The long awaited show was finally put onto Netflix a couple weeks ago. 13 Reasons Why, in my opinion, is one of the best-directed shows I have ever seen. It slides through very unthinkable topics so easily that it’s sincerely breathtaking. It's heavy and it's sad but this story is so relevant in today's society that everyone can benefit from watching this series.
1. It's more than just about Suicide.
In the show, they discuss a lot more than just teen suicide. The show discusses:
Suicide, going into the show you understand that is what this show revolves around. But it really shows how helpless someone can feel. They reach out for help and feel like they aren’t getting any.This show does an amazing job of showing what led Hannah Baker to kill herself, but what it did to her family and everyone around her after it. It shows that you will be missed even when you feel like no one will notice.
Drinking and driving, when Jeff was killed in a supposed drunk driving accident, you know you had a tear in your eye. You see how the accident affects everyone and I think it’s awesome that they focus on Clay’s anger regarding the accident.
Substance abuse, it's not really discussed but in most of the show some characters are hanging out drinking and getting high.
Sexual assault, we see two girls get raped by the same guy. Neither of them goes to the police. It shows Hannah going to the guidance office and almost being told to not press charges. In the show, the guy who raped them both said they were asking for it. No matter how they dress, what they look like, how they are acting, they are not asking for it.
and Bullying, Hannah dealt with her bullying in the most extreme way possible, but towards the end of the seasons, you saw how Tyler was also dealing with bullying too. You never know when too much is too much for them, treat everyone with kindness.
2.The show is wonderfully filmed.
Whether or not you think it was accurate enough to the book, there is something magical in seeing any kind of perspective of something that previously existed only in your mind.
3. Everyone can relate to the hell that is High School.
High School is a social battleground where it seems like only the popular kids come out unscathed. In this show, you see everything that you would expect to see in high school. The egos, the backstabbing, the stress, and usually the parents who have no idea what's going on.
4. The characters are real.
Bullying, substance abuse, stalking, suicide, these are all things that happen to people every day. This is not to be taken lightly. We should learn the signs, help those who ask for help and not brush them away, take in an interest in other's lives, and stop assuming about other people.
5. Hannah's Poem.
I found this breathtaking and beautiful. Words say a lot, they have power, and her's were so unbelievable. To find out what's so great about this poem, you just have to crack open the book or press play.
6.The struggle to turn it off or keep watching.
I literally did not want to turn off my TV, Computer, or whatever device you are watching it on. I finished it in 2 days and cried because I wanted more. I was in denial, it's not over, this can't be the end. But sadly I had to face the facts that it was over, even with so many unanswered questions.
7. It makes us talk about suicide.
Just think about how many times I've mentioned it in this article. People are so afraid to talk about it, and this is one of the reasons it keeps happening. If people are willing and able to discuss it, then maybe we would all understand it better, before it is too late for someone.
8. It's not just all about the girl.
There are so many stories that will follow one character - that work so hard to build up this one character. That's not what happens here. There are quite a number of characters that are built up enough that people can relate to any number of them. One of my favorite characters, besides Hannah and Clay, was actually Alex.
9. Friendships.
This show will definitely show you that friendships can change. That's life. People change, and sometimes you just have to be okay with it. It shows us that friends will come and go but the best of friends will always be there for you no matter what.
10. It teaches us to be kind to one another.
Clay said, "The way we treat each other, and look out for each other. It has to get better somehow." We can build each other up, or we can break each other down, it is all on us to decide.
11. It is made for everyone.
I wouldn't recommend it to children under 13 without a parents permission, because it does cover some heavy topics, and having to explain that to a child can be kinda hard. But everyone can take something away from the lessons that are taught throughout the show.
12. This Is Real Life
Bullying, substance abuse, stalking, suicide, these are all things that happen to people every day. This is not to be taken lightly. We should learn the signs, help those who ask for help and not brush them away, take in an interest in other's lives, and stop assuming about other people.
13. How To Heal
Healing is a process. It's not done by a snap of the fingers.That's why we need to be there for those who are trying to heal, reach out to people who might be having a hard time and help those who ask for help. Often times asking for help is the hardest part.
