Opinions On 13 Reasons Why

It was good but there's something about Hannah that seemed very unsettling, I certainly didn't sympathise with her as much as I think the writers wanted me too 😵
But Hannah's parents were written really well and it was hard to see them grieve. I also love Clay 🙂
 
Bit of a let down. The characters were either too annoying or not interesting enough. It had its moments, and the last couple of episodes redeemed it a bit. Too many of the episodes just followed the same patten. Think I would give the second season a watch at least.
 
Mr Trick said:
Bit of a let down. The characters were either too annoying or not interesting enough. It had its moments, and the last couple of episodes redeemed it a bit. Too many of the episodes just followed the same patten. Think I would give the second season a watch at least.
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What about the whole message in it? Y'know suicide.
 
It was ok; I'd watch a season 2. My only concern about it would be hoping that impressionable people don't see it as justifying suicide.
 
smgismyqueenjpg said:
What about the whole message in it? Y'know suicide.
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smgismyqueenjpg said:
What about the whole message in it? Y'know suicide.
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I like the concept. Guess I found the writing of Hannah inconsistent. So at times I didn't buy that she would committement suicide. Guess the idea of teen suicide in the show would have been more powerful if I was more engaged with the story and characters. Some of the scenes with the parents were some of the most powerful.
 
Never saw it, but I asked those who had what they thought about it. None of them liked it, and many couldn't stick with it. (Some watched out of morbid curiosity only to see what the hype was about, but that hype was all online, etc, and not from anybody they personally know. It's also worth noting that at least a couple were big fans of Selena Gomez but still didn't like it, or the character.) And the girl who killed herself was unlikable to all of them.

As for the concept of suicide...maybe some real talk about it would be welcome. I'd like to see some side issues talked about since it all isn't about bullying or a chemical imbalance in the brain. A wide range of contributing factors are involved, some of them that I'd think make about anyone at least consider suicide.

And you know what would be really daring? Show someone forgotten in an old folks home, or breathing painfully through tubes while overhearing family members talking about his this is destroying their insurance and credit, and how that person is abused by nursing staff who recalls his or her life...including when s/he was talked out of suicide more than once so that the person could die like this, where the person begs for death while others also pray silently for the person to pass on (either out of compassion or out of selfish reasons), or even just forgotten and abused. That happens a lot. But people would rather spout pretty platitudes to feel better about themselves and so they don't have to deal with someone else's problems rather than actually do anything meaningful.

There are other things they could bring up...like one man was talked out of suicide, IIRC, but then given no more help. He'd later shoot up a McDonald's as well as kill himself.

Perhaps I'm too cynical, but I do know some mental health care professionals had problems with the show. I read more than one but it was some time ago. Here's one I found real fast:

Why '13 Reasons Why' is dangerous (opinion) - CNN

I don't doubt that Netflix, Sheff, Gomez, or nearly anyone else motivated by their own personal experience and interpretation of suicide intended to do harm by creating "13 Reasons Why." In fact, seemingly in response to overwhelming criticism from mental health professionals and advocates alike, Netflix has bended to some calls for additional warnings and resource information. However, they may find it a challenge to put this particular genie back in the bottle.

Should you choose to watch it, please do so with great caution. If you do watch, know your triggers, know your self-care tools, and know who to talk to if you need help.
Also, please consider avoiding making the recommendation that "everyone watch" a show like this, as we do with so many others.

You never know what someone else is going through
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I didn't like it. To me it glorified a lot of the issues they were trying to present. Other shows have dealt with the topic of suicide and rape much better.
 
I got up to episode six and then bailed out.
I hated the fact that Hannah blamed everyone (just about) for her death. Like what a twisted messed up thing to do for those around you. And some of the reasons of blame didn't seem justified. You know what? Teenage years suck and some crap happens like friendship betrayals and such (I didn't get up to the rape part)
And the effort gone into the goodbye/the tapes. Like what the hell? A few years back I was strongly considering ending my life. No way in hell would I of had the energy going into making something like that! I was tired of living, let alone trying to make a bunch of tapes- actually getting the effort of having a tape recorder, finding a decent map of town and all that shizam. Bugger that.

@Geobubbles will appreciate this thread though.
 
Blair said:
I got up to episode six and then bailed out.
I hated the fact that Hannah blamed everyone (just about) for her death. Like what a twisted messed up thing to do for those around you. And some of the reasons of blame didn't seem justified. You know what? Teenage years suck and some crap happens like friendship betrayals and such (I didn't get up to the rape part)
And the effort gone into the goodbye/the tapes. Like what the hell? A few years back I was strongly considering ending my life. No way in hell would I of had the energy going into making something like that! I was tired of living, let alone trying to make a bunch of tapes- actually getting the effort of having a tape recorder, finding a decent map of town and all that shizam. Bugger that.

@Geobubbles will appreciate this thread though.
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I mean I guess that is just to do with the conept of the show that everyone had a part in the overall story, so I didn't mind that too much. Besides which I think when you are young, trying to fit in and are treated the way she is I can understand why you would be mad with the world.
 
i understand they were going for but it kind of upset me that she didn't talk to her parents. She had great parents who loved her and were interested in her life, her home life was pretty stable and she seemed close enough to them . Also, it seemed like a little far fetched to me that ALL that terrible stuff happened to one girl. It bordered on ridiculous how much trauma she went through. And as someone said higher in the thread, she went through all that effort with those tapes and couldn't be bothered to seek help? Also I felt it was cruel to have your parents find you like that. Her poor mother and father will never get over it...it's horrible. They didn't deserve that.
 
Well, to be fair she did seek help, she went to that school councilor but for what ever reason she was brushed off. I do think the show should have made that more clear - both her asking for help and the reason no one noticed her struggling.

I think the scene with the parents finding her was the best thing about the show. Yes, it was incredibly cruel and heartbreaking but that is the reality of suicide....someone finds you. (Usually)

I hated the idea of getting revenge in death. IMO that's not how it works in real life.
 
brinkster130 said:
I think the scene with the parents finding her was the best thing about the show.
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I agree. Although I kinda wish the actual suicide scene wasn't so painstaking and claustrophobic in how it was filmed. It was a bit much. I felt pain in my arms watching it, and my stomach flipped. I've watched plenty of suicide scenes in TV and film and that has never happened. I wonder if we were supposed to feel numb towards Hannah and her death, to mirror how she was feeling. I felt much more empathy with her parents too.

Anyway. It didn't feel like a teen show to me, or a drama, or even a soap. I don't know how I'd categorise it. It felt like one of those "true life" documentaries with actors playing real people.
 
Speaking of this whole revenge in death thing. The show made me think of a suicide that happened a few years ago in my hometown. A highschool student committed suicide after posting a youtube video talking about the people that had bullied her. It was a really big upset in the community, a lot of kids were traumatized by the whole thing. I think it's definitely not the norm though that something like that happens. Like other have said, most suicidal people wouldn't have the energy to make something like that.
 
brinkster130 said:
Well, to be fair she did seek help, she went to that school councilor but for what ever reason she was brushed off.
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Which goes against every code of ethics in counseling.
I mean, what stigma is this going to cause for teens who are struggling and want to seek help but then think a counselor is going to brush them off?

And yes, she could of reached out to her parents. That's something that was encouraged in my family home and it was obvious that Hannah's parents cared deeply about her.
 
I havent seen it but my interest was sparked this week when an actor from it was trying to save my old school from re-location. A prestigious school with many students under immense presuure. I wondered if the show was anything like a school pressure thing. And who the actor played!?

Obviously suicidality triggers me into talking - Its upsetting to me that sucidal people are seen as selfish, or a wrong to be blaming the world. The world does make many want to leave it. Especially in current society. Vulnerable people do have more trauma, it does keep happening when the walls fall in. Then the disbelief that life can be that painful is the big brush off. For some, it starts as a medical problem (not chemical imbalance) that is unaddressed but easily resolved with some compassion and care. Life gets desperate when there is that much pain and society just says 'piss off and toughen up'. I can see how planned suicide can get bitter. Perhaps tapes were used rather than notes for ease of filming? Journalling/writing is heavily encouraged for the depressed, and when its done in anger and advance - it can feel bitter and blame like. For me at times, I wondered why I had to stay on earth, when people who claimed they were supportive, left me hungry, cold and dirty. Why did I have to continue to live like that, in pain, and be told I was lucky to? Basic human needs were unmet, no one was thinking on that basic level. Even though I was smart, when unwell, trying to put together a meal is overwhelming, and then weeks without eating makes anyone want to die.

Sometimes I wonder if the world forgets that teens are still learning, they can be so clever with book work, but not have a clue how to work the washer to full potential, or budget for long term survival. Life is overwhelming, the are full of raging hormones and no doubt it is a difficult time.

While I do want to watch, I gotta make sure its at the right time.
 
I just couldn't bring myself to try this show. I realize it got some good reviews but suicide is just too dreadful.
 
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