Episode 3 Adolescence-what did the psychologist make of Jamie?

[Crochetmum83]

I really enjoyed watching Adolescence and feel it has got people talking in such a helpful way. I haven't stopped thinking about it.

I keep wondering which emotions the child psychologist experienced in episode 3. Was she distressed because she saw a young boy who had made a terrible mistake? Or a monster in the body of a young teen? Or was she feeling both these things? Was it sadness for the victim? Is Jamie also a type of victim? Terrifying really. I wish we could read her written report...

Anyone else thinking along the same lines or got any other thoughts? Would love to know.

I think that prior to the last meeting she felt sorry for him. And then in the last meeting she was horrified by him. But I’m not sure. Would also like to read the report.

Yes I think I felt that too @Mumofteenandtween . There was a sort of warmth from her towards him in the hot chocolate etc....a little bit maternal. But yes...I also sensed that horror she had of him. It was so well acted and very complex.

I watched the whole series yesterday, and I thought it was amazing how Jamie could be such a monster and then in the next line you just wanted to give him a hug.

It didn't try to simplify anything, it let it be the complex and awful thing that it is.

I'm going to get my boy to watch it.

I'm not a psychologist, I work in probation. What the psychologist went through is literally my Monday to Friday. Seeing that change from nice, 'here's your hot choc just how you like it' to the half numb, half professional being I've become was too close to home for me. I've had to take a break from watching it. Having to appear detached, warm, professional all at the same time when the person opposite you is going through a range of emotions, day in day out means that most now don't stay in the job for long.

The hot chocolate was to deliberately warm him up and the marshmallow he says, you remembered, I read the sandwich was to see how he would react.

Try listening to the BBC radio drama This Thing of Darkness on BBC sounds. If you enjoyed that episode this is a whole series from that POV and similar themes. Just brilliant.