13 Reasons Why Review: Season 1 – Greatly elevates the source material

When Netflix announced the premiere of this series, I wasn’t at all excited. I hatedhatedhated the book. The premise is that our young protagonist, Clay Jensen, receives a package of cassette tapes that feature recorded messages from his late classmate Hannah Baker. Hannah committed suicide and the tapes purport to tell the titular reasons. Each reason is a person or rather, something a person did to Hannah. In the book, I found Hannah’s reasoning flimsy to say the least. I found it grotesque that she put the weight of her life on fellow teenagers, some of whom were also hurting.

There will be mild spoilers.

So again, I approached the show with mounting dread. Like, when I was a teenager, I used to think like Cecilia in The Virgin Suicides–“Obviously, doctor, you’ve never been a 13-year-old girl.” Now I’m the doctor: “You’re not even old enough to know how bad life gets.” Being a teenager is so easy (in most cases). The problem is, it doesn’t feel that way. You feel caught in a limbo between child and adult, where you’re expected to act like a responsible young man or woman, but you’re often not given the slack to do so. Your brain isn’t fully formed and it’s being flooded with hormones that have you twisted.

So when you have some setbacks–or in Hannah’s case, some pretty awful shit–happen to you, it can bury you in so much darkness that you feel like you’ll never see light again. And of course, you can’t see the other people in the dark with you.

Clay (Dylan Minnette) hasn’t had that problem. He’s not one of the most popular kids at school, but neither is he that tormented. He’s just a sweet boy who gets along with almost everyone. He worked with Hannah (Katherine Langford) at the local movie theater and was infatuated with her, but he’s the kind of boy who would never ask her out. When they finally dance together at the Winter Formal, it takes a lot of rambling for him even to ask.

That’s why it’s so intriguing that he receives the tapes. He’s not the only one, by the way. They’re like a chain letter–one person gets them and is supposed to listen to them and then pass them onto the next person. Once Hannah starts telling her story, it’s not hard to figure out why the other kids are on the list. Take Justin (Brandon Flynn), for example. (Please.) He and Hannah went out once and kissed a little. Justin’s version is a mite bit more pornographic. He’s a teenage boy, desperate for the approval of his friends. But the point is, everyone on the list has done something to Hannah. So what, Clay wonders, was his sin?

This is where the series is stronger than the book. By leaning into the mystery aspect of the story, it becomes much more compelling than in the book. Sometimes they lean a little too hard into it–at one point, I was watching this on my laptop with headphones and the spooky mystery music was a little out of control–but it adds depth to the story. In addition, the show’s story and characters are fleshed out more than the book. We see things from different perspectives than just Clay’s or the story that Hannah is telling us. We see things they can’t see, like the popular kids who are becoming increasingly more agitated about Clay and what he’s going to do (with the tapes and in general, once he listens to all of them).

One might say that those kids have cause for alarm, because Clay takes revenge on one of the tape subjects. This is an example of how poisonous those tapes are. You almost have to be glad that Clay is taking forever to listen to them, as implausible as that comes off, because the effect they have on him (and the other kids) is unnerving. They’re already making kids miserable, but the last thing this school needs is for the kids to start attacking each other. It’s interesting, though, who Clay’s target is. He doesn’t go after the popular kids who take up most of the space on the tapes–instead he punches down, going after a kid so pathetic, you almost feel sorry for him.

Further, another strength of the show is giving more space to Hannah’s parents, particularly her mother (Kate Walsh). As you might imagine, while Hannah’s suicide might have rocked the boat at Liberty High, it is a tsunami for her mom and dad. Her mother is desperate to find out why and it’s heart-breaking to watch her alternately rage and sleepwalk through her days, as we know for a fact that there’s a taped record of all the answers. It is a standout performance by Walsh. In fact, all of the parents are portrayed well, even if they often have no clue what is really going on with their kids. And the kids are rendered tenderly. The series feels for them, even for the ones who are just little monsters.

But great portrayals aside, it is still a portrait that ultimately gets a little too loosey-goosey concerning a teenage girl’s suicide. It obviously doesn’t come right out and say it’s a great idea, and the actual suicide scene is brutal and unflinching. However, that scene comes after hours upon hours of all the meanies being exposed for what they did. Hannah will have her revenge on East Bumbleton! or wherever this place is supposed to be. The truth is, though, Hannah is–was–not an angel baby, too pure and perfect for this sick, sad world. She was just a girl who deprived herself of the air and the light and decided that all offenses against her were equal. Life seems so hard when you’re a teenager. But suicide, no matter what your age, is agony for everyone else.

7/10 – The production uses great talent behind the scenes (like director Gregg Araki) and in front to give us something that greatly elevates the source material. However, that source material still leaves a sour aftertaste. I recommend this, but with reservations.

—————

Teenagers–or anyone else who reads this–who are considering suicide: Please talk to someone before you do anything. If you’re in the UK you can call Samaritans on 116 123, available every day of the year (it’s open 24 hours). If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected]

In the United States? You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You can also chat with them online. If you prefer texting, text “HOME” to 741741 to connect to a Crisis Text Line counselor. They also have a list of resources for specific topics here. If you are not in the United States and need help finding help, you can contact me and I’ll point you in the right direction.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

13 Reasons Why Review: Season 1 – Greatly elevates the source material

There will be mild spoilers.

—————

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you