Adam Corbett

Episode 1 was excellent—it set the scene well and drew me in. I understand the importance of Episode 2, but I struggle to believe that schools have become that dysfunctional in just the past few years. Episode 3 provided an interesting look into the boy’s personality, while Episode 4 didn’t add much to the overall narrative beyond reinforcing that the father has a short temper. I felt the storytelling could have been stronger, or at least more focused on explaining why the boy is the way he is—what shaped his thoughts, emotions, and choices. What support systems exist for young men in his position? While I don’t condone his actions in any way, the show seemed to vilify men while championing women. Championing women is great, but every male character had serious flaws: the policeman is a bad father, the dad is aggressive, the murderer is obviously a murderer, and the other boys are all portrayed as ‘incels.’ Meanwhile, the female characters didn’t seem to have comparable flaws. I think the story could have been more impactful if it followed the boy’s life before the event, his experience in the judicial system, his time in prison, and the effects on his family. It had the potential to be a powerful exploration of the struggles some young men face today—showing where certain mindsets can lead while also offering a path toward self-improvement. Instead, I fear it may have left some feeling even more isolated, with no clear way forward.