Warning: The following article contains spoilers of 13 Reasons Why Season One.
'13 Reasons Why' is the biggest Netflix Original since 'Strangers Things' came out this past summer. Based on a book by Jay Asher, the show was an instant success. This eye-opening piece of television focused mainly on the issues of bullying and suicide, while subtly addressing drunk driving, rape, and victim blaming.
Some people *cough* Entertainment Weekly *cough*, don't believe the show should have a second season. "What's Hannah gonna do, kill herself again?" When you look at it from that perspective, yes, it does make sense why there wouldn't be a second season if you focus solely on Hannah Baker. But the book seemed to be more of an inspiration for the show, instead of guidelines. In the book, the main focus is Hannah and Clay. The other characters were only really mentioned on the tapes. But in the show, we got to see a lot more to them than the pages of a book would reveal. We were able to see characterizations and deep subplots; it allowed us to build connections with the other characters and see their perspectives instead of just Hannah's.
The show also steered in a few different paths and left us with many unanswered questions, meaning it would be kind of a jerk move if they didn't give us a second season, just saying. Like, can we just talk about Tyler stocking up weapons for World War 3 in his camera case? Or how Alex was left in critical condition? Or Bryce in general? I just need a second season just so I can see if justice will be served or not.
We need a second season because the book and show are different; it is not just Hannah Baker's story anymore. It's Clay's, her parent's, Jessica's, Alex's, and the rest of them. Hannah's story ended when she said goodbye on tape 13, but their's didn't. That's the thing about death; the world doesn't stop revolving when you die. Life goes on. Your life may be over, but your friends' and family's lives aren't. That's what this show is telling us, the repercussions after someone commits suicide. This show has so much more to teach us, and it can't just end when the last tape gets played.
