MARIAH's THOUGHTS on 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 13 - "Tape 7, Side A"

About the Show:

After a teenage girl's perplexing suicide, a classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice.
source

Network:
Netflix

Genre:
Young Adult

Crime Drama/Mystery

Rating:

TV-MA

Created by:

Brian Yorkey

Series based on:

Thirteen Reasons Why

Based on the Novel Written by:

Jay Asher

Social Media:

   

Cast:

Dylan Minnette – Clay Jensen

Katherine Langford – Hannah Baker

Christian Navarro - Tony

Brandon Flynn – Justin

Jutsin Prentice - Bryce

Kate Walsh – Mrs. Baker

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

~~~

Episode 13: "Tape 7, Side A"
Hannah seeks help from Mr. Porter, the school counselor. Clay plays the new tape for Tony and weighs what to do next.

~~~~~

My Thoughts

Note: This review contains spoilers

“Before she died, Hannah recorded thirteen reasons why she killed herself.”

13 Reasons Why brings important humanitarian issues to light and I thank the cast for making one of my favorite books come to life. The actors performed beautifully to the point I let a tear drop or became angry because of their actions. Not minding that it is set in a fantasy town with fantasy people, 13 Reasons Why had a message and I think it was fully executed. After watching the last commentary episode, the audience learns more about the actors and why they auditioned for their roles. Examples being: they were confused teenagers once or they know a rape survivor. These are often issues that get shamed or criticized, because of the existence of false claims, but those are the claims that keep real victims quiet.

The guilt the characters carry and their lives are still in shambles after Clay had finished listening to the tapes. Some have been more damaged than others such as Alex who shot himself in the head and is in critical condition, Justin is now homeless, and Jessica is trying to bring the subject of her rape to her father. However, we aren’t given a trail on the Bakers versus the school for the cause of Hannah’s death. Even if it’s painful, life just moves on for the characters.

Considering the book Thirteen Reasons Why ends at Clay in possession of the tapes and him completing them, the direction of the story is open to the imagination. Some people say it needs a second season, I don’t believe that at all. 13 Reasons Why included depression, suicide, rape, and (subtly) mental health that can carry on into adulthood. Each episode related to an experience could have happened to them or someone they knew. It is because these issues are a part of real life that I enjoyed Thirteen Reasons Why not only as a novel, but also as a visual series.

“This tape blows up the world.”

“Which is what we should do, don’t you think?”

I speak so highly about the issues 13 Reasons Why because it brings up contemporary issues and how perfectly executed it was, but I can still only give it 3 and ½ stars. It’s finale episode, like stated before, does not have a sound resolution. There was no trial and the characters’ lives just seem to move on for better or for worse. This series has potential for a season two.

My Rating:

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 12 - "Tape 6, Side B"

About the Show:

After a teenage girl's perplexing suicide, a classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice.
source

Network:
Netflix

Genre:
Young Adult

Crime Drama/Mystery

Rating:

TV-MA

Created by:

Brian Yorkey

Series based on:

Thirteen Reasons Why

Based on the Novel Written by:

Jay Asher

Social Media:

   

Cast:

Dylan Minnette – Clay Jensen

Katherine Langford – Hannah Baker

Christian Navarro - Tony

Brandon Flynn – Justin

Jutsin Prentice - Bryce

Kate Walsh – Mrs. Baker

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

~~~

Episode 12: "Tape 6, Side B"

Hannah winds up at a party after an argument with her parents. The students are served with subpoenas, and Justin wrestles with conflicting loyaties.

~~~~~

My Thoughts

Note: This review contains spoilers

“Where does the truth begin and where do the lies end?”

I love how rational some of the characters are trying to be, but still manage to let their emotions control them. It makes for such a tragic and entertaining tale for the viewer. Some of them want to accept what Hannah said on her tapes and others are still trying to protect themselves.

Clay is trying to get justice for Hannah and Jessica by recording him confessing to raping Hannah Baker. He’s being courageous, but I’m afraid he’s going to get shot. Or someone might have already shot him. As for the scene before the end credits, we see someone with a bloody head being rushed to the hospital. Justin is growing erratic in his own actions by running away from home and the other tape listeners are coming to a consensus. We get to listen to Hannah’s point of view which destroys their claim to innocence, but what was going on though their minds? I just wish they had decided to be honest from the beginning. Some characters like Alex and Zach have decided to accept their subpoenas and tell Hannah’s truth. And then, there’s Courtney who’s still trying to maintain a flawless record/reputation.

What makes this series sadder, is that there are people that go through similar, if not the same experiences, as expressed in 13 Reasons Why.

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 11 - "Tape 6, Side A"

About the Show:

After a teenage girl's perplexing suicide, a classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice.
source

Network:
Netflix

Genre:
Young Adult

Crime Drama/Mystery

Rating:

TV-MA

Created by:

Brian Yorkey

Series based on:

Thirteen Reasons Why

Based on the Novel Written by:

Jay Asher

Social Media:

   

Cast:

Dylan Minnette – Clay Jensen

Katherine Langford – Hannah Baker

Christian Navarro - Tony

Brandon Flynn – Justin

Jutsin Prentice - Bryce

Kate Walsh – Mrs. Baker

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

~~~

Episode 11: "Tape 6, Side A"

Clay and Hannah grow closer. While Clay spends a heartbreaking night listening to his tape with Tony, tensions boil over at Bryce's house.

~~~~~

My Thoughts

Note: This review contains spoilers

“She’s telling her truth.”

Well said Tony. Clay finally listens to his tape and strangely it’s more than he can handle. Hannah considered him good, kind, and sweet, but Clay doesn’t see it that way. He was too scared to say, “I love you” or stay with her when she needed him most. Clay feels guilty because he feels like he could have been a stronger person and be there for her. I think that strongly touches upon what most people feel when they are grieving for loved one, especially when they were killed prematurely. 13 Reasons Why, although a Netflix drama, like other good stories should make the viewer think. What can a person do between now and death to live life to the fullest yet spread joy to others in need of it?

Clay’s tape made it seem like she had a ray of hope. Since we’ve finally listens to Clay’s tape, why should we keep listening? Because we want to know what it took for Hannah to resolutely kill herself.

And as a part of 13 Reasons Why, we can’t forget Jessica, Bryce, Justin, and that possible law suit that could ensue with them. Hannah and Justin’s truth about the night of Jessica’s party comes out and Jessica is emotionally torn to shreds. She didn’t want to hear it, but Justin needed to say it. Why keep it covered up? Why let Bryce roam freely and act like the dick he is portrayed as? I’m starting to feel sorry for Justin. He only wants to do what’s right for someone he cares about, but no one seems to care about him in return.

If it wasn’t already obvious, this show deserves several viewer discretion warnings. Until the next tape.

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 10 - "Tape 5, Side B"

About the Show:

After a teenage girl's perplexing suicide, a classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice.
source

Network:
Netflix

Genre:
Young Adult

Crime Drama/Mystery

Rating:

TV-MA

Created by:

Brian Yorkey

Series based on:

Thirteen Reasons Why

Based on the Novel Written by:

Jay Asher

Social Media:

   

Cast:

Dylan Minnette – Clay Jensen

Katherine Langford – Hannah Baker

Christian Navarro - Tony

Brandon Flynn – Justin

Jutsin Prentice - Bryce

Kate Walsh – Mrs. Baker

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

~~~

Episode 10: "Tape 5, Side A"

A distraught Hannah gets a ride home from the party. Jessica's behavior grows increasingly erratic, and Clay learns the truth behind a tragedy.

~~~~~

My Thoughts

Note: This review contains spoilers

“Why are we defending Bryce?”

I don’t know, child. Why aren’t any of you taking responsibility for your actions or calling 911 when you need to? This episode wasn’t as impactful as the previous episode but still a bit enraging. For one, the guy Clay was tutoring during sophomore year, Jeff, dies. He was legitimately a bystander in Hannah’s tapes but dies anyway. It made me feel sorry for the boy and his family, but luckily Clay helps make it right. And everyone on the tapes so far are so busy trying to keep their perfect image of themselves that they are tearing themselves and each other apart.

The character Clay has remained static overall with bursts of courage every now and then, but I still like his kind and shy heart. Jessica needs to pull herself together. Being raped is not a safe secret to keep if you’re becoming a drunken mess. I hope she comes out about it and Justin adds a testimony in her favor. The world of high school and the guilt behind Hannah Baker’s suicide continues to spiral and torment the characters in 13 Reasons Why. It’s suspenseful enough to keep me invested in the series and includes events too close to reality that I’ve needed to take a break while watching an episode.

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on 13 Reason Why Season 1 Episode 9 -"Tape 5, Side A"

About the Show:

After a teenage girl's perplexing suicide, a classmate receives a series of tapes that unravel the mystery of her tragic choice.
source

Network:
Netflix

Genre:
Young Adult

Crime Drama/Mystery

Rating:

TV-MA

Created by:

Brian Yorkey

Series based on:

Thirteen Reasons Why

Based on the Novel Written by:

Jay Asher

Social Media:

   

Cast:

Dylan Minnette – Clay Jensen

Katherine Langford – Hannah Baker

Christian Navarro - Tony

Brandon Flynn – Justin

Jutsin Prentice - Bryce

Kate Walsh – Mrs. Baker

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

~~~

Episode 9: "Tape 5, Side A"

Hannah witnesses a traumatic event at a summertime party. Clay tries to reason with Justin, and Marcus warns him that the worst is yet to come.

~~~~~

My Thoughts

Note: This review contains spoilers

People are savage little beings, but savage isn’t good enough in this episode of 13 Reasons Why. It’s criminal and ridiculously stupid. The beginning of this episode opens with a viewer discretion warning, that I hope people took seriously, and it is not for the faint of heart regarding rape, alcoholism, or drugs.

Some people can take either side, the victim’s, the criminal’s, or try to claim bystander status. But are any of these sides any good? In this episode, Hannah is not the only victim in the series and witnesses the rape of her former friend, Jessica Davis. Scared and confused, she did not know exactly what to do against Jessica’s rapist, Bryce. He is significantly bigger and stronger, so what could little Hannah and drunk Jessica do in this situation? Justin could have helped. But he didn’t.

Out of the episodes so far, I think this one is the most extreme in terms of “what would you do?” A person’s emotional health is damaged and someone has already killed themselves. What does it take to for people to see the bigger picture? Clay wants to do something about it but who’s going to help him? Certainly not the listeners before him. 13 Reasons Why keeps getting deeper and Hannah’s tapes get more depressing.