A few nights ago, I stayed up until 4 in the morning to finish watching the Netflix original series "13 Reasons Why." I had already watched 7 episodes, so I watched 6 more episodes in one night. And while I don't recommend binge watching, I do recommend just simply watching it (and taking all the time you need). I was pretty emotional afterward, due to the powerful message and graphic representation of one girl's journey to suicide. Here's 13 reasons why you should watch the new series on Netflix.
1. Dynamic characters
In a lot of great shows, the main characters are dynamic, meaning they change and have conflicting personality traits; in other words, they're are interesting. In "13 Reasons Why" almost every character that you encounter is dynamic and changes throughout the show. It makes for a more interesting plot because you don't know exactly how the characters are going to react.
2. Great acting
I don't think that I once took a step back and said, "Hey remember, that's just a regular actor playing a part." I almost believed that this was happening in some alternate universe, or a few miles away.
3. Characters that you don't always like
This really ties into the dynamic characters, but I can't help but applaud the show on their ability to make me love, hate, feel sympathy for, despise, pity, and like again all in a few episodes. This is especially prevalent for the main characters, Clay and Hannah. There were plenty of times where I didn't like either of them and it wasn't just because of their actions.
4. Powerful message
I don't want to sum up the overall messages because 1. if I tell you, as Tony would say, that's not how Hannah wanted it, and 2. it may be different for every person. Take away your own meaning from it.
5. It seems very realistic
Fortunately for me, I have never experienced one of my close friends, classmates, or child commit suicide, so I cannot be completely sure, but the show seems very realistic to me. It really made me uncomfortable, and everything the characters did didn't always make sense to me.
6. There's plenty of action
For you action-junkies out there don't worry, it's not only about character development. There's a good amount of fighting and conflict.
7. There's plenty of surprises
Netflix set up the show in such a way that each episode build off of the one before it. There is plenty of suspense, cliffhangers, and twists to the show.
8. It's a way for people to talk about suicide
Suicide is a difficult and uncomfortable topic to talk about. "13 Reasons Why" has become so popular that it has created a platform for people to actually talk about suicide.
9. It's a way for people to talk about sexual violence
The same as above. It's hard and uncomfortable, but it needs to be discussed.
10. It will get you thinking about life and death
It is a very dark story that will hopefully give you a new perspective to see the world from.
11. It will get you thinking about yourself and your life
You can't help but to relate to the main character, Hannah, as you make your way through the episodes or "tapes" which gets you to thinking about how you would react in her shoes.
12. It will get you thinking about your friends
Honestly, it made me call my friends more and hug them all a little tighter.
13. It will get you thinking about every person you've ever had contact with
It's scary but true.
Critiques:
Although I loved the series, I do have a few critiques or things for you to think about before you start watching.
It can get very dramatic (meaning overly-dramatic), especially the way the high schoolers treat/react to one another.
At least in my high school, a picture didn't get around in less than two minutes, and people didn't shout out the word "slut" every time someone walked by. Yes, teenagers are cruel, but many of the scenes seemed to overdo it.
The episodes are very long, averaging at almost an hour each.
But again, take all the time you need. You'll appreciate it more if you watch it over the course of a few days.
It gets very graphic.
I don't necessarily see this is a negative aspect, but some of the scenes they show could be triggering and difficult for some people. Especially in the last episode.
There is no educational aspect to it.
Although it is mentioned in bits and pieces throughout the series, there is no complete presentation on suicide awareness and the warning signs. Although the underlying message of the series is "don't be mean or bully," that doesn't help those who may have a friend going through this who doesn't know how to help, or knowing the difference between a joke and someone who is series about committing suicide. A short clip at the end of the series could only help.
So to sum it up, I recommend the series but just know that it will affect you emotionally and make you uncomfortable. But honestly, those aren't always bad.
