tony got in the way of meeting with those expectations in "Effy" and "Maxxie and Anwar"

Season two gives much more Maxxie time and the first epi is great about Tony and MaxXie.

even if I feel like a bit of a pervert watching it at my age.  Tony does dominate, but his overwhelming personality is the glue of the show - he connects them all, even if it's not in a healthy way.  I find most groups of friends have that person.  So even if he's not the most interesting character to us here on AE, I do think he's necessary to the story, especially in the first (rather short) season when we're getting to know the group.

Anyone see the Season 2 premiere on BBCAmerica?  What a great episode!  Mitch Hewer can really dance.  And he looks great in a towel.

I read on IMDB that the producers are going to get rid of the entire cast and start from scratch next season with completely new characters.  Is that really true? 

in my opinion.  He's the center  of the show, along with Sid and Michelle, and the others revolve around him.  His characters' fall from grace is amazing to watch and Nicholas Hoult is a great actor.  I like Maxxie too, but I don't think the show would be the great show it is without Tony.  Maxxie's role does seem to be expanded in the second season, so people can take heart in that.

Bummer that they're getting rid of most of the cast, especially since there are so few episodes per season.  The actors have a lot of chemistry and a growing fanbase and it seems like a waste just to start over from scratch.

That said I'm looking forward to the rest of the season!