Hannah Baker’s story will continue. On Sunday, Netflix announced that its popular, controversial teen drama 13 Reasons Why was getting a second season.
The show, based on Jay Asher’s 2007 New York Times best-seller of the same name, told the story of Baker, a high school student who commits suicide after multiple events in her life lead her down the path. Upon her death, Hannah leaves a box of cassette tapes for fellow classmates, detailing the 13 reasons she ended her own life.
Season one was met with critical acclaim, as many praised the performances of the talented young cast, the beautiful direction, and the non-linear storytelling. However, the show created a massive social reaction due to graphic depictions of sexual violence, self-harm, and bullying. While some viewers admitted the importance of the series, concern was voiced over whether or not the show’s central narrative was glorifying revenge-suicide.
Their story isn't over. Season 2 of #13ReasonsWhy is coming. pic.twitter.com/nY5vTUfXdo
— 13 Reasons Why (@13ReasonsWhy) May 7, 2017
Controversial or not, I’ve got mixed feelings on the show continuing. Here’s my list of pros and cons of the show doing a second season.
Pro: The show still has plenty of stories to tell
13 Reasons Why’s first season left so much open-ended, it practically telegraphed that a second season was inevitable.
Multiple plots weren’t resolved, such as the ramifications of Bryce’s rape, Alex’s (assumed) self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Bakers’ financial struggles, Tyler’s gun collection, and the school’s ongoing battle with the legal repercussions of Hannah’s death. Unquestionably, Yorkey left these (and many other) plots unfinished with hope for future resolution.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQHv_IplZts
Shooting more episodes will add further closure to those wondering what happened to all the characters stuck in limbo at the end of the first season. Plus, another season will allow more important teen issues to be tackled and explored.
Con: Do we need everything explained?
Part of what made 13 Reasons Why resonate with viewers was that the show didn’t feel the need to over-explain every single story.
Too often, TV shows are far too concerned with tying up loose ends. It leads to unnecessary, unsatisfying storytelling. Conversely, the narrative felt like it had a suitable ending point. We listened to all the tapes. If 13 Reasons Why ended after the last episode of season one, I’d be perfectly OK with that, even with the unanswered questions, because the answers didn’t necessarily have to be further explored. But it would be more satisfying if they were.
Do we need to see how the Bakers’ pending lawsuit against the school turns out? Or what led to Alex’s suicide attempt? The answers, while not given, have answers which the audience can formulate themselves without a second season.
So many shows, such as True Detective and Heroes followed up great debut seasons with second season turds. Continuing the stories of Hannah, Clay and everyone else present the chance of ruining a fantastic first season with a weak follow-up.
Pro: More time fleshing out Hannah’s struggles
Hannah is coming back, so why not further explore her struggles?
13 Reasons Why has been criticized for not diving deep enough into Hannah’s mental trauma following the incidents that led to her suicide. Season two will certainly have the chance to dive into her potential depression and fill in the gaps of her death. Fleshing out her feelings before her suicide would ease the concerns of those who thought the show glamorized her death.
Con: Triggering young viewers
13 Reasons Why was the first television show I’ve seen with a trigger warning before episodes. Ultimately, they were necessary.
Showing a young girl get sexually assaulted and commit suicide is extremely tough to watch. With another season coming, more tough issues will be tackled. Hopefully, Netflix continues to provide warnings to viewers who might react negatively to depictions of teen struggles. But even with the warnings, some in the young audience will have a tough time with what’s being shown onscreen. Do kids need to be exposed to these depictions? There’s no right answer.
Honestly, I’m torn on 13 Reasons Why getting a second season.
Undoubtedly, I want to spend more time with these characters and not close the book on their story. But at the same time, over-indulging in a story that’s already had its main premise conclude (the tapes and what caused Hannah to end her life) could lead to souring returns for a show that was extremely important to younger and older viewers alike. So season two needs to come up a story just as important. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Regardless of how it shapes up, I’ll be watching. 13 Reasons Why season two will air on Netflix sometime in 2018.
