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Adolescence quickly became a fan favorite, skyrocketing to the top of Netflix’s charts shortly after its release. While many viewers have already binge-watched the series and enjoyed it, there are a few hidden details that might have slipped past even the most attentive fans.
One of the standout aspects of the show is Erin Doherty’s portrayal of Briony, a psychologist who performs some fascinating and somewhat unconventional tests on Owen Cooper’s character, Jamie, to understand him better.
The first test Briony conducts is the hot chocolate test. In this scene, she brings Jamie a cup of hot chocolate, topped with marshmallows—a simple gesture that immediately evokes comfort and warmth. This wasn’t just about offering a nice drink; it was a strategic move to create a sense of homeliness and trust. At this moment, Briony is establishing a bond with Jamie, trying to bring some comfort to his troubled life.
But things take a turn when Jamie reacts poorly, throwing the hot chocolate on the floor. Briony doesn’t just overlook it; she uses it as an opportunity to test Jamie’s response to authority and rejection. This moment shows her psychological insight—how Jamie deals with the consequences of his actions and how he reacts when someone in authority denies him comfort.
However, Briony’s behavior takes another twist. She later apologizes to Jamie for forgetting the hot chocolate, putting herself in a seemingly submissive position. This makes Jamie feel powerful, and he begs her to stay, shifting the dynamic between them. It’s a clever play by Briony to test how Jamie responds to the power balance between them.
Then, there’s the sandwich test, which some fans might have missed or misunderstood. In this test, Briony offers Jamie a sandwich, but with a twist—she gives him something he typically doesn’t like. This test isn’t just about food; it’s about Jamie’s willingness to accept something uncomfortable or less-than-ideal. Briony wants to see if Jamie will accept the sandwich as it is or demand that she make him a new one with his preferred ingredients.
The real test comes with the filling, which includes cheese and pickles—ingredients Jamie dislikes. Will he refuse to eat it or will he take the sandwich, possibly to please Briony, even though it’s not to his liking? This moment reveals a lot about Jamie’s character and his willingness to compromise for others, which comes into play later in the series.
All of these psychological tests and dynamics help bring a rich layer of depth to the show, crafted by Stephen Graham. While the series is compelling on the surface, these subtle moments reveal the complexities of the characters and their relationships, giving viewers more to think about long after the episodes end.
These little psychological games that Briony plays on Jamie not only highlight her professional expertise but also contribute to the overall theme of Adolescence—how growing up involves navigating power, authority, comfort, and rejection.