Expert explains clever reason why psychologist insists on bringing Jamie a hot chocolate during gripping Adolescence episode

If you've already watched Netflix's Adolescence, you'll know that it's pretty difficult to pick a standout moment from the heart-wrenching drama.

The four-part series, in which each episode was shot in a single, hour-long take, dropped on Netflix last week and tells the devastating story of a school girl who is violently murdered.

At the beginning of the series, viewers see 13-year-old boy Jamie (played by Owen Cooper) arrested in a dawn raid on his home. Viewers are taken aback, confused as to how an innocent child could have been guilty of such a crime.

With Jamie's entirely convincing performance, it must be a mistake, surely?

But as the series develops and Jamie's character is unravelled, the truth about his life, school - and the online influences that he has been subjected to - paint an alarming picture.

The show tackles topical subjects like misogyny, 'incels', the online 'manosphere', and toxic masculinity, with many viewers praising the show as a 'masterpiece' in the way it depicts and handles such themes.

Meanwhile, it also explores the devastating way in which Jamie's crime impacted his family, including parents Eddie (Stephen Graham) and Manda (Christine Tremarco) who are left questioning how he could have been capable of such a crime.

In episode three, Jamie meets with his psychologist (Netflix)

In episode three of the series, Jamie meets with his psychologist, Briony (Erin Doherty), who is filing a court report.

Once inside the young offenders' facility, Briony insists that she's able to head over to the drinks machine, to take Jamie a hot chocolate.

She's even brought a tub of mini marshmallows from home, which she adds to the drink before heading into the meeting room.

"He likes his hot chocolate with marshmallows on," she tells the prison guard.

Psychologist Dannielle Haig has described the offering as a 'clever move' in understanding Jamie.

She told Tyla: "Everything in a psychological assessment is deliberate; small actions can tell you a great deal about a person’s mindset, and this is no exception.

"The hot chocolate is a comforting, almost maternal offering. It’s something associated with warmth, safety, and childhood, a stark contrast to the harsh reality of Jamie’s situation.

"By giving it to him, the psychologist may be trying to create a sense of familiarity and ease, making it more likely that he will open up."

Jamie is accused of murdering his classmate (Netflix)

Equally, when Briony brings Jamie half a sandwich - and with pickle, which he dislikes - viewers were intrigued to understand why.

"The half-sandwich, particularly the fact that it contains something Jamie dislikes, could be a way of testing his response," says Dannielle.

"Does he push it away? Does he eat it to be polite? Does he comment on it? These reactions provide insight into his personality. If he simply tolerates it without complaint, it may suggest a history of feeling powerless and being accustomed to having things done to him rather than for him.

"If he refuses it outright, it might indicate defiance or a need to exert control in a situation where he has very little power.

"It’s a clever way of gauging how Jamie sees himself in relation to authority figures and whether he feels able to assert his own needs."

You can watch all episodes of Adolescence on Netflix now.