Heart-Wrenching Finale: Dad’s Teddy Bear Apology in ‘Adolescence’ Hit Too Close to Home

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Warning: The information in this article reveals significant details about the ending of the 2025 Netflix series ‘Adolescence‘. If you haven’t watched it yet, be mindful to avoid any potential spoilers.

Similar to many others with a Netflix membership, I recently viewed the new four-part series titled “Adolescence“, which revolves around a 13-year-old boy being falsely accused of brutally killing one of his classmates. The crime not only affects his life but also that of his family. Prior to watching it after its release in the 2025 TV lineup, I was aware only that it would be hard to watch and each episode is a single take. However, unbeknownst to me, four hours later, I found myself shedding tears over my own child and the chaotic, insane world we inhabit.

I must confess, the finale of “Adolescence” left me shattered, a sensation I haven’t felt for quite some time. Despite my affinity for gripping father-son narratives in films and television, this crime series stands almost alone in its ability to tear me apart before the final credits. Allow me to elaborate…

So, What Happens During The Adolescence Ending?

Again, spoilers below…

To reach the “Adolescence” conclusion, we must go back to the first episode where 13-year-old Jamie Miller, portrayed by Owen Cooper, is falsely accused of a gruesome murder of his classmate. Despite a video showing Jamie stabbing the victim seven times, her blood on his shoes, and a friend admitting to helping him obtain the knife, Jamie maintains his innocence throughout. However, in the series finale, he shockingly confesses to his father, Eddie Miller (Stephen Graham), that he is pleading guilty.

Overwhelmed beyond measure upon learning that Jamie admitted guilt for the murder, Eddie finds himself at a loss in his son’s bedroom, ultimately succumbing to an intense emotional collapse. As the episode comes to its poignant close, Eddie gently arranges Jamie’s teddy bear and tenderly expresses regret, saying he “didn’t do enough.” The camera subtly widens as Eddie exits the room, and the screen fades to darkness.

Eddie Miller Tucking His Son’s Teddy Bear And Saying ‘I Should Have Done Better’ Broke My Heart Into A Million Pieces

The teenage years held countless emotional moments, but the climactic farewell between Eddie Miller and his son, accompanied by an apology for not preventing him from going down that tragic path, left me shattered into countless fragments. The room that once cradled his young, blameless son’s head every night transformed into a poignant reminder of a life that had vanished and a destiny that will never materialize. This space was scarcely depicted in the series – first when Jamie was apprehended, and later during Eddie’s emotional collapse – which only intensified the sorrowful scene with its tear-streaked apology of “I could have done better”.

In that moment, it’s hard for me to fathom the despair, rage, and sense of defeat that likely consumed Eddie. I sincerely pray I never experience such emotional turmoil myself.

Throughout The Entire Series, I Kept Thinking About My Son, And Now I Kind Of Dread Him Growing Up

After recently viewing “Adolescence” following a revisit to “Father of the Bride”, I found myself contemplating parenthood in a unique way. Unlike the latter, “Adolescence” shifted my perspective significantly. Although both instances sparked thoughts about cherishing my children’s early years, this gripping Netflix series instilled a deep sense of apprehension, particularly concerning my son.

Currently, my son is seven years old. He’s not quite at Jamie Miller’s age yet, but that milestone is fast approaching, and it fills me with apprehension about the world he’ll grow up in, where he’ll need to distinguish between right and wrong. Social media and its strong influence on young minds wasn’t an issue when I was a teen, but after viewing the movie Adolescence, I had something of an awakening.

I’m not suggesting Jamie should escape punishment for his actions due to his influence from toxic masculinity and the “Manosphere,” but it’s important to acknowledge that adolescence can be a challenging, bewildering, and overwhelming time in life.

Adolescence Tackles So Much, But The Bond Between Father And Son Is One Of Its Best Aspects

Regardless of being divided into four hour-long episodes, Adolescence delves into a multitude of diverse subjects without appearing overly packed or underdeveloped. Subjects such as toxic masculinity, modern-day bullying, crime and punishment, death (and a teenager’s struggle to grasp its implications), among many others, are thoughtfully examined across the series. What particularly resonated with me, however, was the series’ exploration of the profound bond between father and son.

Beyond the compelling narrative of Eddie and Jamie Miller, the tale also significantly resonates with Detective Luke Bascombe (Ashley Walters), a significant figure in the first two episodes. As the series progresses, he grapples with the evolving bond between him and his son, Adam (Amari Bacchus), following the murder. Towards the end of the second episode, Bascombe, known for his unwavering dedication as a detective, transitions from a police officer to a loving father for his son, creating a moment that is profoundly moving.

This Story Doesn’t Have A Happy Ending, But It Does Offer Closure

As a fan who’s just watched “Adolescence,” I must say that while it delivers a powerful ending, it doesn’t exactly wrap up on a cheerful thread. A young girl remains lifeless, a teenager is behind bars, families are shattered beyond repair, and a town grapples with the aftermath. Yet, the series manages to provide some resolution and does an impressive job of tidying up all the lingering plotlines before the final credits. Sure, it’s heart-wrenching and grueling in those closing scenes, but I was spared from being left in suspense.

Reflecting on Eddie Miller, emotionally stricken as he tenderly arranged a plush toy in his son’s bedroom, replacing his youngest child, the poignant scene lingers in my mind. Staying up late one evening to watch the show and check on my own son before retiring, I carefully straightened his blanket and ensured his beloved stuffed dog was secure. In silence, I hoped fervently that such a heartrending experience would never befall me.

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2025-03-20 22:08