Netflix released its second season of "Thirteen Reasons Why" on May 18, and conversations have erupted in just about every friend group. I’ve seen controversy explode online, and I’ve also discussed it with my own friends. It’s important to note that I haven’t begun this season for personal reasons, but I have looked into analyses of the new season.
I enjoyed the show's first season. Some argue that it glorified suicide in an inappropriate and graphic manner. However, I disagree. I think the first season was realistic, unflinching and honest. It is Hollywood, so it’s no surprise that dramatic elements were added to the plot to enhance the narrative. I also read the novel by Jay Asher when I was in middle school, so that is another reason why I was inclined to watch.
I’m not watching the second season because I was satisfied with the first season’s end. I don’t care enough to find out the fate of the rest of the cast, because I think that the show made its point in the first season. There also wasn’t a second book, so it also lost that appeal. It also doesn’t help that Rotten Tomatoes gave the season a 28 percent compared to an 80 percent on the first season.
I would suggest to others not to watch the second season out of issues with the fading plot and dramatic potential. But I wouldn’t advise against the show due to the issues covered. It discusses heavy topics that aren’t usually featured in serial programming intended for teens. Some of these themes are rape, suicide and substance abuse.
I’m not in the place to comment if the depiction of these things is problematic because I am not a victim myself. It’s good that a conversation is forming and people are speaking up, but I think it is important to realize these pressing and traumatic things do happen. If you are not personally affected, it doesn’t make sense to urge the cancelation or censoring of the show.
The scene I am directly referring to out of the second season takes place in the last episode. One of the male characters is raped in a bathroom, and some are asking that it be removed from Netflix. I can’t comment on whether it should or shouldn’t be taken down. What I can say, however, is that it isn’t my place to decide. The cast provides a disclaimer in the beginning of the show. I know that doesn’t speak volumes, but it’s enough of a warning that graphic situations will occur.
“These are things that are happening to teenagers every day around the world and certainly across America,” said Brian Yorkey, the creator of the series.
I will not be commenting if the show should or shouldn’t be cancelled. But I will be upfront in stating that I can’t directly relate to the issues discussed. If I feel uncomfortable during a scene, it was my responsibility to prepare myself to feel that way. I think that telling raw and honest stories that address relevant issues through television is a great foundation to get a conversation started.
