13 Reasons Why You Should Watch "13 Reasons Why" | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

13 Reasons Why You Should Watch "13 Reasons Why"

Powerful, uncomfortable, chilling

25
13 Reasons Why You Should Watch "13 Reasons Why"
WikiCommons

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

2298
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

448860
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21284
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44337
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments