Adolescence is the latest TV show…
…that’s scorched column inches everywhere.
Technically, the series is flawless… from a soundtrack that includes the haunting reimagining of Sting’s, Fragile to the way each episode unfolds as a single continuous shot, dragging you into the family’s nightmare – without respite. And the performances? Well, now you’re a voyeur with a front row seat to all the terror.
From a parent’s perspective, it’s bile churning stuff. All the superlatives are deserved… ‘outstanding, exceptional, groundbreaking’. And for the detractors who criticise the slow pace – please, stop. Not all stories need to pelt you with guts and action to pin you to an armchair.
I’m clearly waxing lyrical here, so what’s my problem?
One word, nuance. Or the lack thereof.
Yes, Adolescence does a stunning job of demonising the boy and his ‘toxic masculinity’, but the victim’s toxic femininity was glossed over in a fleeting line or two. Why? Are we assuming she was completely blameless? Is victim consciousness rearing her ugly head again?
No, she didn’t deserve her fate. But neither did he.
I’m glad some of the series’ editorial has contained phrases like,
“…the topics raised in the show are not just a conversation for men and boys.”
I don’t know. Why can’t we reframe the narrative that seems to consistently batter males into submission like they are the only villains of the piece?
Call me a dreamer. I just think that equality is the tonic, toxic needs.
But that’s just a philosophy. My Phylosophy.
© Phyllis Foundis 2025