13 Reasons Why
Interesting concept. Definitely better than YA book on which it is based. The serial has worked on some of the glaring issues with book to overcome the holes.
Good part-
The acting all around is good.
The serial starts with two co-workers / co-students (is there a word like this. If not there should be) who have diverse approach to life. The girl is impulsive, brash, go-getter, pretty and smart. The guy is nervous, timid, good looking,intelligent and has cautious nature. Both are average students who form bulk of school hierarchy. Neither is god nor despised. It is obvious from first scene where she a new girl in town is senior at job while he who has lived all his life in same town is recent hire. On surface she looks like someone who will have no trouble making friends while he refuses to chat up with even cute customers. In school, he is friendly with every one while she has trouble keeping friends. Both end up at same table alone more often than expected. In reality he is far more inclusive than her. She falls more for what is outside (labels) while ignoring red signals. It is also true that the smile that shines brightest that dims early.
It is YA. Certain amount of self absorption/ whiny nature is allowed. Best news is it does not grate. It focusses on jock and rape culture and the impact it leaves behind, which is kind of today's need.
Loved butterfly effect - how small change can turn into hurricane. How teachers are overloaded and are unable to focus on children. There is widening gap between parents and kids where lines of what is accepted as good parenting and not has blurred.
Bad Part-
Till the end, I did not get any complete picture of her. Who was she, what did she like? What did anyone see in her. Why didn't she join any hobby class? It felt like I got faded picture of someone about whom I should care- not a warm live breathing human who cut her life short.
Bullying was too mild to have real sort of impact. The central character crossed over to fool hardy behavior more times than necessary. This diluted the later happenings. The character becomes coward by not doing anything about her friend's rape. And again why did she kill herself? Why did she not reach out to her mom? Or ask for therapy. This is not 50's. Psychologist are in vogue in US.
No good adult roles. In fact it is important in these kind of serials to have one role model as a place holder for what if. Some of the other kids have worst parents and they survive giving mixed signals.
Her mom seemed to be nice, makes me wonder, why was she hiding things from the women.
No good role model for men either. IRL, it is not necessary to have gay male friends who will have your back. Straight ones are equally blunt and make good friends. Every man in this serial is either bully, whinny, deviant or coward. If there was no Tony I would said it was completely lop sided scenario for males. And even he was too ambiguous.
Still all in all good effort. The concept may seem little off with all that cassette moving around but the need to listen and watch is real. So kudos to team and Selena Gomez. ⭐️ 👍🏼
Edited by Chudailpaapi - 8 years ago
Anupamaa
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