What is it? 13 Reasons Why, Season 1, 13 episodes on four discs from Netflix
When? Now
How much? $33.99
Reasons why what? Why Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) committed suicide.
Hannah was a bright, witty, vivacious teenager and a relatively new student at Liberty High School. When the series begins, her recent suicide is still casting a shadow over the school and particularly her friend Clay (Dylan Minnette).
One day, Clay comes home to find a box of cassette tapes on his front porch. They were made by Hannah, a record -- an indictment, really -- explaining why she killed herself. Each of the 13 sides is dedicated to one person who played a major role in the story. Her instructions are clear. The tapes are to be listened to and then passed on to the next person on Hannah's list. If the people on the list don't listen to the tapes and pass them on, a "trusted individual" will make a copy of the tapes very public.
The show follows Clay as he listens to the tapes over a period of time, jumping back and forth in time. It's a complex web that includes fellow new student Jessica (Alisha Boe), bully Bryce (Justin Prentice) and avid photographer Tyler (Devin Druid).
As the story is narrated by Hannah's tapes, the audience sees the events that led to her death and also follows the aftermath with her friends, teachers and her distraught parents (Kate Walsh and Brian d'Arcy James).
Not to give anything away, but bullying, sexual assault and misuse of technology all play major roles in the story.
Is it good? It's very well done, though not necessarily a fun, light viewing experience. The acting and writing are strong and the characters are complex. For instance, star athlete Justin (Brandon Flynn) isn't just a stereotypical jock.
Is this a good one for kids to watch? That really depends on the kid. This is not an easy series or easy subject matter. Parents should know their child and have some familiarity with the series before giving the OK. That said, it may be a good series for parents and teenagers to watch together, an opening point for valuable dialogue. But, again, it really depends on the teens involved, their maturity levels, experiences at school, emotional state, etc.
This series generated a good amount of controversy, with many mental health professionals accusing it of glorifying suicide. The National Association of School Psychologists and the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology released warnings about the series and mental health experts have criticized some aspects of the show.
In short, parents should do their homework.
Are there extras? There is a thorough piece on the themes addressed in the series, then a series of featurettes on the relationship between Hannah and Clay, Justin Foley, Jessica Davis, the transition from book to TV show and 13 Things About Me, a lighthearted list with Prentice and Minnette.
New this week: Broken, miniseries; Dear Murderer, Season 1
Next week: Ackley Bridge, Season 1; Bunnicula, Season 1; Dear White People, Season 1; Midsomer Murders, County Case Files; Police Woman, Season 4; Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Season 4
Style on 04/29/2018