Warning: spoilers ahead.
Over the last few weeks, people have been going crazy about Netflix’s book-to-screen adaptation of "13 Reasons Why" by Jay Asher. Several weeks ago, the show was renewed for a second season which I’m sure will fan some flames. I finished the series about a month ago. I've had so many thoughts on the show that it has taken me a lot of time to figure out exactly what it is that I wanted to say. In my opinion, they created a very real show, however, I do not think this is a show that should be loved. I do not think this is a show that should be hated. I think this is a show that should be accepted for what it is. There is so much going on in this show which creates a huge platform for discussion. So, in "Hannah Baker-esque" fashion, I will take you on my own 13 take-a-ways from the new hit show.
1.The first thing viewers have to understand is that 13 Reasons Why is Hannah Baker’s story.
While the show features the story lines of various other characters, we, as an audience, are ultimately here for one reason: Hannah Baker. Because 13 Reasons Why is her life’s tale, the series is filmed in a way that depicts everything that she experienced. And well… a lot of people are upset about that. Some say that the show is unnecessarily graphic. I disagree because to do that would be to dishonor Hannah Baker. One of the main points of this show is to get others to understand what Hannah is going through. She did not get the privilege of witnessing and experiencing a non-graphic rape and suicide because no such thing exists. Viewers are to witness what Hannah had to experience. It’s ugly and gruesome, but Hannah goes through these tragedies so the audiences must follow down the rabbit hole after her.
2. The show is essentially about depression, but it never really informs people on how they can begin their battle in fighting against it.
It’s no secret that this series is different from the book. With the changes the creators made, I wish a scene would have been included where an adult figure spoke to the student body (or even just a couple of students) and genuinely made them aware that there is more out there… more to live for. Perhaps even include the number for suicide hotlines at the beginning or ending of each episode.
3. The TV show is better than the book.
This is my own personal opinion; however, I’ve spoken to many who have read the book and share my views. As stated above, there were changes made from the pages to the screen. The book is written in the first person narrative of Clay and offers no information on any of the other characters outside of Hannah’s tapes. In the show, the audience is able to learn about the characters and see into their lives. This enables viewers to learn what makes the characters the way they are which creates an opportunity for empathy.
4. A lot of people do not like (and even call for the removal of) this show.
I think people do not want 13 Reasons Why around because they would like to pretend that these things do not happen, especially within the teenage demographic. Well, I hate to disillusion anyone out there, but welcome to the real world where these tragedies happen to the mass majority of the teen population all the time. Suicide, mental illness, sexual abuse, bullying, drug/alcohol abuse and much more run rampant among the youths of this world. Who are we to decide to turn a blind eye to these issues? Pretending like it does not happen does not make it go away.
5. I do not agree with Hannah’s tapes.
When I read the book, I didn’t think much about the tapes or what they would do to people. However, after seeing the on-screen effects these tapes had, I quickly decided it was wrong. Hannah was hurting and she wanted everyone who had ever hurt her to feel the same pain even after she was gone. Her tapes even drove one to attempt suicide. I don’t think that’s what she would have wanted. Thirteen characters (I don't think Clay should be on there but whatever) may have done her wrong, but she did them wrong in return… And you know how the saying goes, “Two wrongs don’t make a right”.
6. 13 Reasons Why taught me to be kinder because everyone has their own silent struggles.
One smile can change someone’s day. Being a friend to others can change a life. It teaches viewers to just be a decent person.
7. Clay taking a picture of Tyler while he was undressing in his room was extremely wrong.
This infuriated me. It made me irate when Tyler was a peeping-tom on Hannah. It was terrible and even more, it was one of the reasons Hannah killed herself. She felt like she wasn’t safe at home, the safest place of all. Clay knew this, but he did the same thing to Tyler. I feel as if Tyler had already realized what he had done was wrong and felt mass remorse. (Although, Tyler still is not and never will be justified in invading Hannah's privacy.) Tyler was cruel to Hannah so Clay was cruel to Tyler.
8. I vastly appreciated the casting of Katherine Langford as Hannah Baker.
This point doesn’t really have to do that much with the show as it does myself. I don’t know when I noticed, but at some point, I observed that Kathryn Langford wasn’t like every other leading lady. I mean sure she is beautiful, but she’s also not a size 0. Being small and slim is not a bad thing, but is has become a norm in the film universe. Finding a leading woman that is considered to be in the category of average-sized is rare. When it does happen, it makes my heart melt. To see someone more like you on screen is endlessly amazing.
9. “F.M.L Forever” is cringe-worthy.
Sorry, but it is. I want to know who decided this was the perfect catch phrase for the Monet’s trio. This is one of the monumental changes from book to screen. In the book, the characters would hold up their hands and state, “Olly, Olly Oxen Free”. They would then throw themselves into the telling of their most recent story. “Olly, Olly Oxen Free” is an extremely original statement and it lodged itself in my memories for years to come. The phrase might be weird, but it stood out. “F.M.L Forever” sounds like something a whiny teenager would say. This was the only change within the show that I absolutely hated.
10. I sincerely hope that there is no Season 3 of 13 Reasons Why.
I understand a Season 2. There was so much left unresolved. Is Alex dead? Is Tyler planning a school shooting and are those pictures we saw of the other 12 characters his main hit-list? How does Jessica handle life after coming to terms with her rape? Where does Justin run-a-way to? What will happen to Mr. Porter? Do the Bakers win the lawsuit against Liberty High and how do they react to Hannah’s tapes? Will Bryce go to jail for raping Jessica and Hannah? So many questions left unanswered. If a third season were to be created, however, I believe this show would grow to be something it was never intended to be. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe if this show continues to grow it be something great and informative. I don’t think I’m wrong though.
11. 13 Reasons perfectly captures the objectification of women.
If you watched this show, then I shouldn’t have to go into great detail. Hannah constantly being touched without consent, Alex Standoll’s best and worst list, guys thinking they could do whatever with Hannah, Justin spreading rumors and more. The sad thing is most of the people did not even think what they were doing was wrong. When I was in high school, my class read 13 Reasons Why. This was a time before there was a TV show. All we had was our book copies and minds. There were some guys in my class that just simply did not understand why the things that Hannah Baker was going through was a big deal to her. Some went as far as to say she was just being overly dramatic. They didn’t understand Hannah Baker because they will never have to be Hannah Baker. I hope that this show can help others understand the lives many women live in modern day society.
12. Rape culture is prevalent throughout this series.
Bryce Walker thinks that if someone does not say no there is consent for him to do whatever he pleases. Jessica Davis could not say no. She had too much alcohol and passed out. Hannah Baker did not verbally say no, but she physically said no. She tried to fight her way out of her assault. However, because she did not verbally refuse him, Bryce Walker decided that was the same thing as saying yes. When Hannah realized she was not escaping, she froze up. There are three responses to an attack: fight, flight, or freeze. Freezing is the most common reaction in people who have been through or witnessed various traumas (e.g. Hannah Baker). Hannah Baker gives life one last try after her attack. And life miserably fails her. She reports her assault to Mr. Porter. His actual job is to provide guidance to the students of Liberty High School. The first question out of Mr. Porter's mouth when Hannah tells him about her attack is "Did you say no?". He then continues to suggest that maybe Hannah just made a mistake and was feeling ashamed. Mr. Porter simply trivializes her sexual assault.
13. Bryce Walker is Satan reincarnated.
I think everyone can agree that he should rot in prison.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Chat Room: 1-800-273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
National Sexual Assault Hotline and Chat Room: 1-800-656-4673 or https://www.rainn.org/
