Episode #1.2

"Adolescence" S1 E2 continues to explore the raw and unfiltered world of its teenage protagonists, but the momentum established in the premiere falters somewhat. While the episode maintains the series' signature visual style and compelling performances, the narrative struggles to maintain the same level of engagement, resulting in a slightly underwhelming viewing experience.

The cinematography remains a strong point, capturing the gritty realism of the characters' lives with a raw and unflinching eye. However, the slow pace, which was effective in the premiere, begins to feel more like stagnation in this episode. The narrative meanders, lacking a clear sense of direction or urgency.

The performances continue to be commendable, with the young actors delivering nuanced portrayals of their troubled characters. However, the lack of narrative momentum makes it difficult to fully invest in their emotional journeys. The characters remain compelling, but their actions and motivations feel somewhat aimless.

The episode delves deeper into the characters' inner lives and their struggles with identity, sexuality, and the pressures of their environment. However, the exploration of these themes feels somewhat repetitive and lacks the same level of emotional impact as the premiere.

The dialogue remains sparse and understated, but the lack of significant plot developments makes the episode feel somewhat monotonous. The ending leaves you with a sense of unease, but also a lingering question: will the series be able to recapture the momentum and deliver a more engaging narrative in subsequent episodes?

Overall, "Adolescence" S1 E2 is a visually striking episode that maintains the series' raw and authentic tone. However, its slow pace and lack of narrative momentum prevent it from being as compelling as the premiere.

Not as great as the first episode, but the acting is still extremely good. The plot doesn't seem quite as natural as in episode 1, a bit more like a theatrical one, but it's still really interesting, what's being said here and how the transitions are handled. I particularly liked how the youth spirit is captured. From the obsessive relationship with smartphones, the internet, and sexuality to group dynamics, bullying, and rash behavior. If the series continues like this, it could become one of my favorites. Because it deals so well with social issues, young people, the legal system, and the characters. But also because it's so nice and short.

DI Bascombe and DS Frank visit Jamie's school to speak to his fellow pupils and friends, and to try and find the murder weapon. Bascombe finds a wall of silence, but his son Adam offers a strong, but uncomfortable lead.

It's just as shocking as the first episode, gritty and eye opening, if you're like me, it's a while since you went to school, John Major would have been Prime Minister, things have really changed, these days of incels and Andrew Tate, it's bleak.

I get the impression that there's a very strong amount of realism here, I'm glad I grew up when I did, the lives of young people now, social media etc, I can't imagine what it must be like.

Who'd want to be a teacher, seeing the way that kids speak to them, it's like a total societal breakdown.

The acting and flow of it continues to impress, it's just so natural, so organic. It really is gripping drama.

9/10.

The second episode of Adolescence makes a bold move and decides not to feature Jamie at all. Instead we follow DI Bascombe and DS Frank as they go around Jamie's school. The school is in absolute shambles and is a great depiction of school life in 2025. It's pandemonium and anything but learning is taking place in the school. The teachers and students are rowdy and hate each other. Adam was a cool addition to the story with his family relation to Bascombe and he managed to provide the officers with online stuff like the 80/20 rule. Unfortunately, Jade was an awful character and she was truly unwatchable.

Jade you are a queen and you deserve to be protected. Fatima Bojang gives a stunning and magnificent performance managing to convey off screen all the anger, rage, frustration and sadness of her character.

It's amazing how grounded and realistic this series feels. They managed to capture a real school environment around that tragedy so well that I even felt like I was there and wanted to leave as soon as possible. They didn't romanticize any moment that place and I think it's a good thing that's the way it is.

With this episode it was reconfirmed that the series will not be subtle and will not be afraid to touch on sensitive and harmful issues in our society in a clear and direct way.