Writes of the Roundtable

After conversing with other binge watchers like myself, I discovered that I was one of the rare few that was looking forward to a second season of 13 Reasons Why. Most people that I talked to either couldn’t finish the show because of the graphic content or thought that it was altogether too extreme. As someone who used to work in public safety, I am a bit hardened to graphic content; perhaps this is what makes me one of the few that was not so dismayed by the material. I felt the benefits of the series outweighed the parts that were a bit too much — in the first season, at least.

I can always applaud efforts to open conversations. When there are stigmas associated with topics, especially anything mental health related, people are always more afraid to open up and talk. For this, I applauded 13 Reasons Why for taking the chance of trying to hurdle that barrier. The characters were real and believable. I empathized with them, even the ones who had made questionable choices. When it was announced that there would be a second season, I actually internally commended 13 Reasons Why for going “there” — to the places that most shows don’t go: the aftermath, the repercussions, the hurt and pain that often follows these types of incidents for years.

Then, I began the sad, slow journey of getting through the first half of 13 Reasons Why season 2 and discovered the painful path that the writers decided to take with a show that could’ve had so many opportunities. This is the review of the first six episodes, so before those who watched the whole season weigh in, I am warning you that I am breaking these episodes down from the perspective of someone who formally worked in public safety.

Disclaimer: I am no expert in mental health, assault, addiction or medical issues; however, I come with some experience with working with people who struggle in these areas and have some familiarity with the topics.

Continue reading “13 Reasons Why: Halftime Review” →