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
