Why you should watch Netflix's 13 Reasons
Warning: Possible Spoilers!
It has been almost two weeks since Netflix released the amazingly binge-worthy 13 Reasons Why. If you are like me you took it as just another way for Netflix to capitalize on its growing diversity of shows that seemingly please everyone. Netflix has so many shows that watchers easily mistake an okay show for a great show (House of Cards, Marco Polo). Sometimes even the great shows (OITNB) get overshadowed by the glitz and glam of the high budget ones (The Crown). Then again Netflix is pretty consistent in its good to great show ratio for instance Daredevil is good, but Jessica Jones was great to watch. Who am I to criticize, it is not like I have a hit show off in the world. However, I know great when I see it!
13 Reasons Why is one of those shows that transcends its genre to become a hit for all ages and provokes discussion. Based on the 2007 Jay Asher book of the same name it premiered on March 31st with 13 episodes and it is still on everyone’s radar.
*Sometimes binge-worthy shows last about a week before it is really forgotten by most….not this one.
The show follows the life before and the after effects of Hannah Baker’s suicide. Don’t worry that little detail is in the description and the show doesn’t waste any time telling the viewers this fact.
What is great about this show is just how intriguing and engrossing the main characters are presented. You will fall in love with the girl (Hannah) that you couldn’t save and cover your eyes at every moment that parallels your own life. As you watch each episode and more is revealed about the inevitable, you’ll say “what if”more times than you want to ever admit.
The story opens with Clay Jensen finding a box of tapes recorded by Hannah, before she died and to be delivered after her death, on his doorstep. I would hate to give too much away, but I can only describe the show as amazingly surprising and dizzyingly cringe-worthy but with a message to inspire all cautionary tales! All the things I want in every tv show.
After watching……
I’ve discussed this show with several friends, family, and complete strangers then I found the perfect person, to sum up, the themes throughout. This friend is a young teacher who has worked with kids of all ages and in different environments. So my first question was….
VD: Why should we all watch? And specifically teachers?
T: This show is so beneficial for everyone because in this time we have to understand that seeing a bad situation and saying nothing is not enough anymore. It has never been enough, but now it is unacceptable to stay quiet even if you think it is a small issue. We need to be more in tune to the problems of our students. I know that we all get busy and may overlook something, but serious issues should be taken as such. Warning signs and cries for help are serious topics. Sometimes talking just isn’t enough and we need to create an entire school environment that is welcoming. I want my students to talk to me about anything….as long as it’s appropriate.
VD: Why should kids (students) watch specifically?
T: Kids need to see it to understand the message.... to understand that situations we can’t understand alone may happen and that being mindful of what they say and do has real effects. Lies and rumors affect people and it is no laughing matter.
VD: Do you think it is an accurate portrayal?
T: Those things happened while I was a student in school. Thankfully no one suffered the same fate as Hannah, but it is as close to real……..
*At this point I think a memory that our teacher didn’t want to share came bubbling up and I too felt the sympathy in their voice.
T: Parents, students, teachers…..kids…..we all can relate and we can all understand and connect.
VD: What does this show allow?
T: ….it allows a conversation beyond bullying, rape, domestic violence, beyond so many other issues that we have yet to address in those situations.
At this point, I’d taken up enough of this person’s time. I said my goodbyes and went on to write exactly what you’re reading. I recorded voice clips for every episode, took notes, and even rewatched certain episodes since finishing the show.
The Take-Away
If you watch any show this week or next week, this one should be at the top of your list. For parents, with young kids, it is definitely too graphic for the elementary school eyes, but for the teachers who teach those kids, it is just right. I would even go as far to say that high school and maybe middle school students should be allowed to watch it at school. Let’s have a massive viewing of this show that has so many ideas. I am still digesting these 13 episodes. So in the spirit of helping you take in such a big spoonful of needed medicine in our society, here are 13 reasons to watch 13 Reason Why…..in no particular order by the way.
13 Reasons To Watch 13 Reasons WHY
Hannah Baker (You’ll fall in love with this lost girl)
Clay Jensen (We are all Clay at some point...but we don’t have to be all the time.)
The slap heard around the world.
“Out of the blue and into the black..” (You’ll understand just watch….)
Theories (You will have many theories about this show.)
The Soundtrack….. is spot on!
Emotions (It is an Emotional Rollercoaster, to say the least…)
Tony and Jeff
Kate Walsh (Private Practice/Grey’s Anatomy anyone?)
Love/Hate for every character.
This quote: “The popular kids are always mean, that’s how they get popular.”
Cringe-Worthy Moments
Provokes Discussion
Leave a comment or share this post to keep the discussion going. And don’t forget to watch with a keen eye to catch all my 13 Reasons….
Another obsession confessed. Until next time.
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