Adolescence is a notoriously unstable and unpredictable time. As well-known child and adolescent psychologist Anthony Wolf, PhD, puts it: Parenting is essentially like driving a car. There are periods of smooth sailing, and sometimes there are traffic jams and bumps in the road. Parenting an adolescent is also like driving a car—except your hands are no longer on the steering wheel.

The new Netflix original series Adolescence is a fictional drama that captures this chaotic period, shining an unflinching light on the darkest corners of what we don’t know about our teenagers. From the pressures of school to navigating dating, sex, identity, and social media, the show delves deep into the painful complexities of adolescent life in today’s world.

Warning: Spoilers ahead! If you haven’t watched the series yet, I highly recommend doing so before reading further.

The third of the series’ four episodes may be the most gripping and psychologically insightful hour of

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