Adolescence

*“but we made him, didn’t we?”  “i’m sorry son, i should’ve done better” * social media is increasingly ruining our lives, and it’s especially ruining the younger generations. it’s unfortunate that it’s all they know, the rise of AI is haunting and does more harm than good. social media is infiltrating children’s lives where they are consumed by it, we hear so many devastating stories such as this one and yet there’s nothing being done. its shameful and terrifying. toxic masculinity mixed with social media could only produce so many outcomes, and if there aren’t any precautions or changes, the outcomes will unfortunately always be negative.  technically, this show is outstanding. the clear standouts are episodes 3 + 4. the therapy session with jamie is haunting, he slips up and it’s clear that he truly believes because he is a man he has the power over his therapist. he yells at her, and says that he should be the one in control. the entirety of the episodes being in one take is exceptional. would i have wanted there to be cuts? yes. anyways, episode 4 is so devastating, it’s been some time since jamie has been in prison and it has yet to get easier for the family. they are grieving someone alive and someone who they once knew. they question if they could have done anything different, and how it led to that moment. unfortunately, that question will haunt them forever, which i think is the most heartbreaking part. they could hear “it’s not your fault” a million times, but it won’t change the fact that it happened, and how social media has a larger influence on children then parents sometimes. jamie + eddie (owen cooper + stephen graham) are brilliant actors, this hurt my heart.