I was recommended 13 Reasons Why by a close friend when it first debuted. He sold me on the premise of the girl who leaves behind 13 tapes to thirteen people exposing how they all played a part in the events the lead to her untimely death. It was a hauntingly beautiful show that neatly wrapped up neatly. But once you create a hit show, a follow up is inevitable.
The show managed to keep us captivated for two more seasons before deciding it was time to tie up the show once and for all. This was a good move. As much as we have come to love these characters they had a definitive shelf life. Rather than beat a dead horse it is good to end on a high note. For the most part, this is what the 4th season does.
For Hannah
Hanna Bakers’ suicide was the catalyst of the first season and it bled a little into the second but as the show evolved her death took a back seat and other issues took her place. It wasn’t that she was replaced but rather to shift the attention to other issues that teenagers face in the world today. It was exactly what the show needed on numerous levels. It kept the show fresh and relevant.
The final season not only closes off the remaining plot threads but also establishes some new elements with fitting closures. Anxiety and AIDS take center stage as the final calamities in the lives of Liberty High kids. Clay and his friends have seen a lot of trials and tribulations since Hanna but will be tested this time by their own consciousness and fears. Secrecy’s slowly surface as ghosts from the (not too distant) past emerge.
This season isn’t as hard-hitting as the previous and one can feel the momentum loses pace. Justin’s arc while tackling an importing modern-day issue stills feels contrived. While Clay is a bit all over the place. Once the anchor of the show he is now his own worst enemy.
In the end, it Doesn’t Really Matter
The show has always been smart and added some clever mystery elements. This time around things was more on the obvious side. Sure there were some unpredictable twists but on the whole, it never really never lives up to the previous three.
What the show does do is bring to light the reality of today’s teenage world. The grim reality of the aftermath of death at school and how everyone including parents and teachers is trying to deal with it.
Rest in Peace
The actors have settled into their roles quite nicely by now and give us the feeling of going back to your home town vibes. Much like it is hard for the kids to let go of their past, I felt it hard to say goodbye. This may be the weakest entry in the series but that doesn’t mean the isn’t tear-jerker moments.
13 Reasons Why is still a good watch, and will no doubt make it to the top ten. I still felt there was more than they could have offered for the final season. The character they chose to kill off was not the best choice and this character succeeding with has offered a much better point than what was displayed. But like life, we can’t choose who goes and who stays…
