The 13 Reasons Why is one of the rawest and realest shows to hit this generation. The concept brings awareness, conversation, and options to intervene to the audience. The show gives a voice to those who are afraid and helps empower people to speak their truth. The sequel has relatable stories and we see the characters change after the various situation following Hannahs death. Others TV shows show what happens but never go into the after events that affect the characters. The character development throughout every episode and through the three-season show why 13 Reasons Why is more than just a TV show.
- Real events- The series not only talks about issues but they display them. The most raw footage of encountering and a realistic look at what happens after. Sexual assault, harassment, murder, bullying, and drug addiction. Each scene showed real emotions and the repercussions that follow.
- Real Consequences- Many TV shows have a fairytale ending that ends with all the bad guys getting caught, and getting justice. But in 13 Reasons Why, they go through an investigation, constant interrogation that exposes more lies and secrets, and a verdict to a trial full of lies.
- Trials and Tribulations- As humans we go through situations that make and break us. As we moved from season to season we see how the outcome of events changed each person for the better or worse. Characters like Bryce Walker and Tyler showed us that people can change or attempt too. But society won’t allow it sometimes, or the peers around you.
- The process- After the tapes, trial, and triumphs the characters coping methods were different than others. Some choose to forgive, some were vengeful, some tried to change, and some turned to drugs. This applies to real life, people deal with pain differently.
- Change- People can change, if you let them. Throughout season 3 we are shown different sides of Tyler’s character and his journey. He’s a socially awkward kid with a love in photography, that very thing made him the outcast after the tapes were released. After months of being tormented, he’s pushed to his breaking point after his rape. He decided that shooting up the dance would be the best thing to do to get revenge. This storyline was the most important. Men can be sexually assaulted and go through a more shameful process than women. Their masculinity is questioned and they’re very defensive after. But after a deal with Clay, he began to change and open himself to people at school even though the odds were against him.
- The Unspoken- The situations revolved around abortions aren’t talked about enough and the women that choose to go through the process. This season showed all sides and the process to the decision along with the reactions from others after the procedure.
- Aftermath- Hannah’s mom went through a lot after her suicide, and the trial. She lost a lot from her home to her husband. The show highlights her life after the trial and she appears when Bryce is murdered. Aside from his redemption and sorrow, she was unfazed and mad that he lied. But another victim is Ms. Walker who sees Bryce negatively but sees a different side after spending time with him that not everyone sees.
- ICE- In a world full of evil tearing apart homes, it is important that the show showed Tony’s family situation as it is relevant to what is happening now to a lot of families.
- Support- One thing Jessica did right after the trial was discovering her true voice and power. She formed a support group for sexual assault victims that I think should be used as a foundation for real high schools/ colleges to help them get through those tough times.
- Statement- The antics from the “HO” support group were loud and clear regarding change and respect. Although many of their events and protest weren’t morally right they caused people to acknowledge what they ignore.
- New character- Ani’s character plays a major part due to her mom being the caretaker of Bryce’s grandfather but she had sexual relations with him and is living in their home. Ani interacts with the public enemy and see’s the positive process Bryce takes to change.
- Drugs- Justin’s character is like many kids that grew up in a home with drugs and abuse and it is rare you see it televised. His character goes through abuse, bullying, and an adoption process.
- Attraction- Alex going through issues with his sex appeal after his failed suicide that took a toll on his confidence. He constantly goes through sexual issues with Jessica when she yet again chooses Justin over him.
The show started as an investigation of Hannah’s suicide. But after the consequences and challenges the other characters faced following the death, it showed the lasting effects of one bad decision with a mix of no intervention. The show showed us behind the scene work of aftermath, and the changes each person faced. The storylines all connected back to Hannah and the measures taken to ensure closure and redemption.
