TV Show Recommendations #5

Is it just me or have there been so many good shows this year already? We're only at the end of April, but I feel 2017 is the year that procrastination will be at an all time high, courtesy of Netflix. With that being said, here is my favourite show of the month.

13 Reasons Why

Yep, I just had to write about potentially the most controversial show on Netlflix - but bare with me here. I'd seen people raving about it, so I had to see what all the fuss was about, right? I binge watched the show within three days, remember the whole procrastination thing I mentioned earlier? Well yeah, I found it that addicting. So I knew I had to write about it.

The story focuses on Hannah Baker, a high school teenager who ultimately makes the decision to end her life. Before her death, she records several cassette tapes which are then sent to various people in her school, one of them being fellow classmate Clay Jensen. Hannah's recording tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to take her own life and that he is one of them. The show looks at hard hitting topics such as bullying, self harm, sexual assault as well as suicide and it doesn't hold back. Some have suggested that it glamourises the issues and whilst I completely understand why, I feel that sugar coating the problems isn't an effective way of bringing them to light. 

The characters individual stories are an essential part of the show. Though their portrayal is mostly biased through Hannah's opinions on them, they show how their actions have such an impact on her physically and mentally.

I personally would have preferred if the show delved deeper into dealing with depression, which could have created more validation for Hannah's tapes. Some do think her actions are self centered, but the things that happen to her are very extreme and the mental illness itself can be very selfish with regards to taking into consideration friends and loved ones.

Whilst I did really enjoy 13 Reasons Why, if you suffer from mental health problems as a result of some of the issues that are addressed in the show, I would take this into consideration before taking the time out to watch it. The scenes involving sexual abuse and suicide are very graphic and could be very harmful to some people watching. The last episode showing her death really did have a big affect on me and I was left thinking about it for days after. I can honestly say a scene in a film or TV show which has had such an impact on me. Hopefully others who watched the show feel the same way, and I'd like to think the mass online conversation will help rid of some of the stigma around depression and suicide.

But whether you love it or hate it, you've got to admit it's had a huge online impact and social media has been rife with opinions. 

If you have been struggling with suicidal thoughts or just need someone to talk to, Samaritans are here to help.

Victoria

My 2016 Highlights

Well, it wasn't that bad for me anyway..

Yes I know a LOT of bad things happened in 2016, it started with the death of David Bowie, and sluegh of celebrity deaths ensuing. Then there was all the politics shenanigans in the UK & US and well, that's it really isn't it? It also ended with me breaking my phone on NYE, but HEY-HO.

Let's not focus on the negatives, here are my 2016 highlights.

Completed my apprenticeship

At the beginning of 2016, I finished my year long apprenticeship in digital marketing. When I left school, I decided that university just wasn't for me. Getting drunk 24/7 and handing in the occasional essay? I know, I must be mad. But the reality was that I just wanted to do something where I could learn whilst earning money. I did indeed learn a lot whilst on the course and more importantly I decided that whilst working in an administrative environment has its ups and downs, I'm not fully ready to commit to that particular vocation. Whilst I'm no longer in that field of work, knowing I have a qualification I can fall back on is really rewarding. 

Started Youtube

2016 was also the year which I started something that I'd wanted to get into for years, YouTube. Having spent much of my teenage years watching the likes of Zoella, Shane Dawson and Jenna Marbles - their content really inspired me to finally start posting. My videos are VERY different to my blog posts, with my blog being almost a diary of sorts and my YouTube channel is there to.. make a really poor attempt at being funny/relatable in front of a camera. I don't really promote it because I just do it for fun, but seeing people comment and leave their opinions (good or bad I may add) is really nice to see. I'd probably be at a loss without social media at this point which may sound really sad, but it's a extremely fun hobby I can't see myself giving up any time soon.

Amsterdam

Later on in June I had a mini trip with a few friends to Holland. This was the first time I'd been away without my parents and I'm nearly 21.. yep. Since we weren't there long we tried to cram as much in as we could in those few days. We visited a Science Museum  which was essentially for kids and teens but we enjoyed it none the less. We also visited other places which weren't exactly PG, but no I don't mean THAT district. The weather was also beautiful, so our trip was nicely completed with a boat trip around the city. Though based in the UK, one of my bucket list goals is to visit pretty much most of Europe. So I'm really happy I can tick this one off my list and hopefully visit again in the not so distant future.

Dick N Dom

This is a bit of a random one and again is probably just highlighting the fact I'm quite a horrendously sad individual. Unlike my uni friends who get drunk at any point in the week, I can only really go out on weekends and make the most of the club events which aren't catered for students on a Monday night. With that being said, I had the opportunity to go see two of my childhood heroes live. I'd just like to reiterate.. the high correlation between me and EXTREMELY SAD individuals. No I'm not talking about the Chuckle Brothers who I would see make a club appearance in a heart beat, I'm talking about Dick N Dom. After a friend saw that they were DJing at Pryzm in Leeds, I knew I had to go see them live. I mean, who didn't want to take part in Dick N Dom in da Bungalow?! All my childhood expectations were met, though with slightly more swearing than I remembered at age 11. I'm also convinced Dom pointed at me at, though the infusion of alcohol may have left me slightly misguided.. but shouting BOGIES at the top of your lungs is just as fun aged 20.  

The 1975

Last but not least, I finally saw one of my favourite bands live. Ironically, it was only in 2016 I really started getting into their music after listening to their latest album. Also another fun fact, I went on my own! There seems to be a massive stigma about going to events by yourself, but why not? I got to listen to some of my favourite songs LIVE without being sat with someone who isn't remotely interested asking me when the set finishes, what time the next train is, why is Matty dancing like a fish stuck on land.. *yawn*. They sounded absolutely incredible and the lighting beautifully complemented the songs. It was certainly a visual masterpiece and even if you've only heard one of their songs, I certainly recommend going to see them live if you get the chance.

What were you favourite parts of this weird old year? Let me know.

Victoria x