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.

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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 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 7 - "Tape 4, 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 7: "Tape 4, Side A"

Another student sabotages Hannah during a class project. Clay's nightmares about Hannah spill over into the daytime.

~~~~~

My Thoughts

Note: This review contains spoilers

“But through it all, you still want to believe there are still good guys in the world.”

Oh. Oh, honey. No… people are too stuck up and in self-centered. I love the drama but I can’t help but think Hannah killing herself could have been avoided. Not only could bystanders been more observant, but she could have left; started over somewhere else if she honest with her parents. So then… It’s everyone’s’ fault…(?) 13 Reasons Why has become painfully slow to me now, but it’s not just about Hannah’s tapes or Clay’s perceptions about them anymore. Everyone is affecting something or someone. Are Justin and the other tape listeners before Clay willing to silence him once and for all? They seem like it… I’m starting to feel really annoyed by the other tape listeners. I wish they were as big hearted as Clay.

“Everyone’s nice… until they drive you to kill yourself.”

Oh, Clay; my precious cinnamon roll. Your parents have expressed that you needed medication. Clay’s anxiety and fears over what Hannah says about him are overwhelming him. He is beginning to have outbursts in class, at basketball games, or out on the street. Dylan Minnette’s portrayal of Clay Jensen is riveting. I can’t take my eyes off his torn facial expressions, anxiety attacks, and guilt. The suspense is killing me but I’ll just have to listen to the next tape.

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 5 - "Tape 3, 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 5: "Tape 3, Side A"

Hannah and Clay connect at the school dance, but a crass rumor ruins the mood. Clay takes Courtney to visit Hannah’s grave.

~~~~~

My Thoughts

Note: This review contains spoilers

“It’s always the quiet ones.”

I guess you can say that; after all, it’s not like Clay is having a normal day (or days) anyway. 13 Reasons Why needs major viewer discretion warnings, as Clay forces Courtney to face the reality of her actions. Hannah is dead and she is one of the reasons why. This series doesn’t hold anything back and discusses real problems that these teenagers face: depression, bullying, sexual assault, and sexuality. There are victims and criminals. But in some scenes, I wonder if this is how people really talked behind my back when I went to high school. Drunk or sober, younglings are savage little monsters. Sometimes they mean to hurt others and others they just want to save their own skin… which usually ends up hurting someone else.

If I haven’t expressed it before, I enjoy Christian Navarro’s part as Tony. He seems so much like an elder brother and acts one of the more mature high schoolers. If it weren’t for Tony, I don’t think Clay would be able to continue with the tapes, even if it is for Hannah.

The suspense is killer and I want to know what the recordings will say next.

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on 13 Reasons Why Season 1 Episode 3 - "Tape 2, 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 3: "Tape 2, Side A"

Jealousy and gossip take a toll on Hannah's relationships. As Alex struggles with feelings of regret, the guys pressure Clay into getting drunk.

~~~~~

My Thoughts

Note: This review contains spoilers

Some of my friends express displeasure about how 13 Reasons Why is too slow. I say, “Make me feel it.” I think the pace in which Clay is listening to the tapes and how the story is progressing is just fine. He’s a shy, maybe awkward, kid in one of the most confusing times of his life. He’s just trying to make sense of things and why they are happening.

This episode struck me as particularly intense. As the description says, Clay is pressured into getting drunk but we are also listening to Alex Standall’s tape. As an audience member, we see “the guys” side and reactions to Hannah’s suicide. Justin Foley, Jessica Davis, and Alex Standall, each on Hannah’s tapes are acting like Hannahs tapes are a conspiracy. Miles Heizer as Alex Standall is torn, guilty, and not at all confused. He plays Alex’s part in Hannah’s death impactfully with his tears and a stressful demeanor. Miles seems to play his character as the mature type but not to Clay’s extent.

“Clay…! My precious cinnamon roll. I’m concerned about your health…!” With the way the plot is progressing, I’m starting to worry about Clay’s mental state. I do know what’s going to happen, but I can’t help but wonder how Dylan Minnette will keep portraying Clay as he progresses further into Hannah’s tapes.