So as much as I hate being problematic, here I go. This post is dedicated to why season 2 of “13 Reasons Why”, drove me up a WALL! The 13 Reasons are as followed:
1) Too Graphic and Dramatic: I already had an issue with season’s one depiction of Hannah cutting herself to death and bleeding in a tub. Yet, I got over it. But seriously, did we need to see Tyler get “mopped” in the last episode? That was very gruesome. Did we really need to see blood coming from his mouth as he got slammed against the mirror and on the floor? I understand that bullying is real and that they are trying to paint the picture well, but that was very extreme. And if you disagree I’d like for you to reference a time someone got a mop up there butt? Okay that’s what I thought.
2) The Plot was drawn out: Was there really a need for every episode of season I don’t think all of these supporting characters deserved tapes. I don’t think Courtney, Principal Porter, or Ryan needed to explain their perspective of Hannah. We got a few more details of Hannah from Courtney’s story but I think we could’ve gone without the information. We could’ve definitely filled in the blanks with her story. Principal Porter’s point of view has nothing to do with Hannah. I think it just expressed his regret he had for not reporting Hannah’s rape. Yet, unless he did something extreme like call the police, Hannah already had her mind made up. And Ryan? What additional information did we gain from him? Okay yes we found out he knew about Justin and Hannah’s rendezvous. But like I said, we could’ve gone on without this information. This unnecessary point of views prolonged the series and irritated me as a viewer. Along with this, there were TOO many subplots surrounding the main plots. Like, I think they did too much this season. They could’ve made a very long movie honestly.
3) Glorification of Suicide: I already know I might get lip about this but I’m going to say it anyway. This series as whole glorifies suicide too much. I understand this reality, especially in today’s time. But I think that they should’ve maybe turned this season in a different direction. Maybe explain to viewers the reasons for living. There were very few moments where the characters talked about overcoming depression and anxiety. Although the show was rated MA for mature viewers due to the content; how many of the viewers do you think were really of age and maturity. I think this show is very powerful and tackles many social issues. But why don’t they discuss how one can overcome them and what resources they can turn to. Was the helpline/website really useful as a warning in the beginning of each episode?
4) Bryce Walker needed to die: I’m going to keep this really simple! Bryce Walker needed his butt whooped. This dude got away with extremely too much! I’d hate to see him play on another show as a good guy, because I’d hate him regardless. This dude was a monster, a serial rapist! But, I think the underlying message was that he was a privileged white male. He came from money, looked like money, and the school had his money. It just killed me to see him get probation. That’s like a tap on the wrist.
5) Why didn’t Bryce’s Mother dig deeper: Wouldn’t it have been great if Bryce’s mother did her own investigation about his wrong doings? It was obvious she was following the case and she suspected something about her son was off. So why didn’t she take matters into her own hands? This would’ve been a great subplot that could’ve turned into a victory. How awesome would that be? I mean it was obvious she knew something was up. I think she didn’t push this issue, because she had no proof and Bryce ultimately was her son. Who wants to face the fact that their son could be a rapist? Poor lady probably questioned her whole parenthood.
6) It was not the school's fault: I don't think it is fair to pinpoint the blame of Hannah's suicide on the school. Let me explain myself. First of all, contrary to popular belief, I believe Hannah could've prevented a lot of these issues that occurred. Also, the majority of these events took place OUTSIDE of school. Now do I think that Bryce Walker should've been removed from the baseball team? Yes. Do I think that the baseball team as a whole should've been investigated and athletic department should have been suffered consequences? Yes. Because ultimately, they had been raping and abusing girls for years in the clubhouse. The clubhouse was also on SCHOOL property. I think it would've been better if the Bakers would've pinpointed the target people instead of the school as a whole. I know they didn't find out a lot of the information they needed until the middle of the trial, but I just think we all knew the school was going to win. The counselor could have been sued as well, because he did not follow protocol with reporting Hannah's incident. But again, how much did he have to work with.
7) Hannah's mother was oblivious: Now I know throughout high school, college, and life in general... we do things our parents are not aware of. Some of these things are harmless, but some of these things are shameful. But I truly believe our parents are aware that we are not in fact angels. When I was younger and I got in trouble my dad would always tell me, "Tell me everything that happened, so I don't go in there confused. I'm going to be on your side regardless." And guess what I did. Now obviously, Hannah did not tell her parents everything, I'm convinced she was just their roommate. But Olivia, would it have killed you to do some further research on your daughter or maybe talked to her friends before going to court. That way the lawyer wouldn't be able to paint your daughter as someone you did not know. If she would've been aware of her daughter's dealings, her lawyer would have been able to make counterarguments, instead of deflecting elsewhere. If you think about it, he never was able to deny any of the school lawyer's accusations. And Olivia was just sitting there looking pitiful. I also remember at least five times last season and during this season's flashbacks where it was obvious that Hannah needed attention. Olivia was very dismissive. She wasn't nonchalant, but she definitely wasn't extremely concerned... until after the fact. I'm not saying she is to blame for Hannah's fate. But geesh, take some responsibility and realize your daughter was troubled. Realize that you could have done something about her mental state, and you too share the blame. Olivia was in denial, and this is what made her look so bad. It literally worked to the school's advantage. Hannah was a troubled girl with involved parents, who now wants to point the finger.
8) Hannah Baker was for everybody: Yikes, let that sink in. I don't care who debates me. Hannah was a very, um liberated. But hey that's neither here nor there. Hannah kissed Justin, Alex, Clay, Jessica, Zach, and Courtney. None of these people made her kiss them either. I personally think she was bored and desperately wanted friends. This boredom caused her exploration, and her exploration led her to bad situations. Ever heard of being in the wrong place and at the wrong time, this was Hannah Baker's life in a nut shell. I know she probably wanted to give other dudes a chance. But Justin, Marcus, and Zach were all affiliated in some way. I think ya boy from Blue Clues would've called this a clue. Maybe they all of them had the same problematic behaviors. Maybe all of them would spread her business and demonstrate the same coward tendencies. Hey, that's just my spill on it. Regardless of the back stories of each person, from the jury's stand point, what would you have thought about Hannah?
9) Chloe was an idiot and bully: I am not going to even make this reason long. Anyone with common sense would hate Chloe. Chloe was a bully to Jessica when she first came back to the squad. On many occasions she subliminally implied that she was happy Jessica had not said anything about Bryce. Like, Chloe your boyfriend was extremely aggressive with on multiple occasions. Were you in denial or were you really that stupid. Then when she did finally gain sense and saw the picture of her from the clubhouse, she agreed to testify and end up lying. I get that was her boyfriend, but seriously Chloe? He was a rapist! And he literally hurt you, and there is digital proof. I'm sorry that is weak sis. Chloe held him down she was a first lady or something. You had nothing to lose. Her testimony probably could've landed him a front row cell in jail!
10) Hannah was selfish: I say this in regards to her haunting Clay. Now I actually found it very funny. But Clay loved Hannah Baker, and is literally avenging her suicide. Yet, she has the nerve to haunt him. I was very concerned about his sanity throughout the entire season. I really thought someone would kill him or he'd kill himself. He was dealing with so much guilt and anger. Then every day in court, he found out a new person Hannah had relations with. So even though I think Clay did the ABSOLUTE most, I definitely understand why. I guess he just wanted the voice to leave his head in a sense. But I question Hannah's tape. Did she leave this behind to torment her tormentors, or was it so people could understand her pain...
11) I wanted to hear more from Scott and Monty: Scott is the guy who we all knew something that the viewer did not. He's the guy who kept saying, "I'm not a rapist Monty." I think he saw Bryce and the others when they were in action. I think he knew a lot of the secrets of the other students. He was very quiet and observant. I also would like to know what he thought about Hannah, since we literally heard from everybody but him. As far as Monty, I just would like to know why he had such a strong alliance to Bryce Walker. We saw why Justin and Bryce were so close. Bryce was there for him from the very beginning of time and gave him stability he had never experienced. Monty, what did Bryce do for you? And what went through your head when you heard Hannah screaming that night? Why did you threaten everyone and do Bryce's dirty work?
12) Clay wanted to: Clay did several things to upset me but I will pinpoint three. His relationship with Sky: I think Clay really did have a thing for broken people. I think he will never fully get over Hannah Baker either. He was also obviously declining in his mental and emotional health. So... what make him think he was stable enough to be in a relationship six months after all of this??? And with Sky??? It was obvious Sky was mentally unstable, and was very jealous of Clay's obsession with Hannah. But Clay you knew you weren't ready so why did you do this to the girl? I think he thought it would make him forget about Hannah but it did the opposite. Clay pressuring Jessica: I know in an ideal world, Jessica should have testified against Bryce on her court date. Yet, that should have been left up to her. That was very traumatic, and she was STILL being tormented. Chloe and Bryce are talking to her like nothing ever happened. Monty is hanging dolls outside of her house. The bathroom door is full of curse words in regards to her. She probably thought no one would believe her. She also was still gaining clarity about that night. I just think it was a majority of factors. But Clay along with the others he rallied together forced the truth out of her and that was not fair. Clay was trying to get justice for Hannah, but what about the living victims. He moved a little selfish in my opinion put a lot of guilt on Jessica if you ask me. Selfish.
Clay not calling the cops on Tyler: At this point, I really started to believe more than ever, that Clay did not care about his life. Let’s first point out all of the signs were there that Tyler was going to do that. But anyway, Tyler and Clay were never that close. Clay are you an idiot? What made you think that Tyler wouldn't actually shoot you? And if he would have shot you then everybody else would have suffered. You're an idiot Clay Jensen. Just lock the doors and call the cops. You guys could have escaped through the back if anything. Ugh. Now Tyler is off with Tony, and the cops are pulling up. And Clay, you are the one left with the gun. Dust your chest off and take the cape off. Stop trying to be a superhero.
13) Jessica and Justin: Jessica, why did you hook up with Justin? You are with Alex and he is damaged enough. Did you go back to Alex out of pity? I know my girl probably wanted that old thing back, but could you have done it a bit more gracefully. I admire Justin taking the stand and vouching for Jessica and testifying against Bryce, I believe this is what softened her. But like I said, she could have broken things off with Alex first.
Zach was a coward: Zach was a great guy but a coward. He was a coward for never standing up for Hannah that summer him and her had a thing. He treated her just like the other guys did in public, but wanted it to be all good in private. I think not. And the whole him giving Clay the Polaroids thing... Zach why could you not have the courage to turn those in to the school or bring them to your court date????
This concludes my 13 Reasons Why I hated Season 2! Disagree? Comment, email, and post on twitter... go for it.
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xoxoxxoxoxoxoxxoxo- SeauxRaven