Suicide, bullying, rape culture and slut-shaming are all issues that are brought up in the newest Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why,” which premiered on Friday. The show received some media attention when former Disney Channel star Selena Gomez announced that she would serve as one of the executive producers. The series is also based on the 2007 bestselling young adult novel by Jay Asher.
After the suicide of his former classmate and friend, Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford), high school junior Clay Jensen (Dylan Minnette) receives a package containing several numbered cassette tapes and a map. Before taking her own life, Hannah had recorded seven cassette tapes about 13 people in her life. While telling the story of why she decided to commit suicide, she also reveals who contributed to her depression. As Clay listens, he learns secrets about not only Hannah but also his fellow students.
The first episode, “Tape 1, Side A,” begins with a shot of Hannah’s beautifully decorated locker, adorned with pictures, notes and flowers. Clay is seen staring at the locker wistfully, and is approached by a jock named Justin Foley (Brandon Flynn), who claims that despite what Hannah said, he “is not that innocent.” Later, the package full of Hannah’s tapes is delivered to Clay on his doorstep. Thus, the plot begins, and Clay finds himself thoroughly entrenched in Hannah Baker’s story.
This show deals with an immensely difficult topic, and while suicide isn’t glorified in “13 Reasons Why,” it does come dangerously close to romanticizing it. While the first episode may be too early to tell whether or not the show takes a problematic approach to suicide, it does have the potential to glamorize it as the series progresses. It should also be noted that “13 Reasons Why” could be a difficult show to watch for viewers that find depictions of suicide, sexual assault and bullying to be triggering.
Other than the potentially problematic aspects of “13 Reasons Why,” the show presents a compelling mystery that will consume the first season. The first episode names the first person Hannah holds responsible for her suicide, and leaves viewers questioning who else will appear in her tapes, and how Clay fits into them.
In the pilot, Clay does not seem to be too unique of a character. However, since it is only the premiere, he has plenty of room to grow and develop into a fully fleshed-out character. Despite his current lack of complexity, Minnette does a great job of portraying a self-proclaimed “socially awkward” teenager, preferring to go for a subtle and contemplative performance.
Langford does a stellar job of portraying Hannah, who depicts her character as simultaneously confident and vulnerable. Before Hannah’s descent into depression, she was outgoing, funny and cool, immediately catching the attention of Clay and Justin. Langford’s voice on Hannah’s tapes is also a key aspect to the depiction of a suicidal teenager, as her voice takes on a more monotonous tone. This gives the cassette tapes a more haunting and cynical tone. However, alongside the reserved and awkward Clay, the character of Hannah Baker has the potential to become the stereotypical and overused “manic pixie dream girl” trope.
Another interesting aspect of “13 Reasons Why” is the time period in which it’s set. The book was released in 2007, thereby giving the Netflix series the option to be set a decade earlier. However, the show takes place in the present day, with the characters all toting iPhones and other modern technology. However, “13 Reasons Why” does not choose to make itself more culturally relevant by changing the nature of Hannah’s tapes to a more modern medium. The use of cassette tapes is justified, and Clay still finds a way to listen to them by using his mysterious friend Tony’s Walkman.
Overall, “13 Reasons Why” proves itself to be addicting and poignant, with its overarching mystery and its serious themes. It has the potential to be problematic in its portrayal of depression and suicide, but the first episode is careful not to over-glamorize each. However, it is definitely worth watching at least the first episode, because “13 Reasons Why” has proven itself to be completely binge-worthy and captivating show.
